When you think of classic Australian motoring, one name always comes to mind – the Holden Sandman Panel Van. Synonymous with the 1970s car culture, the Sandman became an icon for freedom, fun, and cruising down the coast. Today, we had the pleasure of catching up with Matt and his stunning HX Holden Sandman Panel Van – a vehicle that perfectly blends nostalgia with modern performance.
A Rare Find in Papaya
Matt has owned the Sandman for around 18 months, and while he’s already done plenty to make it his own, he’s got even bigger plans for the future. The standout feature is its colour – Papaya, a rare shade that was only ever released on the HX Sandman and the LX Torana. The paint remains from the previous owner and is still in great condition, though Matt is keen to give it a fresh respray down the track.
Modern Muscle Under the Bonnet
While the Sandman was known for its classic Holden engines, this one packs a modern punch. Under the bonnet sits a 6L LS2 paired with a 6-speed gearbox, sending power through a 9-inch diff – all fitted by the previous owner. Matt has since tidied up the engine bay, making it look just as good as it drives. One clever touch is the shifter – Matt managed to graft the original T-bar onto the modern setup, a subtle but stylish nod to the Sandman’s heritage.
Blending Old-School with Subtle Upgrades
Inside, the van keeps much of its original charm with the classic GTS dash, though Matt has fitted upgraded gauges for better functionality. The rear has been neatly paneled out and carpeted, giving it a clean, finished look without losing its vintage appeal.
The wheels are a modern twist too – billet knock-offs designed to resemble GTS rims. Matt has blacked out sections of the rims to really emphasize the GTS styling, tying the whole look together perfectly.
Built to Cruise
Matt has built plenty of cars over the years, but with the Sandman, you get the sense he’s ready to slow things down and just enjoy the ride. And honestly, there’s no better car for cruising than a Holden Sandman.
We had a fantastic day hanging out with Matt, talking cars, and hitting the road in this Aussie classic. It’s always special to bring cars like this to our audience – vehicles that aren’t just machines, but rolling pieces of Australian history.
Thanks for cruising with us, and stay tuned for more incredible builds from the Aussie car scene.
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