Steve Irwin’s LandCruiser goes to auction

A classic LandCruiser that’s also a piece of Australian cultural history has gone to auction with Collecting Cars. This Australian-delivered 1982 HJ47 Troop Carrier had previously been owned by the late Steve Irwin and used extensively at the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo in Queensland.

Differing from a stock 1982 HJ47 in several areas, the ex-Irwin Troopie features a 302 Windsor V8 in place of the factory 4.0lt diesel or petrol six-cylinder. In addition, a rear crossmember from a LandCruiser ute has been fitted, along with extra cab mount supports, an aluminium bullbar, and 60 Series front seats.

Who fitted the V8 – and when – is unclear, but it’s believed the other mods were added during Irwin’s ownership. In the early 2000s, with its working life at an end, the Troopie went on display at Australia Zoo, with its doors removed and a tinnie strapped to the roof.

It was in this spec when Australia Zoo put it up for auction via eBay in 2013. The winning bidders were a Sunshine Coast family who were big Steve Irwin fans. They began an extensive refurbishment for the vehicle that included attending to the V8, four-speed manual transmission and other mechanicals, an overhaul of the electrics, some rust repair, sourcing and fitting doors, refreshing the interior, a repaint and replicating the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ signage on the front and sides of the vehicle.

Some modern upgrades, in the form of a Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth and additional speakers, plus LED rear lights and new dashboard instruments, have been added, with extra sound deadening also fitted to the roof. Recent work (in 2023) includes a new radiator, new fluids, new suspension bushes and shock absorbers, a replacement handbrake assembly, a new fan belt and starter motor, plus various electrical repairs.

After 12 years of family ownership, this Troopie is now being offered at auction with Collecting Cars. The listed mileage of 415,426km is believed to be genuine, but the seller advises there are areas of rust that would need attention in the future.

A booklet detailing the purchase and restoration of the vehicle, that also includes a letter from Robert Irwin, will be included with the sale.

The Collecting Cars auction for this unique, ex-Steve Irwin HJ47 LandCruiser opened on 24 August and closes on 1 September, 2025. Click HERE for details and to bid.