Shaggin’ wagons or panel vans were the rage in the 1970s for young drivers wanting a bit of freedom in a coming of age era where restrictions were becoming less and less.
Australia during the 1970s was exiting a conservative culture during the 1960s highlighted by conscription to the Vietnam war, which began a rebel attitude entering the next decade.
Providing the perfect basis for this era of freedom, lust and independence was the panel van, which combined with its workhorse credentials ensured tradies were attracted to what was a declining market.
A rise in popularity for full-sized vans led to manufacturers in the US particularly offering special personalised options.
Modification through chrome additions, airbrush paint schemes, interior fit outs such as water beds, curtains, shag-pile carpets and big sound systems carried through from the US to Australia.
The craze turned rather spartan panel vans into must have accessories to impress not only fellow males, but the other sex.
Such was the popularity of panel vans, there were magazines dedicated to the culture and showcasing the latest modifications.
Holden was the first to take advantage by releasing the Sandman range of its panel vans featuring special branding, a long list of options, easy modification and a big V8 under the bonnet.
Released in 1974, the Sandman started the trend in Australia and thanks to Holden’s lead designer Leo Pruneau it became a cultural icon.
It proved a big seller for Holden, with Ford also entering the arena through its Suferoo model as part of the XB Falcon range and later the Sundowner.
Chrysler also joined the party in 1977 bringing its Drifter to the market, but both this and the Ford were unable to match the success of the Sandman.
However, by 1980 the panel van craze was coming to an end as Holden ended the Sandman that year and killed its WB-based offering in 1985. Ford on the other hand, offered a panel van option all the way up to 1999.
Currently, the Sandman is a desirable model fetching large prices as due to low sales, a sighting of a Surferoo, Sundowner and Drifter is a rarity.