Terrain Tamer have purchased a Toyota LandCruiser Troop Carrier that was previously owned by Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin; beating other bidders to win a highly publicised Auction through the Collecting Cars site.
Previously used at Irwin’s Australia Zoo on QLD’s Sunshine Coast as an everyday workhorse for carrying staff and equipment across the 700-acre property, the 1982 HJ47 Troop Carrier has over 415,000 kilometres on the odometer and still displays the infamous green Crocodile Hunter branding, known world over.
The Crocodile Hunter Troopy has been fitted with a 4.9-litre Cleveland Ford V8 engine instead of the standard diesel and has undergone mechanical and electrical refurbishment while in possession of its previous owners, a Sunshine Coast family who purchased it from the Zoo through eBay in 2013.
This refurbishment included the fitment of Terrain Tamer suspension components, with the prominent yellow shock absorbers grabbing the attention of the brand’s team, while casually browsing the listing online.
Started in Melbourne in 1969, Terrain Tamer has since grown to offer a 60,000 strong catalogue of 4WD parts and now exports into 80 countries around the world, through 10 branches in Australia and a further 9 in international locations.
Terrain Tamer parts are researched, engineered and manufactured for heavy duty 4WD use, often to the company’s own unique tooling, to either meet or exceed Original Equipment specifications, so it came as no surprise to the brand’s team that they would be the choice for the iconic vehicle.
“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” said General Manager, Brent Hutchinson.
“One customer recently shared that he believes the industry perception is that Terrain Tamer are the best parts around for hard working LandCruisers, so it feels like a natural fit that this Troopy would be fitted with our suspension and should come to us, where it can be shared with other enthusiasts and operators who appreciate it’s significance”, he said.
“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,” said Hutchinson.
The Crocodile Hunter Troopy comes complete with extensive documentation detailing modifications from its zoo service history, and a restoration record, as well as supporting provenance documentation, and a signed letter from Steve Irwin’s son, Robert.
Long term plans for the Crocodile Hunter Troopy are still undecided; however the vehicle will be on display at Terrain Tamer’s stand, at The Classic Landcruiser Expo & Car Show at Caboolture Showgrounds on October 18th. For more information, visit terraintamer.com
