Surfer cars we loved

No more than in Australia, where some of the best places on land require a vehicle that can eat up miles and overcome bumps and bumps to get to where the waves roll in.

Holden Sandman

One car that immediately comes to mind is the Holden Sandman. Known or perhaps infamous for its huge rear cargo area, the Sandman was designed to take advantage of the expanding "recreational" car market and had room for boards, gear and sleeping bags in the back.

First seen in the early 1970s, the real Sandman was offered in two V8 models, but it was the bright paintwork that caught people's attention.

Holden revived the Sandman idea with a Ute-based concept car designed by Reg Mombassa (and Mambo) for the 2000 Sydney Motor Show. He also made a trip to a North American car dealership, but tamed nude images on his sides before getting a US visa.

Price (when new): from $ 4156- $ 9554.

Sold: 1974-1979

Engines: 4.2-liter and five-liter V8 engines.

Transmission: four-speed mechanics, rear-wheel drive.

Ford Escort Sunset

For those who couldn't stretch out for full-size models, the Ford Escort van, the Sundowner, had potential as a surf machine.

Ford made its own Australian version of the Escort van with 1.6-litre and XNUMX-litre engines, as well as full striping and side "bubble" windows, plus things like full headlining, carpeting, not to mention better fuel economy. fears of supercars and a fuel crisis have shaken the entire industry.

Ford has improved the rear sleeper by allowing the front seats to tilt forward to give more rear space for the car or the beach.

Price (when new): from $ 5712- $ 7891.

Sold: 1978-1982

Engines: 1.6-liter and two-liter four-cylinder

Transmission: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.

Volkswagen Combi

The Volkswagen Kombi, or Type 2 as it was to be called, was an icon of the anti-war movement, but it had fans beyond those who simply wore flowers in their hair and gave peace a chance.

Early versions of the T1 had split front windshields and barn-style side doors (and they cost a pretty penny now if you have one sitting under a sheet in the barn), but it was the T2 that created the legend in Australia.

Also known as the Kombi - the name is also used in Brazil, where it was also built - the VW Kombinationskraftwagen (or combination vehicle) is capable of hauling boards and crew, and camper versions have also become popular as surf and safari vehicles.

Volkswagen also tried to revive the Kombi surf machine with the edgy Microbus concept car in 2001, and more recently the Kombi Beach model, which went on sale within two years of 2006.

Price (when new): from $ 2440- $ 9995.

Sold: 1965-1980

Engines: 1.4-litre, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre and two-litre four-cylinder

Transmission: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.

Bedford van

Wavechasers are also known to have gone big thanks to the 1970s Bedford van, some of which had 173cc Holden engines. inches (2.8 liters). Perhaps most widely used by The A-team, the Bedford can be converted into a muscle car or station wagon to carry boards and entourage.

Price (when new): from $ 3635- $ 11,283.

Sold: 1970-1981

Engines: two-liter four-cylinder and 2.8-liter six-cylinder Holden

Transmission: four-speed manual or optional three-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.

Suzuki Sierra

Suzuki is well known for its motorcycles and small cars, but for many, the brand's icon is its small Sierra SUVs, which many considered a good car to get to restricted surf breaks.

The lightweight Sierra - available with a hard top or removable soft top - wasn't the ideal vehicle for an overnight stay (swag or tents are a must), but if you want cheap, economical transportation to a big (but remote and inaccessible) surf break, then the little Suzuki was a good bet.

The company even recently resurrected the Sierra nameplate, albeit on models from the Jimny line.

Price (when new): from $ 6429- $ 16,990.

Sold: 1981-1999

Engines: one-liter, 1.3-liter four-cylinder

Transmission: four-speed and five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive.