Adding to the perpetual list of things we want ever so badly in the U.S., Holden made a gnarly announcement in officially revealing the return of the storied Sandman nameplate for the 2016Â VF Holden Commodore, per AU News.
The Sandman is a cult classic down under, and gave meaning to the word “groovy.” First seen in 1974 on the HQ Monaro, the Sandman was a utility version of the Holden Kingwood nameplate, a vehicle similar to our Chevrolet El Camino. The Sandman incorporated many Monaro features, including sport-style instrumentation, rally wheels, bucket seats and of course, a V8 engine.
The Sandmans became instantly recognizable due to their can’t-miss graphics along the sides and rear of the vehicle, which Holden has interpreted with a modern take for the 2016 Sandman. This 21st century interpretation of the iconic wagon is essentially a VF Commodore Sportwagon and Ute, but Holden has done a hell of a job incorporating classic cues from Sandmans of yore for a truly unique package.
Inside, “Sandman” stitching adorns the cockpit and of course, buyers have the option of shag inserts for the black leather seats, finished in a fantastic orange-hue. The same orange shag may also be had as an option for the cargo area of the wagon. Now that’s groovy bay-bee.
Even though this is clearly a much needed morale booster for the Australian automotive consumer base, it’s refreshing to see Holden leadership take charge and introduce product dear to the public’s heart. Though, Holden Spokesperson, Sean Poppitt, regrets there being no true panel van option.
“The reborn Sandman is a celebration of the Aussie way of life,” said Poppitt. “It’s a niche vehicle, reflective of Australia’s irreverent culture and therefore the cost involved in any potential panel van program would not benefit our customers. With [the ute and wagon] we have our Sandman customers covered.”
The new Sandman will make its public debut alongside the Rip Curl Pro Surfing competition in Torquay on April 4th. Pricing for the Sandman begs a premium of just $2,950 AUD over the Commodore SV6 or V8 powered SS-V.
The not so gnarly news? Holden expects just 250 examples of the modern-day shaggin’-wagon and Ute to be produced. And from public reaction, we think each one will find a home very quickly.
Comments
The fine folks at JHP will convert your VF Ute to a panel van, I’m surprised Holden didn’t farm out the Sandman project to them – I suspect regulatory burdens will limit that to aftermarket.
A VF Sandman with JHP’s VE panel added on, now that I’d like to see.
Personally, I just want JHP to open their USA store so I can see if I can get a G8/Evoke grille on the Chevy SS…
What JHP do is what Holden did with their 2002 (?) Sandman concept. The ute cover is exactly the same. Holden started manufacturing the cover but it was costly. Now it’s no longer OEM and now just after market. Many will buy the Sandman Ute and add the cover. Wagon won’t sell as many as ute.
Love the ute but the wagon is an abomination, how on gods earth are you meant to sleep or shag a woman in the back of that? The wagon is a panel van for midgets FFS, I was so excited and would have bought a panel van version.
Have noticed a mistake in this article. Sandman has never been seen on any Monaro. It was first seen on a HQ Belmont ute and panel van in late 1973.
Maybe he was confused and thinking of the one model HQ SS?