Does it get much cooler than this? Brad and Raylea Thomson’s awesome HX Sandman panel van custom picked up a heap of silverware at the 40th Van Nationals at Bathurst earlier this year. The details are subtle but done to absolute perfection, honouring the Sandman’s rockin’ 70s heritage without over doing it.

“MY WIFE and I have owned this van for 33 years, and for a long time it was just sitting in the shed, so three years ago she was rolled out for a refresh. It now runs a 434 small-block Chev imported from the States, Tremec five-speed from Mal Wood, nine-inch diff, and custom Mytyme Gold paint.

“The van has been totally rebuilt and all custom work was done by my mate Peter Crisp from Pete’s Paints & Body in Ingham, Queensland. The build took 18 months to complete and quite a lot of Crown Lager and late nights. The van took out Best Van, Best Interior and Best Engine Bay in the Semi-Show class at the 40th Van Nationals in Bathurst earlier this year.”