If you wished Chevrolet made more variants of the SS sedan, you should scope out the Holden Commodore. The mainstay of GM's Australian subsidiary has bred sedans, wagons, pickup utes and even two-door coupes. The one body style you can't get anymore is the Sandman two-door wagon. But now it's making a comeback, at least in name.
The Sandman was launched in 1974 as a two-door ute (that's Australian for El Camino) but also (and arguably more famously) as a shooting brake. It quickly became a favorite among surfers and a legend on the Aussie market. This latest Sandman wagon may have two extra doors but it does seek to revive the spirit of the original with retro '70's touches like blacked-out exterior trim and orange decals. It's available as a ute as well, and both body styles come in either SV6 or SS-V trim levels painted white, silver or black.
20-inch gloss black wheels are standard, but if that's too modern the Sandman can be ordered with orange shag seats, carpets and cargo rug. So while this Sandman isn't as extreme as the one Holden made with Red Bull last year – it's at least appropriately retro. Fittingly, the new Sandman makes its debut at the World Surfing League Rip Curl Bell's Beach Pro later this week.
The Sandman was launched in 1974 as a two-door ute (that's Australian for El Camino) but also (and arguably more famously) as a shooting brake. It quickly became a favorite among surfers and a legend on the Aussie market. This latest Sandman wagon may have two extra doors but it does seek to revive the spirit of the original with retro '70's touches like blacked-out exterior trim and orange decals. It's available as a ute as well, and both body styles come in either SV6 or SS-V trim levels painted white, silver or black.
20-inch gloss black wheels are standard, but if that's too modern the Sandman can be ordered with orange shag seats, carpets and cargo rug. So while this Sandman isn't as extreme as the one Holden made with Red Bull last year – it's at least appropriately retro. Fittingly, the new Sandman makes its debut at the World Surfing League Rip Curl Bell's Beach Pro later this week.
Holden Sandman Reborn: Let the Good Times Roll ... Again
2015-03-27
- Iconic Holden Sandman reborn to be launched 4 April in Torquay, VIC, in line with the Bells Beach Ripcurl Pro surf competition
- To celebrate the launch, Holden interactive surf live site at Elephant Walk Reserve, Torquay will feature a live screen beaming out classic surf reels, music, car display and beach side games
- Sandman available in Ute and Sportwagon – on sale in June
Eating up the road and shredding the surf, the Holden Sandman has become an Aussie icon in the 40 years since the original legend made its debut in 1974. Now it's back, with a modern twist and nose for performance.
The 2015 Sandman Special Edition is derived from the award winning VF Commodore SV6 and the sporty SS-V, and is available as a ute and or sleek Sportwagon. Whilst the Sandman is much more advanced than its predecessor it still retains the instantly recognisable surf livery and the groovy, orange shagpile floor rug as an additional accessory.
Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley, said the opportunity to revive the legendary Sandman was too exciting to resist.
"The Holden Sandman has been synonymous with the great Australian surf safari for decades and perfectly reflects our country's laid back, yet adventurous attitude to life. When the opportunity came to revive Sandman, we jumped at it," Mr Keley said.
"The reborn Sandman is a statement and reflection of the Australian way of life. Most importantly, it's about having fun."
Originally launched in a time when cassette players were all the rage and Alvin Stardust topped the charts, the Sandman personifies Australian culture with its unique styling and adventurous attitude.
Popular with surfers, lovers and bohemians alike, Sandman stays true to its roots with its first public display taking place on the sands of Torquay, giving beach goers and car lovers the chance to get up close and reminisce about days gone by ... and days to come.
The Holden Sandman surf live site will take place on Saturday 4 April from 11am – 4pm at the beautiful Elephant Walk Reserve, Torquay Esplanade, and will feature a live screen beaming out classic surf reels, chilled out tunes, sausage sizzle and beach side games. The Sandman live site is an interactive display that allows people to take a picture with the cars and upload to their social media accounts #entersandman.
Holden's Director of Communications, Sean Poppitt said the interactive live site is the perfect platform for a car that is sure to evoke old memories and create new ones.
"The interactive live site at Torquay is the perfect opportunity for people to come and see Sandman whilst enjoying the surfing, food and great atmosphere. The Sandman is the reincarnation of an icon, born from the most iconic car company in Australia," said Mr Poppitt.
"Holden knows Australia and Australians better than any other company and the Sandman is a perfect reflection of the Aussie culture and attitude. I'm sure it will spark great memories for a lot of Australians and help create new memories for others. Let the good times roll again,"
Sandman History
Sandman was originally launched on the HQ Holden in 1974 as a panel van and ute in a bid to increase Holden's presence and appeal in the expanding recreational market. What ensued was a car that captured the imagination of a generation, and continued to be offered on the HJ Holden (1974-76), HX Holden (1976-77) and HZ Holden (1977).
After over twenty years in the darkness, Sandman was finally revived as a concept car at the Sydney International Motor Show, 2000. Based on VU Commodore, this Sandman was a Holden built, Mambo designed project that won wide acclaim.
The Sandman will go on sale in June, however people are advised to contact dealers early to avoid disappointment.
#entersandman
The 2015 Holden Sandman Special Edition, a $2,950 premium on SSV and SV6 models, includes:
SV6 and SSV Sportwagon
- 20" gloss black wheels
- Black fender vents
- Black grille package
- Black roof racks
- Sandman decals
- Sandman dashboard stitching
- Sandman sunshades
- Sandman floor mats
- Unique Sandman build plate
SV6 and SSV Ute
- 20" gloss black wheels
- Black fender vents
- Black grille package
- Black sports bar
- Sandman decals
- Sandman dashboard stitching
- Sandman rear sunshade
- Sandman foot mats
Optional Accessories
- Orange rear shag pile cargo rug (Sportwagon)
- Orange sheep skin seat inserts
Colours Available
- Heron White
- Nitrate Silver
- Phantom Black
2015-03-27
- Iconic Holden Sandman reborn to be launched 4 April in Torquay, VIC, in line with the Bells Beach Ripcurl Pro surf competition
- To celebrate the launch, Holden interactive surf live site at Elephant Walk Reserve, Torquay will feature a live screen beaming out classic surf reels, music, car display and beach side games
- Sandman available in Ute and Sportwagon – on sale in June
Eating up the road and shredding the surf, the Holden Sandman has become an Aussie icon in the 40 years since the original legend made its debut in 1974. Now it's back, with a modern twist and nose for performance.
The 2015 Sandman Special Edition is derived from the award winning VF Commodore SV6 and the sporty SS-V, and is available as a ute and or sleek Sportwagon. Whilst the Sandman is much more advanced than its predecessor it still retains the instantly recognisable surf livery and the groovy, orange shagpile floor rug as an additional accessory.
Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley, said the opportunity to revive the legendary Sandman was too exciting to resist.
"The Holden Sandman has been synonymous with the great Australian surf safari for decades and perfectly reflects our country's laid back, yet adventurous attitude to life. When the opportunity came to revive Sandman, we jumped at it," Mr Keley said.
"The reborn Sandman is a statement and reflection of the Australian way of life. Most importantly, it's about having fun."
Originally launched in a time when cassette players were all the rage and Alvin Stardust topped the charts, the Sandman personifies Australian culture with its unique styling and adventurous attitude.
Popular with surfers, lovers and bohemians alike, Sandman stays true to its roots with its first public display taking place on the sands of Torquay, giving beach goers and car lovers the chance to get up close and reminisce about days gone by ... and days to come.
The Holden Sandman surf live site will take place on Saturday 4 April from 11am – 4pm at the beautiful Elephant Walk Reserve, Torquay Esplanade, and will feature a live screen beaming out classic surf reels, chilled out tunes, sausage sizzle and beach side games. The Sandman live site is an interactive display that allows people to take a picture with the cars and upload to their social media accounts #entersandman.
Holden's Director of Communications, Sean Poppitt said the interactive live site is the perfect platform for a car that is sure to evoke old memories and create new ones.
"The interactive live site at Torquay is the perfect opportunity for people to come and see Sandman whilst enjoying the surfing, food and great atmosphere. The Sandman is the reincarnation of an icon, born from the most iconic car company in Australia," said Mr Poppitt.
"Holden knows Australia and Australians better than any other company and the Sandman is a perfect reflection of the Aussie culture and attitude. I'm sure it will spark great memories for a lot of Australians and help create new memories for others. Let the good times roll again,"
Sandman History
Sandman was originally launched on the HQ Holden in 1974 as a panel van and ute in a bid to increase Holden's presence and appeal in the expanding recreational market. What ensued was a car that captured the imagination of a generation, and continued to be offered on the HJ Holden (1974-76), HX Holden (1976-77) and HZ Holden (1977).
After over twenty years in the darkness, Sandman was finally revived as a concept car at the Sydney International Motor Show, 2000. Based on VU Commodore, this Sandman was a Holden built, Mambo designed project that won wide acclaim.
The Sandman will go on sale in June, however people are advised to contact dealers early to avoid disappointment.
#entersandman
The 2015 Holden Sandman Special Edition, a $2,950 premium on SSV and SV6 models, includes:
SV6 and SSV Sportwagon
- 20" gloss black wheels
- Black fender vents
- Black grille package
- Black roof racks
- Sandman decals
- Sandman dashboard stitching
- Sandman sunshades
- Sandman floor mats
- Unique Sandman build plate
SV6 and SSV Ute
- 20" gloss black wheels
- Black fender vents
- Black grille package
- Black sports bar
- Sandman decals
- Sandman dashboard stitching
- Sandman rear sunshade
- Sandman foot mats
Optional Accessories
- Orange rear shag pile cargo rug (Sportwagon)
- Orange sheep skin seat inserts
Colours Available
- Heron White
- Nitrate Silver
- Phantom Black
Featured Gallery 2015 Holden Sandman
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