Holden Sandman

Holden Sandman
1974 Holden HQ Sandman panel van
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Production1974–1980
AssemblyAdelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
Brisbane, Queensland (Holden Acacia Ridge Plant)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style
PlatformHolden HQ platform
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission3-speed Holden Tri-Matic automatic
4-speed manual
Chronology
SuccessorHolden Ute (VU) SS (as a sport utility)
Holden Commodore Sandman (as a nameplate)

The Holden Sandman is a sports coupé utility and panel van produced by Holden from 1974 to 1980.[1]

The Sandman came standard with the Monaro GTS' gauge cluster, steering wheel, bucket seats, along with a fully furnished interior, rally wheels, GTS style guards, "Sandman" Logo painted on B pillars, and exclusive vinyl stripes, and Sandman written on the tailgate, using either a 4 speed manual (Standard) or 3 Speed 'Tri-Matic' Automatic, both controlled through a console mounted floorshift.[2]

The HQ and HJ Sandman models were available with the following engines: GMH '173' I6 at 118 bhp (88 kW), GMH '202' I6 at 135 bhp (101 kW), GMH '253' V8 at 185 bhp (138 kW), GMH '308' V8 at 240 bhp (179 kW).[3][4]

Holden Commodore Sandman

Holden Commodore Sandman
2016 Holden Sandman Utility
Overview
ManufacturerHolden (General Motors)
Production2015-2016
250 units
AssemblyAdelaide, South Australia (Elizabeth)
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size
Body style
PlatformGM Zeta
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed Tremec TR6060 manual
6-speed GM 6L80 automatic
Chronology
PredecessorHolden HQ-HZ Sandman
SuccessorHSV Maloo GTSR

In 2015, the Sandman nameplate was revived with a limited edition version of the Holden Commodore (VF) SportWagon and Ute decorated with HX-HZ style stripes, a custom "Sandman" dashpad, 20inch Baretta wheels and sheepskin seat covers, The Sandman was available in SV6 or SS V Redline spec, with a Holden High-Feature "LFX" V6, or for the latter, a "LS3" V8.

References

  1. ^ Brogan, Matt. "Enter Sandman - carsales.com.au". carsales.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  2. ^ HOLDEN SANDMAN REVIEW, Trade Unique Cars, 21 March 2014
  3. ^ "1974 Holden HQ Sandman brochure" (PDF).
  4. ^ "1974 Holden HJ Sandman brochure" (PDF).