July 1, 1976 and the Government steps in and spoils the fun and introduces new low emission anti pollution requirements for cars. GM Holden releases the HX range and with it an even more gaudy, brighter colours and audacious stripes set down the side of the car and an unmistakeable 'Sandman' sticker on the tailgate. Holden said 'Let the Good Times Roll' in their promotion of the HX Sandman and they sure did!
Now firmly based as a surfers car the HX Sandman panelvan became even more notorious around drive in theatres, beach fronts and cruising up and down main streets of even the smallest of Aussie towns. If it's rockn' don't bother knockn' and 'Don't laugh it could be your daughter in here' were the catch cry of the newer looking Sandman. The message was clear and it sent shivers down the spines of every parent with a teen daughter!
The HX Sandman had a somewhat short life compared to the HJ, but with it's growing popularity came the wannabes. Ford and Chrysler saw a marketing opportunity and sought to pounce with the release of their own 'Dream Machines'... but GM Holden were not taking it lying down!
Chart hits from 1976.
1. Fernando – ABBA
2. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
3. Dancing Queen – ABBA
4. Howzat – Sherbet
5. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John & Kiki Dee
6. Jump In My Car – Ted Mulry Gang
7. Money, Money, Money – ABBA
8. Single Bed – Fox
9. Let’s Stick Together – Bryan Ferry
10.Convoy – C.W.McCall