A 1982 Toyota LandCruiser Troop Carrier with history
Terrain Tamer has added a seriously iconic rig to its fleet, after snapping up the 1982 Toyota LandCruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier once owned by none other than Steve Irwin. The Crocodile Hunter Troopy spent its working life at Queensland’s Australia Zoo, where it hauled staff and gear across the 700-acre property.
The white Troopy is instantly recognisable thanks to its green Crocodile Hunter branding splashed down the sides and bonnet, and it’s not just a showpiece. The odometer shows more than 415,000km of service, and under the bonnet lives a naturally aspirated 302-ci (4.9-litre) Cleveland Ford V8 backed by a four-speed manual gearbox.
It’s not entirely stock either. Over the years, it’s picked up unique chassis components, an alloy bull bar believed to date back to its Zoo days, and interior upgrades including 60-Series seats and a Pioneer stereo. The vehicle underwent major electrical and mechanical refurbishments in private hands after leaving the Zoo in 2013.
Why Terrain Tamer wanted it
What really caught Terrain Tamer’s eye was the suspension – the Troopy was already running the brand’s trademark yellow shocks. For General Manager Brent Hutchinson, that made the purchase feel like destiny.
“Over the years, customers have learned that if you just want a 4-inch lift, we’re probably not for you, but if you want to survive the outback and all of its demands, then Terrain Tamer Suspension should be your first choice,” he said.
Hutchinson reckons it’s fitting that the Croc Hunter Troopy wears their gear.
“LandCruisers are a cornerstone of Australian automotive culture, and the Troopy, in particular, is known for being rugged and practical. With the connection to Steve Irwin, there’s an overlap of cultural identity and automotive history beyond anything mechanical.”
What Terrain Tamer will do with it
Terrain Tamer hasn’t revealed long-term plans for Steve Irwin’s ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Troopy just yet, but fans won’t have to wait long to see it in the flesh. It’ll be on display at the Classic LandCruiser Expo & Car Show at Caboolture Showgrounds on 18 October.
Alongside its documentation and restoration records, the Troopy comes with a signed letter from Steve’s son Robert Irwin, cementing its place as a genuine piece of history.
Croc Hunter Troopy quick facts
Spec | Steve Irwin’s ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Troopy |
|---|---|
Model | 1982 Toyota LandCruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier |
Provenance | Ex-Australia Zoo workhorse owned by Steve Irwin |
Odometer | 415,426 km |
Engine | 4.9-litre (302ci) Cleveland Ford V8, 4-speed manual |
Modifications | Alloy bull bar, chassis tweaks, Terrain Tamer suspension, 60-Series seats, Pioneer stereo |
Livery | Green “The Crocodile Hunter™” branding |
Documentation | History booklet + signed Robert Irwin letter |
Auction | Sold via Collecting Cars in September |
Next appearance | Classic LandCruiser Expo, Caboolture, 18 October 2025 |
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