young kids in the early 80's were still striving for Sandmans, especially vans and by then rust proofing products were coming through and many were getting cars done, especially in areas like the coast. As they were a desireable product a lot of them were also tended a bit more care and hence survived, just like many Monaro's GT's etc. So instead of being sent to the scrap heap a lot were saved, so in my humble opinion this would be why a lot have survived.
Nearly on the Road
They survived because they had v8s in them. They are a better car to own for various reasons. Poverty packs are always the first to be wrecked or abandoned.
Yep would agree with that definitely, I grew up in the bush and played basketball in a team where 4 of us owned Utes in the early 80's and I can tell you they were looked after. My HQ Sandman was traded for $2500 grand around 1983 and resold by the Holden dealer for about $4000, big dollars even then.
Nearly on the Road
yeah it makes sense that the more expensive cars were treated better and thus survived. doesn't explain why there are sooo many bloody 6cyl holdens that are in great nick still kickin though... only plausible reason i can think of is the law of averages. tonnes built so there has to be a reasonable number of survivors.
BQZ
Haha, explains all the EA-B Falcons on blocks in driveways...Originally Posted by wbute
Remember when cars were built to a standard in this country, built to withstand our rugged roads and tracks over engineered and tough.That's more the reason so many old Holden's both V8's and the old 6 shooter still survive today. It's a credit to our manufacturing over the last 50 years, and to all those people who see the beauty in a car to a point they must have one and restore it. LET THE PASSION LIVE ON!!!!!!!
Parts are still cheap and plentiful, Holden's are a part of our culture and a Ute or Van is so handy in many ways. Driving home last night I passed a WB Ute, in top nick and still being used as a workhorse. Rarely a week would go by that I dont see an old Holden Ute of some description still on the road. Vans are not so common, tend to be more recreational I assume and kept under lock and key.
Nearly on the Road
There's only a couple of vans in my area (NSW South Coast) but lots of old utes still being used by Tradesmen and Farmers I see almost every day.
A lot of 6 cylinder stuff is still around because a lot of oldies bought them and treated them well. In contrast, almost everything with a V8 was given a bit of a hard life. And most vans were butchered!
Vans.... This is the 2nd time round the block, 40 years later! talk about turning back the clock!
Maybe the other reason might be because this is a Sandman site? People don't post up restos of all the other standard vans?
Good point.
Vans.... This is the 2nd time round the block, 40 years later! talk about turning back the clock!
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