• Door alignment and panel fitment
• Grill and bonnet changes (XC fluted bonnet)
• Exterior trim removal and prep for paint
• Upcoming custom under-bonnet work

Plenty happening, plenty more coming — and we’ll be back into it hard in the new year.

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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.

#mattshxholdensandman #holdensandmanpanelvan #sandman #holden #panelvan #sandmanpanelvan #iconicholdensandman #aussiegarage #aussiegaragetv #aussiegarageinterviews #customvan #vanlife #HX #hxholdenpanelvanwithls2engine #gts #gtsdash #customholdenpanelvan

The post Matt’s HX Holden Sandman Panel Van – A True Aussie Icon appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

The event, proudly hosted by the WA Chapter of the FE-FC Holden Car Club, brought together a stunning lineup of vehicles that included everything from sedans and station wagons to utes and ultra-rare panel vans. It was a nostalgic celebration of Aussie motoring history – and the crowd turnout reflected the love for these homegrown legends.

Star Cars and Special Stories

Throughout the event, Aussie Garage had the chance to catch up with some of the proud owners and get the stories behind the steel:

• Julius shared the journey of his beautifully restored FE Holden Special, bringing it back to life with stunning attention to detail.
• Graham, who we originally interviewed at the Summernats in Canberra, brought his FC Holden Special to Perth for another round of admiration.
• Gray had a a truly rare factory-windowed FC Holden Panel Van – a standout that had car buffs buzzing.
• Gary showcased a classic FC Holden Station Wagon, and
• Lester rolled in with his sleek FC Holden Panel Van, completing a lineup that showed just how diverse and dynamic these models can be.

A Blend of Classic and Custom

While many rides stayed true to original specs, there was also a strong presence of resto-mods that took things to the next level. From V6 conversions to supercharged setups, and even one roaring 350 Chevy V8, the creativity and craftsmanship were on full display.

Whether you’re a purist or a performance fan, there was something for everyone to admire – and plenty of engine talk to go around.

Community, Chrome & Camaraderie

What really stood out was the community spirit. The WA Chapter pulled out all the stops to deliver a top-tier event, giving members from across the country a warm welcome and a platform to celebrate their passion. The vibe was friendly, the chrome was gleaming, and the shared love for Aussie muscle was real.

If you’ve never been to an FE-FC Nationals before, this event proved why it’s a must-see on the calendar for classic car fans. Perth delivered big time – and we can’t wait to see what the next one brings.

Stay tuned to Aussie Garage TV on YouTube for full interviews, walkarounds, and all the highlights from the day!

#fefcholdennationals2025 #fefcholdennationals2025inperth #perth #wa #careventswa #aussiegarageatcareventswa #aussiegaragetv #aussiegarage #holden #classiccars #musclecars #australianclassiccars #aussiemusclecars #panelvan #sedan #stationwagon #ute #perthhostsfefcholdennationals2025 #customcars #restomodcars #FC #FB #FE #FCholden #fbholden #feholden #holdenspecial

The post FE-FC Holden Nationals Roll into Perth – Aussie Classics Cross the Nullarbor! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

A Restoration Like No Other

Peter’s journey with Greennice was nothing short of extraordinary. Over three to four years, this HK Panel Van underwent a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration, resulting in a vehicle that blends timeless aesthetics with raw power.

At its heart lies a tunnel-rammed 350 Chevy engine with twin carburetors, delivering a pro stock vibe that demands attention. With extractors enhancing the sound and performance, and a tubbed rear end seamlessly integrated to maintain a factory look, Greennice is both a showstopper and a powerhouse.

The Spark Behind the Build

Peter’s love affair with cars dates back to his younger years, heavily influenced by his older brothers and their drag racing exploits. However, life took him on a 20-year detour away from the automotive world. It wasn’t until this HK Holden Panel Van came into his life that the spark reignited, culminating in this breathtaking restoration.

The Journey Behind Greennice

Every car has a story, and Greennice is no exception. In this episode, Peter takes us through the highs and lows of the restoration process. From sourcing parts to perfecting the candy apple green paint, he reveals the dedication and craftsmanship it took to bring his dream to life.

Why Greennice Stands Out

What makes Greennice truly special isn’t just the show-stopping color or the roaring 350 Chevy under the hood. It’s the passion behind it—a story of rekindled love for cars, countless hours in the garage, and the joy of creating something extraordinary.

Head over to our latest episode to see Greennice in all its glory and hear Peter’s inspiring journey firsthand.

The post Greennice: Peter’s Fully Restored HK Holden Panel Van appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.