It is a sight that will stir the heart of any Aussie motoring enthusiast and wildlife fan alike – a rugged LandCruiser from another era, peppered with scars and stories from the frontlines of conservation. Now, the 1982 Toyota LandCruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier, once the trusty workhorse of the late Steve Irwin, is heading to auction, offered by Collecting Cars, the leading online marketplace for collectible vehicles.
The Crocodile Hunter’s wheels
Steve Irwin needs little introduction. Born in 1962, he grew up wrestling wildlife and dreaming bigger than most, eventually earning fame worldwide as the exuberant Crocodile Hunter. With infectious energy and an unyielding commitment to wildlife preservation, Steve became an ambassador for Australia’s unique creatures, transforming Queensland’s Australia Zoo into a global landmark for conservation and education. After his tragic passing in 2006, Steve’s legacy has only grown, propelled by the tireless work of his family and the ever-expanding reach of his mission – “conservation through education.”
More than just a LandCruiser
The Troop Carrier represents more than just a set of wheels. During its years of service at Australia Zoo, this hard-working ‘Troopie’ became a familiar sight: a white, long-wheelbase beast adorned with green “The Crocodile Hunter™” lettering along its sides and bonnet. Powered by a robust 4.9-litre Cleveland Ford V8 engine, the vehicle boasts an eye-watering 415,426km – a testament to a life lived with purpose. Unique features, such as chassis components from a ute and an original aluminium bull bar, speak to its history and utilitarian modifications made over decades of fieldwork. It is accompanied by a history booklet and an authenticity letter penned by Steve’s son, Robert Irwin, verifying its provenance.
“This special Toyota LandCruiser represents an important piece of Australian history and culture,” says Lee Hallett, Head of APAC at Collecting Cars, underscoring the vehicle’s significance for collectors, enthusiastsand fans of Irwin alike.
A piece of history restored
The HJ47’s current owner bought it directly from Australia Zoo in 2013 and has invested 12 years in its careful restoration. The Troopie underwent a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment, an electrical system overhaul, and targeted improvements to preserve its legacy while ensuring it remains roadworthy for a new chapter.
Auction details
Online bidding for this iconic 4WD opens on Sunday, August 24, 2025, and closes on Monday, September 1, 2025. Interested buyers can view the vehicle and its full provenance at collectingcars.com, with the winning bid claiming not just a rare LandCruiser but a bona fide slice of Australian history.
For anyone who grew up watching Steve take on crocodiles, snakes, or the untamed wilds of Queensland, this auction is not just about a car – it is about the enduring legacy of a man who changed the way the world sees wildlife, one adventure at a time.
Proudly Australian owned and operated