I grew up miles from the beach, in the bush well Nth of Melb. and there weren't many Pano's. However a friends brother had one in the late 70's (can't remember what sort, but blue and windowless) and Melissa and I used to use it as a cubby house, as it was so comfortable (matress and fully lined with a round entrance into the back) and fun. Until her brother caught us and gave us the what for. Obviously it wasn't cool to have your very little sister and friend playing in the Sin Bin!! From there I remember my older brothers friends owning a grey Pano(windowless HX, or HZ ?). Once again how cool was it, because he'd put a heap of people (my brother included) in the back and off they'd go (before seat belts were a big thing??!!) to party's, Drive In's, whatever. And of course they always sounded so god damn good!! So by the time it came to my turn for a first car, of course what did I want, but a Pano and yes all my friends were into utes, but I just thought that the Pano was far more practicle. Found a Blue (HZ I think - wasn't really good with the details back then) Pano, with a Statesman grill and side bubble windows. I was ready to start travelling and camping and of course get the mandatory dog to go with the package. Until the stops were put on it by my now husband and Dad. Couldn't see the problem with it at the time.
So all of these years later I got one!!!
Missed the whole Drive In thing though (my Dad was probably happy about that!!), a bit too young. :shifty: