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Holden Sandman

The Holden Sandman is a sports coupé utility and panel van produced by Holden from 1974 to 1980.[1]

The Sandman featured elements from the Monaro GTS, including gauge cluster, steering wheel, bucket seats, and a fully furnished interior, vinyl stripes, and wheels. The guards featured a "Sandman" logo painted on B pillars, and Sandman written on the tailgate. It utilised a 4-speed manual transmission or an optional 3-speed 'Tri-Matic' automatic, both controlled through a console mounted gear stick.[2][3]

The HQ and HJ Sandman models were available with the following engines: GMH '173' I6 at 118 bhp, GMH '202' I6 at 135 bhp, GMH '253' V8 at 185 bhp, GMH '308' V8 at 240 bhp.[4][5]

It was released in the following series: HQ (1974), HJ (1974-76), HX (1976-77), HZ (1977)[6]

Sandman concept

At the 2000 Sydney Motor Show Holden unveiled a Sandman Ute concept based on the Holden Ute (VU). The interior and exterior was designed by Mambo Graphics.[7][8]

Holden Commodore Sandman

The Sandman nameplate was revived in 2015 for a limited edition of the Holden Commodore (VF) SportWagon and Ute. It was available in SV6 and SS V Redline specifications. It featured 20-inch wheels, Sandman decals, and optional orange sheep skin seat inserts and shag carpet cargo rug in the SportWagon.[9]

Reception

It competed with the Ford Sundowner, Surferoo and Chrysler Drifter.[10][11] It was popular among surfers.[12]

Legacy

A postage stamp of the sandman released.[10] A 1974 HQ Sandman panel van featured in Forza Horizon 3.[13]

References

  1. Matt Brogan. Enter Sandman - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au, retrieved 17 September 2025^
  2. HOLDEN SANDMAN REVIEW Trade Unique Cars, 2014-03-21^
  3. Matt Brogan. Enter Sandman carsales.com.au, 20 June 2015, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  4. 1974 Holden HQ Sandman brochure^
  5. 1974 Holden HJ Sandman brochure^
  6. Mike Costello. Holden Sandman name returns Drive, 27 March 2015, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  7. Gautam Sharma. Holden goes back to the future for its Sydney Motor Show concept car GoAuto, 13 November 2000, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  8. Joshua Dowling. Holden Sandman returns CarsGuide, 27 March 2015^
  9. Isaac Bober. Holden Sandman returns… sort of Practical Motoring, 27 March 2017, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  10. David Burrell. Holden Sandman turns 40 CarsGuide, 5 June 2014, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  11. Rob Margeit. Sun, surf and… sex, Australia’s panel van culture once rocked our beaches Drive, 3 December 2023, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  12. Noah Joseph. Holden wagon brings back the spirit of the Sandman Autoblog, 30 March 2015, retrieved 1 January 2026^
  13. Tim Biggs. Forza Horizon 3: Iconic Holdens join other Aussie classics in latest car announcements The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 July 2016, retrieved 1 January 2026^