I live in Australia, near the beach (actually, fairly close to the famous Bell’s Beach). During the 1970s the growing Surfing culture flowed over into automotive design here in Australia. The result was the Panel Van – these were developed from the local large rear-drive cars built here, using the Coupe-Utility as a base, but enclosing the rear load area with a high-roof. The rear panel behind the seats was also removed, allowing access to the converted load area. Great for surfing, and camping by the beach. Great for a cuddle with a pretty girl too, and hence the colloquial name ‘shaggin-wagon’ was coined. This practicality, along with the bad-boy image made these the must-have car for the young man. Particularly if you lived near a beach. The two companies Ford and Holden dominated the market, but a strong third was Chrysler Australia, Their local large car was developed from the 1960s Valiant, and the Panel Van version was known as the Sundowner. I have applied the classic Sundowner graphic to what could have been a great retro product from the early 2000s Chrysler catalog, the PT Cruiser. With a longer wheelbase, 2-door-only, and panel van blanked windows, this would make the perfect low-cost surfing wagon for a new generation.
