1974 HQ Sandman Panel Van - 253 V8 4 speed ... (SOLD)

In 1974 blokes were blokes and shielas were shielas. None of this political correctness. Back in 1974, the Sandman Panel Van was for real blokes. The shielas got to occupy the front passenger’s seat, and maybe the optional mattress in the back. "Pile ’em in – skis, surfboards, birds or whatever." This was a dual purpose vehicle - a "Shaggin’ Wagon" on the weekends that could be put to work during the week.

The original Sandman Panel Van was launched with the HQ, which was built in very limited volume from January to September of 1974. All HQ Sandman vans were based on the entry level Belmont because Holden didn’t offer a Kingswood-spec van. It seems likely that no more than 100 were produced, mostly equipped with the optional 253 cubic-inch V8.

Wheels magazine covered the new trend in a feature in August 1973 titled ‘Vans are the Thing’ with the sub-heading ‘Sports cars are out – high insurance premiums have killed the GTs’, in which it reported that demand for vans had risen 80 per cent in two years. In fact, while sales of the HJ Monaro GTS coupe averaged fewer than 30 a month nationally, just one Sydney dealership alone sold half that number of vans in the same period.

And their popularity has never waned. So if you missed out on the fun in the 70's here is your chance to have another go.

For sale is this super rare CONCOURS full nut and bolt restored 1974 Adelaide built HQ Windowless Sandman Panel Van. Factory Chrome Yellow with Chestnut long grain vinyl interior. Numbers matching 253 V8 and 4 speed M20 manual transmission with 3.36 ratio LSD diff.

The current owner has restored this car to better than showroom condition with a ground up nut and bolt restoration completed in 2019. This included blue printing and balancing the matching numbers 253 motor with original restored 2 barrel stromberg, rebuilding the gearbox and diff, plus fitting a full stainless exhaust front to back painted in ceramic coated high temp black paint so as to look stock. Original vented assisted front brakes. On top of this power steering, Kingswood full length hood-lining and HQ Kingswood door cards have been added. The whole restoration is documented with photos and receipts.

The interior has been fully restored in Sandman trim and of course everything has been checked, recalibrated, rebuilt so that it all works perfectly. Fitted with genuine original AIRCHIEF radio. Nothing and we mean nothing has been left to chance. This is an A-grade restoration as seen on the best high-end Aussie muscle, and fittingly lavished on this ultra rare and super desirable HQ Sandman Panel Van.

The car is riding on 5 genuine factory GTS rims as per the Sandman build with brand new Bridgestone 245x50x14 Eagers all round.

This special HQ comes with a verification letter from Holden Historical Services confirming the driveline combination and build specification. Current owner since 2009.

Located in Perth, WA for your inspection. And if you are unable to travel due to Covid restrictions, AMCS will gladly arrange a video inspection/road test of the car using WhatsApp, and of course there is no issue with door to door freight delivery anywhere in Australia or New Zealand. (Ref. 5556)