A Cummins-powered ’69 Chev, Shed Life’s custom LandCruiser and Malcolm Douglas’ restored Troopy. Here’s why you’ll want a closer look at the rigs at this year’s Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show.
Some 4WDs have you scrolling back for another look, while others deserve a proper walk-around. The Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show is bringing a few of those to Adelaide Showground, Wayville, from 23-25 October 2026. Between the headline builds and the Wild Rigs Show & Shine, there should be plenty to distract you from whatever you originally came to buy.
A 1969 Chev with a compound-turbo 6.7-litre Cummins under the bonnet? Yep, that’ll get our attention.
Mac Preston’s K Truck combines classic American truck looks with a full coilover conversion and years of fabrication work. Built in a shed and documented along the way, it’s the sort of project that makes your own weekend jobs list look fairly manageable.
Macca and the Shed Life crew are bringing it to Adelaide, giving anyone who’s followed the build a chance to step away from the screen and see the finished result up close. And if you haven’t followed it, the engine and suspension work alone should give you plenty to look at.
For anyone who grew up watching Malcolm Douglas explore remote Australia, this one might be the biggest drawcard of the lot.
His 2001 LandCruiser Troop Carrier has undergone a major restoration after years of rust took their toll. Rust Worx in Perth tackled extensive body repairs, bringing the vehicle back while preserving its connection to the man who travelled in it.
Under the bonnet is the 1HD-FTE turbo-diesel, but one of the best details is inside: a crocodile bite in a seat, preserved beneath a clear section in the seat cover. You won’t find that on the usual accessories list.
We’ve covered the story behind Malcolm Douglas’ restored Troopy here. Now Adelaide showgoers can see this piece of Australian 4WD history for themselves.
Shed Life fans have another reason to stop by, with TJ’s LandCruiser also confirmed for the show.
The organisers are keeping the published details fairly light, but promise a custom Cruiser with plenty of individual touches. If you’ve been following TJ and Mac’s projects, put this one on your list for a closer inspection.
Beyond the headline vehicles, the Wild Rigs Show & Shine, sponsored by Wildtrak, gives you another excuse to spend a while checking out other people’s builds.
Each day has a different focus:
Saturday looks like the obvious pick for custom-build fans, while Sunday should appeal to anyone collecting ideas for their next touring setup.
The Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show runs from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2026 at Adelaide Showground, Wayville.
Come for a look at the K Truck, linger over the Troopy and leave with a few more ideas for your own rig. Whether your shed budget agrees with those ideas is another matter.
