The Shannons Southern Coffee Cruise in Eaton, near Bunbury, WA, is a popular monthly car meet featuring classic cars, tough street machines, American muscle and custom builds.

Aussie Garage headed south to check out the latest gathering and the huge variety of vehicles on display, while the event also helped support Variety WA.

Classic Holdens, Fords and Muscle Cars

There was something for almost every motoring enthusiast.

Highlights included blown and turbocharged VS Commodores, a tough VK Commodore, classic Ford Falcons, an XC Falcon, Holden and Ford panel vans and several Mustang GTs.

We also spotted a Pontiac Trans Am, Holden HD Premier, Willys Jeep and a big-block 454-powered classic.

Some of the more unusual builds featured custom engine conversions, including supercharged V6-powered cars.

A Great Bunbury Car Meet

Shannons Southern Coffee Cruise regularly attracts enthusiasts from Bunbury, Eaton and across South West WA.

The mix of classic, modified, European, Japanese and American vehicles means there’s always something different to see.

Best of all, the event brings the local automotive community together while helping raise funds for Variety WA.

Watch the full Aussie Garage episode and let us know which car was your favourite.

Subscribe to Aussie Garage for more Australian classic cars, custom builds, car shows, workshop tours and automotive events.

#ShannonsSouthernCoffeeCruise #AussieGarage #ClassicCars #BunburyCars #WAcarScene #HoldenCommodore #FordFalcon #CarShow #AustralianCarsGet

The post Unbelievable Rides at the Shannons Coffee Cruise: You Won’t Believe What’s Next! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

After more than three decades apart, original owner Ken has been reunited with the 1978 Holden HZ Sandman he purchased brand new.

Now owned by Matt, this beautifully restored Atlantis Blue panel van still has its original number plates, books and purchase receipt.

However, it is the stories behind the Sandman that make it truly special.

An Australian Adventure Vehicle

Ken used the Sandman as both a work vehicle and a long-distance tourer.

During his ownership, it travelled to Bathurst, Sydney, Coral Bay and Kalbarri. Ken slept in the back, drove it through sand dunes and enjoyed countless adventures across Australia.

It was never treated as a show car. It was built to be used—and Ken certainly made the most of it.

Period Modifications

Ken also made several modifications to the Sandman during his ownership.

These included aircraft landing lights, a Turbo 350 automatic transmission and a locked differential.

Each modification became another part of the vehicle’s unique history.

Powered by a Holden V8

Under the bonnet is Holden’s 4.2-litre V8, better known as the 253.

Hearing that familiar V8 sound again brought back plenty of memories for Ken. The highlight of the reunion came when he climbed into the passenger seat and experienced the Sandman on the road once more.

More Than a Classic Holden

This 1978 Holden HZ Sandman is more than a beautifully restored panel van. It is a piece of Australian motoring history filled with road trips, adventures and personal memories.

Thanks to Matt, the Sandman’s history has been preserved for future generations to enjoy.

A massive thank you to Ken, Matt and Evan for helping Aussie Garage bring this incredible story together.

If you love Holden Sandmans, classic panel vans and genuine owner stories, subscribe to Aussie Garage for more Australian automotive features.

Which classic car from your past would you love to be reunited with? Tell us in the comments.

Visit the Aussie Garage website for more videos, automotive stories and merchandise.

#HoldenSandman #HZSandman #Holden #PanelVan #AussieGarageGet

The post He Bought This Holden HZ Sandman New in 1978—Now He’s Reunited With It! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Some classic cars are special, but this 1978 Holden HZ Sandman is something else.

In this episode of Aussie Garage, Phil catches up with Matt to explore his beautifully restored Atlantis Blue Holden HZ Sandman. Bought new in 1978, this iconic panel van has an incredible history, including a chance encounter that led Matt to reconnect with the original owner’s family.

We take a close look at the Sandman’s 253 V8, factory features, interior, restoration and award-winning presentation, while Matt shares the story behind one of Australia’s most desirable Holden panel vans.

The story doesn’t end there. In the next episode, we join Matt as he meets the original owner for an emotional reunion that every Holden fan will want to see.

If you love Holdens, Sandmans, Australian muscle cars, classic panel vans or survivor cars, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Would you keep the original 253 V8 or swap in a 308? Let us know in the comments!

Show Us Your Ride

Own a vintage, classic or muscle car?

If you’re in Western Australia, Aussie Garage would love to feature your pride and joy. If you’re interstate, get in touch anyway—we’re expanding our filming around Australia and would love to add your car to the list.

#Holden #Sandman #HZSandman #HoldenHZ #ClassicCars #AustralianMuscle #HoldenV8 #PanelVan #ClassicHolden #AussieGarage

The post 1978 Holden HZ Sandman Survivor! Original Owner Found After 48 Years appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.