1977 Holden HZ Sandman 5.0 V8 'Manual' Panelvan

Description

The 1974 introduction of the Holden 'Sandman' range of panel vans and utilities truly captured the hearts of the nation's youth, with their bold, individual styling and graphics, and sporty appointments. The first model to cop the Sandman treatment was the HQ and the much-loved model survived until 1979's HZ range, before the Commodore took over as the mainstream full-sized Holden sedan. With the HZ, the Sandman was at its most developed. The entry level engine was the 253ci V8 with the 308ci optional, while a four-speed, floor-shift manual was standard fit (with a T-bar auto optional). The HZ also gained the Radial Tuned Suspension which transformed that model’s handling capabilities, even the light commercial based Sandman panel van and utility. The HZ Sandmans also continued the theme of using GTS trims including dash, steering wheel, and road wheels plus twin headlight front. Add the whole lot together and the Sandman had become truly sporty. Almost 50 years later, Sandman vans and utes are and will forever be associated with the thriving surf culture of the ‘70s and are still revered today, that sense of freedom they generated still felt by those who were there when they were new. The Sandman remains an Australian cultural icon today.