Holden VF Sandman

Holden famed Sandman badge will return to showrooms in June, though nothing like 2000’s Mambo-styled, VU-based panel van concept car.

Instead, the 2015 Sandman Special Edition range taps the spirit of the 1974 HQ panel vane and ute originals, offering a number of trim and appearance updates to the current Commodore Sportwagon and Ute lines.

To be offered in essentially SV6 and SS-V spec, the new-new Sandman adds a blackout treatment to the regular 20-inch wheels design, front guard vents, front fascia trim and roof racks.

And, of course, a set of retro-drenched Sandman graphics and stripes you could spot from Mars.

Inside, ‘Sandmen’ get unique dash stitching, floor mats, sun shades, a build plate and, the cornerstones of the package, lairy bright orange sheepskin seat covers and (Sportwagon-only) shagpile cargo mats.

Available in three colour schemes based around black, white and silver body colours, the 2015 Sandman Special Edition asks for a premium $2950 above regular SV6 and SS-V pricepoints.

While cynics will sneer at its ‘sticker-pack’ format, the Sandman is no less ‘special’ than the ’70s original produced throughout the ’70s across HQ, HJ, HX and HZ ranges and brings a cheeky sense of old-school fun to the VF-based crop.

Further, the 260kW/517Nm SS-V version in particular represents an enticing step-off point for old-school customisation and personalization in a thoroughly contemporary large load- or family-hauler.

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