First look: Holden's panel van is back

THE One-Tonner is not the only great comeback being made by Holden at the Melbourne motor show, with the legendary panel van also returning.

The panel van evokes memories of the 1970s craze that saw Holden sell the Belmont utility-based Sandman van, up against the likes of the Chrysler Valiant Drifter and Ford Falcon Surferoo.

You remember the sayings - "If it's rockin' don't bother knockin'", or "Don't laugh, your daughter might be inside".

Holden produced a Commodore panel van concept called the Sandman back in 2000 that drew a huge response and was even displayed at the Detroit motor show.

But the production version is not an entire vehicle, it's actually a canopy developed by Holden By Design for use on the VY Commodore utility.

It will be available as a permanent fitment from July. The canopy is expected to add about $5000 to the price of the base vehicle.

The canopy was presented at the show fitted to a V8 SS utility, leading Holden boss Peter Hanenberger to declare: "The Holden V8 panel van is back".

"Holden is increasing its ability to help customers personalise their vehicles through Holden By Design. And today, we are proud to show you the HBD panel van," he said.

"HBD's range of parts, interior accessories, suspensions, body kits and wheels now includes panel van canopies for custom fitting to VY Utes.

"The canopy is the work of Holden Design and provides a seamless, practical and stylish addition to our Ute range." While the show car was done in green, lacking the murals that bedecked the Sandman concept, Mr Hanenberger said there were likely to be sticker kits offered to dress up panel vans, just like the wild looking devices of the 1970s.