Aussie Panel Van: 1974 HQ Holden Sandman

HQ Sandman Gold Van

This is my first post in a new series on Aussie Diecast Panel Vans. I will be continuing my Aussie utes series so check for those entries in this blog. We kick off the new series with the Classic Carlectables 1/43 Scale Diecast 1974 HQ Holden Sandman Panel Van in Sunburst Metallic.

The Holden Sandman van has its roots in Holden’s commercial vehicle range. In 1974, Holden decided to release a sports version, along with a ute with the same name and thus a part of Aussie motoring history was born.

The 1974 V8 Holden Sandman Panelvan complete with GTS guards, mag wheels, and Sandman stipes and decals

The 1974 V8 Holden Sandman Panelvan complete with GTS guards, mag wheels, and Sandman stipes and decals

The Sandman panel van, along with other brands and models of vans, soon became part of the Aussie surfside culture, and legend and lore. This website has some good info on Holden Sandmans with details of options and colours and more: Holden Sandman Panelvans

A couple of shots of the rear tailgate

A couple of shots of the rear tailgate

A shot of the rear of the HQ Sandman Van showing V8, Sandman and stripe detail

A shot of the rear of the HQ Sandman Van showing V8, Sandman and stripe detail

Genuine Holden Sandman vans are a rare sight on the road these days. I suggest an internet image search for some great photos of the genuine and the mock ups that are still going around today. I remember when these were released. I clearly remember the day I saw a yellow Sandman on the highway and I wanted one then and I guess I would still like one now. I never have owned one. Yet.

A photo of the Sandman showing the roof and side detail.

A photo of the Sandman showing the roof and side detail.

I hope you have enjoyed my first Aussie panel van in my new panel van series. Please leave a comment in the comments section. Cheers, Doogie.

Holden HQ Sandman Gold

 

Aussie Utes: 1960 FB Holden Utility “Golden Fleece”

The tailgate of the Aussie made Holden FB Utility in Golden Fleece livery.

The tailgate of the Aussie made Holden FB Utility in Golden Fleece livery.

Welcome to another Aussie Utes post. This time we have the Trax diecast 1/43 scale model of the 1960 Holden FB Utility in Golden Fleece livery. Golden Fleece was a now defunct well known and loved Aussie petrol station brand. Golden Fleece holds a special place in many an Aussies memory and for me, it is no less. Golden Fleece was one of my favourite garages to visit for petrol, oil and a ‘maggot bag’ (meat pie) or a cup of coffee in the restaurant.

Holden 1960 FB Ute Golden Fleece

Holden 1960 FB Ute Golden Fleece

For a brief history on the Golden Fleece brand, see here: Golden Fleece

For a look at the Holden FB range, see here: Holden FB Range

Trax Holden FB Ute Golden Fleece

Trax Holden FB Ute Golden Fleece

I particularly like this model since it combines a couple of Aussie Icons, Holden and Golden Fleece. Indeed anything with a Golden Fleece brand on it is now highly collectable and highly prized. Alas, this little model is all I possess and it is among my most treasured diecast models.

For an excellent diorama which includes this model, see here: Oz’s Golden Fleece FB Diorama

Golden Fleece Holden FB Ute

Golden Fleece Holden FB Ute