(Photos: GM/Holden) Even though we know the Holden name will exist, most enthusiasts will agree that once the Commodore is axed and the Australian factories close up shop, that Holden will simply be a badge in their eyes. It’s a sad fact, but in the spirit of going down in flames Holden has been going through and releasing some killer final editions. First it was the GTS variations of the Maloo and Commodore, and now their attention has turned to one of the more infamous nameplates in the catalog: Sandman.
For our readers who aren’t sure why the Sandman is considered “infamous”, you have to understand the history. The Sandman package was launched on Holden utes and panel vans in 1974 and almost immediately earned a reputation of being a shaggin’ wagon. Rolling up to your girlfriend’s house in one in Australia got the same reaction there as if you had rolled up to her house in a Dodge Tradesman with porthole windows, side pipes and a mural on the sides: things were going to get all sorts of dirty, and in the good way.
And Holden isn’t lost on that concept one bit. Yes, what you’re looking at is a bright-orange shag carpet mat for the cargo compartment. We wouldn’t be surprised in the least if it would cover the entire area of the cargo compartment with the seats folded down. And speaking of the seats…
Your backside just might go back to when sheepskin seat covers were all the rage. You aren’t going to see Ram roll out a ProMaster “Midnite Ride” edition anytime in the near future. The remainder of the Holden is pretty much the stock SV6 or SS-V model, depending on choice. Both the Ute and the wagon will be available for order with the package, with three colors available (white, black, and silver) with the orange graphics. Holden is expected to release the cars in June, but has recommended that you contact your local dealer early in order to “avoid disappointment.”
Surfer girl is not included, however. Sorry.
Sorry Bryan … but this is not only old news … its down right ancient history already collecting dust its so old . Pretty much .. Much Ado About Nothing … as well …. as is most of GM [ worldwide ] marketing … err … scams
By the way Bryan . Could ya have them thar tech weenie/wonks fix the fact that we cannot use quotation etc marks without getting a / included ?
As in \” ….. \’ …. Grazie
You … use too many … ellipses … and you’re … an argumentative … jerkwad.
W……………H……………….A…………………T…………………..?…………………
meh. nobody who had a Sandman back in the day would be vaguely interested in this cynical badge engineering bullshit. They do make a canopy that sorta turns a ute into a panel van…did they bother developing a sandman version? nope. Too lazy. There was a ute version of the original sandman but 99% were vans. why? cos you could convince a chick to screw in a van, but best of luck trying to get her down n dirty in a ute at the drive in!
Oh, and guitar slinger kid? Shut up. WTF do you know about anything Australian, you tool?