When the Chordettes, a female quartet, recorded “Mr. Sandman (bring me a l dream)” their number 1 hit song in 1954, they would never have dreamed that more than 25 years later, Holden would invent an iconic Panel Van of the same name.
GMH launched the “Sandman” Panel Van and Ute range with their HQ model, and then followed through the 1970s with their HJ, HX and HZ ranges. Inevitably, the good old Aussie rhyming slang had soon generated its own nicknames of “Sin Bin” and “Shaggin’ Wagon.”
And so, when the Australian National Show and Shine Euroa decided on the 1970s theme at the 2019 show, it was not surprising that the panelvans would become the four-wheeled symbol of that era.
Bret and Julie Kirwan of “Majestic Vanners Victoria “ came on board with the theme with their 1977 Sandman Van “JUICY” and a matching caravan “JUICY 2”.
Bret has also stirred up some interest for anyone with any sort of panel van to join us once again for the 2024 show. A great turn out by the group was rewarded when they took out the BEST CLUB DISPLAY trophy for 2019.
This year, Bret contacted the Australian National Show and Shine once again, expressing an interest in the Vanners returning. The committee got pretty excited about that, and we are pleased to announce that they will be on display, once again in Area 4.
The club has a neat and spectacular trick called “Building a Rainbow.” Because the Sandman Vans came in a variety of bright and spectacular colours, as was the craze in the seventies, it is possible to park a group of vans together, “colour matched” so that from a side view, they create a rainbow effect.
Bret said, “I have always loved things with wheels, ever since my first Corgi toy that my grandmother bought me while I was still in a pram. Funny, as I still have the passion. I progressed from pedal cars to billy karts to go karts.”
“Then onto my first motor car, and to having more cars over the years, more than I can possibly remember. One car that I certainly do remember and one I had the most fun whilst in my 20s was my Holden panel van. It meant trips away to the surf and the country with all my mates with vans giving us lots of freedom & no hotel fees lol.”
“For a long time, my wife wasn’t keen on me getting another van, but finally the day came about 10 years ago. Enter “JUICY” the Valencia Sandman panel van. It’s been a passion ever since. We also purchased an original Sandman HJ ute that fits in well with its Papaya paint.”
We decided to do the matching Caravan “JUICY 2”. It’s been fun finding all the matching colors and 70s memorabilia.”
“We started doing this before hearing that the Euroa Show and Shine was featuring a 1970s theme. After winning the Best Club Display in 2019, we will be excited to see what everyone thinks of our display once again.”
Pictures: Sandman Van “Juicy” of Bret and Julie Kirwan with Majestic Vanners at Mt Gambier showing off those classic colors.
Article by Ray Read
