THE STORY The HZ Holden was produced in Australia between October 1977 and April 1980 by Holden with a variety of equipment levels and in several different body styles. There were two special packages available based upon commercial vehicle platforms – the Sandman Ute and the Sandman Panel Van. The Sandman concept was aimed squarely at the Aussie male youth market and proved an instant hit. Special features included a choice of V8 engines – either 4.2 litre (253ci) or 5.0 litre (308ci) - along with a four-headlight grille and under bumper front spoiler. Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS) was introduced for the first time with this model, ensuring precise and predicable handling for the first time in a large Aussie car. A three-speed manual transmission was standard with a four-speed manual or three speed Turbo- Hydromatic auto optional. If a buyer selected every Sandman extra, the price was more than 150% of the cost of the basic HZ model. By the end of 1979, the Sandman had lost its place in the contemporary Australian youth culture – sales orders slumped and many of the vehicles were sold with the stripes and tailgate logos deleted. The Sandman ute was phased out of production prior to the van, the last of which was manufactured around October 1979.4 THE CAR This restored 1977 HZ Ute is a Sandman Tribute vehicle that started its life a standard 6-cylinder HZ. Now sporting a period correct Holden 253ci V8, she has a correct GTS dash and three speed automatic transmission. The engine is strong, exhaust note glorious and transmission smooth. Recently resprayed in beautiful Flamenco Red, this beauty has been treated to new GTS mags with BF Goodrich tyres. The rear tray is immaculate and the car has a new black tonneau cover. The chrome is good, she has a new correct GTS steering wheel, correct grill and original cigarette lighter. Work to be completed soon includes new front spoiler, colour coded side mirrors, correct air intake and re-chromed front bumper. The interior is original, seats are comfortable and there is an after-market stereo system. Original Sandman Utes are rising in value on a monthly basis and this correctly executed tribute vehicle represents fantastic value and a great way to enter the collector car hobby. Be quick.
