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It's the real deal: Irwin's Troopie, formerly at home at Queensland's Australia Zoo.
Any classic Toyota Land Cruiser in pristine condition is a headline-graber when it comes up for auction. But a vehicle once owned by late celebrity conservationist and zookeeper Steve Irwin is on another level.
Collecting Cars is currently offering the Crocodile Hunter’s 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier. The Troopie was a proper working vehicle, once on duty at Queensland’s Australia Zoo, a 700-acre facility that today continues Irwin’s stated mission of conservation through education.
It’s far from standard. Powered by a 4.9-litre Cleveland Ford V8 engine and indicating an 415,426km from new, the long wheelbase Land Cruiser features various unique chassis and body details, including the HJ47 Troop Carrier body with evidence of ute chassis components. There’s a rear crossmember from a ute model and extra cab mount supports.
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The vehicle’s distinctive aluminium bull bar is understood to date from its time at Australia Zoo.
The vehicle is adorned with green-coloured “The Crocodile Hunter” lettering in the authentic typeface, along the sides and bonnet. It comes with a history booklet and a letter from Steve’s son, Robert Irwin, authenticating the vehicle’s provenance.
“This special Toyota Land Cruiser represents an important piece of Australian history and culture,” says Lee Hallett, head of APAC at Collecting Cars.
The vehicle’s seller acquired it directly from Australia Zoo in 2013. It subsequently underwent extensive mechanical refurbishment, an electrical system overhaul and other improvements during its current 12-year ownership.
Bidding is currrently active and closes Monday 1 September 2025.
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