Australia followed many western countries with the adoption of vans as multi-purpose vehicles. While many saw commercial service, some owners personalized their Van to reflect their planned use. Holden saw the marketing benefit, releasing the HQ “Sandman” van in 1974. Loosely a sports derivative featuring a sports dash cluster, some unique stripes, and a V8 under the hood, they were a favorite amongst surfers and other individuals intent on producing a bedroom on wheels. Although this 1980 Holden WB is not a genuine Sandman, it is a beautifully executed tribute requiring a new home. The owner listed it here at Shannons Auctions in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, as part of their Spring Timed Online Auction. It goes under the hammer in an online auction commencing on Tuesday, November 8th. The auctioneer’s guide price is A$60,000- A$80,000 (US$38,500 – US$51,300). I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this Aussie icon.

The Holden WB represented Holden’s final facelift of its Kingswood range that dated back to the HQ model introduced in mid-1971. Like many manufacturers, Holden was in the middle of downsizing its product range, only retaining the WB as a commercial vehicle. The company also produced the range-topping WB Statesman luxury model until 1984 but considered that a separate model from the commercial variants. The auctioneers indicate the owner created this Van as a tribute to the Sandman, although they added their own twist in the color scheme. The vehicle wears two-pack White paint applied more than fifteen years ago. It has stood the test of time, holding an impressive shine with no significant flaws or defects. The Sandman-style stripes are in stunning Blue Metallic, a shade never offered by Holden on the Sandman. The panels are laser-straight, and the excellent underside shots confirm the vehicle is rust-free. The Holden features spotless tinted glass and stunning Chevrolet Rally wheels with chrome trim rings and center caps. The auctioneers state some trim pieces show minor pitting, but they don’t detract from the overall presentation.

The original Sandman featured an interior equipped with a sports gauge cluster with a tachometer, a floor shifter for the automatic or four-speed manual transmission, and a center console. The creator of this tribute took that a step further by adapting the interior trim and upholstery from a WB Statesman to add an air of class. It is trimmed in Cerulean Blue leather, with lashings of faux woodgrain and enough creature comforts to satisfy most people. The interior trim is spotless, with no evidence of wear or other issues. The same is true of the vinyl, plastic, carpet, dash, and woodgrain trim. The new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, remote mirrors, and a premium JVC stereo with rear speakers and a power antenna. It is common for these vans to feature beds, bars, and other appointments in the back, but this one is a blank canvas tastefully carpeted throughout.

Lifting the hood reveals a 308ci V8 that sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo 400 automatic transmission. The auctioneer indicates this V8 received a rebuild, including an upgraded camshaft and significant work on the cylinder heads. Therefore, it probably produces significantly more than the original 170hp. This motor brings us to a fascinating sidelight on the Australian automotive industry and how it is sometimes best not to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing. By the early 1960s, it was one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets that Ford Australia intended to add a V8 option to its volume-selling Falcon range. The company had access to the American Windsor (and later, Cleveland) engines, and Ford America willingly commissioned production facilities so that Ford Australia could manufacture the V8 on-site. Holden struggled to convince General Motors in Detroit that they needed to follow a similar path, with GM intent on utilizing its small-block offerings that it would ship fully assembled to Australia. Holden knew this was a bad decision and engaged in conduct that could be described as deceptive. By skimming a few dollars off the development costs of every other project, the company assembled the funds to engineer a uniquely Australian V8. A select group of individuals toiled quietly in the background until they had locked away the design and specifications. They performed endurance tests, and these came up trumps. The Australian Government was, at that time, instituting tighter local content laws on motor vehicles, meaning there was a financial penalty for every Holden built with an American V8. The company approached GM with a proposal to develop a motor (which it already secretly had!), and General Motors approved the program. Holden unveiled its “new” V8 in record time, General Motors was impressed by that performance, and the Australian V8 soldiered on from 1969 until 2000. It isn’t just the motor in this WB that’s fresh. The transmission received similar attention, as did the front end and power steering. They updated the braking system with four-wheel discs and added new shocks. That makes this Panel Van a turnkey candidate for its new owner.

While many people consider the humble “ute” integral to the Australian identity, panel vans like the Holden Sandman are a part of the country’s cultural heritage. This 1980 WB Panel Van may not be the real deal, but it is a fitting tribute that its creators executed with care and attention to detail. Readers outside Australia may struggle to understand why the guide price on this tribute is so high, but several factors are in play. Although Holden built these vans in significant numbers, many have succumbed to rust or the wear and tear that is part of their working life. The V8 under the hood is another factor, as the 308ci powerplant was an exclusively Australian development. The demise of Holden as a brand means that many of its older offerings, especially those featuring the Aussie V8, are highly coveted. The guide price may look high, but the country’s affection for these vehicles means that it could potentially climb beyond the upper estimate. I’m going to watch this auction carefully. Will you join me, or do you plan to drop a bid or two on a slice of Australian motoring folklore?