THIS vintage bright green Sandman panel van has become an iconic image in the mystery of disappearance of Scott Maitland and Cindy Masonwells.

The 33-year-old Masonwells described it as her "dream car" following its disappearance in April and your average car lover would likely be quick to agree.

The 1975 HJ Holden Sandman is a famed figure in Australian history and North Queensland Holden Car Club president Tarrant Green said they were a rare find.

"I know of probably two (others) in Cairns," he said.

"It's really hard to find one in good condition.

"It's hard to put a price on one, they're very rare."

He said a genuine, fully restored Sandman could fetch a price tag of up to $50,000, although there were a lot of imitation ones on the market.

Speaking to The Cairns Post three months ago when the van went missing, Ms Masonwells said she had spent almost $30,000 restoring it since buying it eight years ago.

"I picked her up in Bairnsdale, Victoria, with no rust, which is impossible because they're renowned for it as a lot of surfers bought them," she said at the time.

"It's my baby."

Police confirmed yesterday the panel van was no longer part of the investigation.

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