Coincidence is a wonderful thing. As I was looking for a HQ ute semi seriously for about 18 months I had been looking at one advertised in Qld for quite a while. I decided just after Christmas last year that I would fly up and have a look. Anyway the Qld floods just got worse and I didn't know what to do. The listed price was unrealistic and there was and still is no proof it is a genuine Sandman.

I was talking to the owner for a couple of weeks and still didn't know which way to go as I had to get it Adelaide from central Qld and was considering the cost. Driving wasn't an option as it is not roadworthy.

I asked for photos of all the underneath, ID plates etc and all looked good. I asked the owner did he have any photos of the ute before it was repainted. Yes he did and they filled in a lot of gaps, especially when I could see the original colours on the firewall and around the doors.

I then rang him back one day and he said the business next door had its main office in Adelaide and that they could transport it for me. I rang the gent involved and he said no problem, $250 as a backload. He also verfied some more details on the vehicle which filled more gaps.

Finally I did the mad thing, bought a site unseen vehicle, have paid for it and due to a fire at the the transporters premises in January, are yet to see my ute.

So when I have it I will be so glad, and it's original colour is green like my original HQ Sandman ute was. I don't think that was stamped with XX7 either.