The Sandman borrowed the Monaro GTS gauges and bucket seats, then sold itself to surfers instead of racers.
Lead trim: Sandman 2.8 GMH 173 six (118 bhp; HQ/HJ) · up to 240 hp
Holden Sandman HQ / HJ / HX / HZ1974–1980
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Holden Sandman HQ / HJ / HX / HZ yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactThe Sandman borrowed the Monaro GTS gauges and bucket seats, then sold itself to surfers instead of racers.
The Holden Sandman is a sports coupé utility and panel van produced by Holden from 1974 to 1980, built in Adelaide and Brisbane and released as the HQ (1974), HJ (1974–76), HX (1976–77) and HZ (1977). It carried elements from the Monaro GTS — gauge cluster, steering wheel, bucket seats, fully furnished interior, vinyl stripes and wheels — with a "Sandman" logo painted on the B pillars and lettered on the tailgate, and a four-speed manual or optional three-speed Tri-Matic automatic, both console-shifted. It competed with the Ford Sundowner and Surferoo and the Chrysler Drifter, and was popular among surfers. The HQ and HJ models were offered with the GMH 173 I6 at 118 bhp, the 202 I6 at 135 bhp, the 253 V8 at 185 bhp and the 308 V8 at 240 bhp. A Sandman Ute concept based on the Holden Ute (VU) was unveiled at the 2000 Sydney Motor Show, and the name was revived in 2015 for a limited edition of the Commodore VF SportWagon and Ute.
Collectors Spotted in the Holden Sandman Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Holden Sandman yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
4 published trims in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandman 2.8 GMH 173 six (118 bhp; HQ/HJ) | 1974–1976 | 2.8 L Inline-6 | 118 hp | 168 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Sandman 3.3 GMH 202 six (135 bhp; HQ/HJ) | 1974–1976 | 3.3 L Inline-6 | 135 hp | 194 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Sandman 4.2 GMH 253 V8 (185 bhp; HQ/HJ) | 1974–1976 | 4.2 L V8 | 185 hp | 262 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
| Sandman 5.0 GMH 308 V8 (240 bhp; HQ/HJ) | 1974–1976 | 5.0 L V8 | 240 hp | 315 lb-ft | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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