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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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.

Celebrating 50 years of Aussie van culture, this milestone event is set to bring together hundreds of van enthusiasts from across the country for five epic days of show-and-shine displays, cruising, camping, and good old-fashioned community spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard vanner or just love classic Aussie rides, this is the place to be.

Expect to see an incredible lineup of custom, classic, and restored panel vans, showcasing everything from factory-perfect restorations to wildly creative custom builds. With live entertainment, trade stalls, raffles, food trucks, and family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone.

But the real magic? It’s the people. The Van Nationals are a chance to reconnect with the vanning community, swap stories, admire each other’s builds, and celebrate a uniquely Australian automotive lifestyle that’s been going strong since the ‘70s.

Own a Van? Don’t Miss Out!

If you’ve got a panel van, you need to be part of this historic event. Spaces are filling fast, so don’t wait—register now by emailing 50thvannats@uteznvanz.org and secure your spot at the biggest Van Nationals yet.

Event Details:

Location: Mildura, Victoria
Dates: April 17–21, 2025
Register: 50thvannats@uteznvanz.org

Whether you’re showcasing your pride and joy or just coming to soak in the sights and sounds, the 50th Van Nationals is the ultimate destination for van lovers across Australia. We’ll see you there!

Facebook Page: CLICK HERE

50th Van Nationals Preliminary Program: CLICK HERE

Van Nationals Website: CLICK HERE

Van Nationals Entry Form CLICK HERE

Uteznvanz CLICK HERE

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The post The 50th Van Nationals Are Coming to Mildura! appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.

Fred’s journey with this van began back in the early 2000s when he rescued it from a rusted-out shell. Rather than restoring it to original factory specs, Fred took a different route: he rebuilt the Sundowner to reflect his own bold and creative vision.

The result? A show-stopping masterpiece painted in Purple Thistle Pearl, a colour that absolutely pops in the sunlight and demands attention. Under the hood, it’s powered by a trusty 351 Cleveland V8, matched to a T5 manual gearbox, and running an XH 2.92 diff ratio with disc brakes—all carefully chosen for performance and street cred.

Inside, Fred didn’t hold back either. The interior’s been fully retrimmed, featuring AU Falcon seats up front and a custom rear setup with magenta inserts. Adding to its mythical status is a collection of purple dragon accents throughout the van, giving it a fantasy flair you won’t find anywhere else.

This Sundowner isn’t just for show—it’s seen plenty of action at Van Nationals events across the country. And coming up in April 2025, it’ll be making its way to Mildura for the 50th Van Nationals, ready to impress all over again.

But Fred’s garage isn’t all about this iconic van—he’s also the proud owner of not one, but two rare Ford Edsel’s. Want to know more? We’ll be checking those out in our next episode of Aussie Garage, so stay tuned!

#ford #fordsundowner #xcfordsundowner #aussiegarageinterviews #aussiegaragetv #aussiegarage #showusurride #xcford #xcfordsundownerpanelvan #panelvan #xcpanelvan

XC Ford Falcon Sundowner Surfboard Yellow

Limited Edition only 20 per design will be made XC Ford Falcon Sundowner Surfboard – Yellow (Licensed Ford Products)

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The post Fred’s Mythical XC Ford Sundowner: A Purple Powerhouse with Personality appeared first on Australia's Home of Classic Cars, Muscle Cars & Automotive Events.