Terrain Tamer purchase ‘Steve Irwin’ LandCruiser

The classic LandCruiser formerly belonging to the late Steve Irwin and used extensively at the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo in Queensland has a new owner. Offered at auction through Collecting Cars in August, the winning bid on the Australian-delivered 1982 HJ47 Troop Carrier was made by 4x4 parts and suspension specialists, Terrain Tamer.

Differing from a stock HJ47 in several areas, the ex-Irwin Troopie had been fitted with a Ford 302ci V8 in place of the factory 4.0lt diesel/petrol six-cylinder. The rear crossmember from a LandCruiser ute had also been fitted, presumably to add strength, 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 made during Irwin’s ownership.

After many years of use, then as a static display at Australia Zoo, the Troopy was auctioned via eBay in 2013. The winning bidder, a Sunshine Coast family, were big Steve Irwin fans. They began an extensive mechanical refurbishment of the vehicle, an overhaul of the electrics, some rust repair, sourcing and fitting doors, refreshing the interior, a repaint, and replicating the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ signage.

The refurbishment also included fitting Terrain Tamer suspension, which is what attracted the company to the vehicle when it to auction with Collecting Cars. Terrain Tamer placed the winning bid, securing not just a classic LandCruiser, but a piece of Australian cultural history.

“LandCruisers are a cornerstone of Australian automotive culture, and the Troopy, in particular, is known for being rugged and practical,” said Terrain Tamer’s General Manager, Brent Hutchison. “With the connection to Steve Irwin, there’s an overlap of cultural identity and automotive history beyond anything mechanical.

“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 its significance.”

As purchased, the ex-Irwin Crocodile Hunter Troopy came with extensive documentation detailing modifications from its Australia Zoo history, plus a restoration record and signed letter from Steve’s son, Robert Irwin.

Terrain Tamer’s long-term plans for the Crocodile Hunter Troopy are to be decided, although they did display it at Queensland’s Classic LandCruiser Expo in October, and will likely present it at 4x4 shows in the future, so keep an eye out for it at events where Terrain Tamer are present.

Founded in Melbourne by Don Kyatt in 1969, Terrain Tamer has grown to ten branches in Australia and a further nine in international locations. Terrain Tamer’s 60,000-product catalogue of 4x4 parts are sold all over Australia and also exported to 80 countries globally.

All Terrain Tamer parts are researched, engineered and manufactured for heavy duty 4x4 use - often with the company’s own unique tooling - to meet or exceed OEM specifications, so it came as no surprise to the brand’s team that they would be the choice for upgrading the Crocodile Hunter Troopy.

“Over the years, customers have learned that if you just want a 4-inch lift, we’re probably not for you,” Hutchinson added. “But if you want to survive the outback and all of its demands, then Terrain Tamer Suspension should be your first choice.”