1977 hz holden sandman panel van - sea witch

[Sndman77]

Hi, yes I have consider doing a replica Sea Witch van. Trying to find some info about it, in regards what size motor, gearbox, paint colour and diff size. Trax model, state it had a 253 engine. I reckon there would be some serious dollar in the art work. If I was going to do a project like this, i would like to think i would use a HZ Sandman van. I do have spare parts, just need a another Sandman van (HZ), bigger shed and more time. I really think it would be a great project.

[Sinbin]

yeah it certainly would

[Sndman77]

Dear Mr. Bill Vandenheuvel

Thank you for your enquiry relating to Sea Witch. As I have no personal knowledge of the vehicle I contacted a chap I know who is writing a history of the van culture in the 70's. Please find below his reply, unfortunately it is not the answer I'm sure you were hoping for.

"Hi Matthew,
Always great to hear from you.
Ah yes, good old Sea Witch ... must be the most-used van pic these days. You can get it on everything from underpants and doonas to jigsaw puzzles.
Yes, I'd love to find its owner but have had no luck -- have found the wreckage of what seems like a good replica, but that's all. It is surely the most sought-after van. On the plus side, I've spoken to the Holden executive who got the brainwave of having it painted that way, and drove it around for a while back then, plus I found the artist (but, bad luck for everyone concerned, he didn't reply to me at the time, and has since died). Makes me convinced it is worth recording as much of these vehicle stories while we can, otherwise they'll disappear.
If you come across any clues, or anything else van-related, please keep me in mind.
All the best,
Stuart"

Kind regards

Matthew Lombard
Curator
National Motor Museum
Birdwood