It’s the kind of story that makes both revheads and wildlife tragics mist up into their XXXX cans: Steve Irwin’s old LandCruiser – the faithful Troop Carrier that once rattled around Queensland wrangling crocs, snakes and probably the odd traffic cop – is heading to auction.
The 1982 Toyota HJ47 Troopie, a white beast scarred by decades of frontline service, isn’t just any old paddock-basher. This is the Crocodile Hunter’s ride, a car with more tales than a zoo full of kangaroos. And thanks to Collecting Cars – the online marketplace where people with more money than sense (and a deep love for four-wheel-drives) go to shop – you could soon be parking this slice of history in your own driveway.
Sure, it’s got 415,426km on the clock – or in Aussie terms, “just run in”. Sure, it’s been tinkered with over the years, boasting a 4.9-litre Cleveland Ford V8 heart, bits nicked from a ute chassis, and an aluminium bull bar tough enough to bounce a buffalo. But it also still wears its “Crocodile Hunter™” livery like a badge of honour, a reminder that this car once carted Steve, khaki shorts and all, to and from his larger-than-life adventures.
Robert Irwin himself even signed off on the Troopie’s authenticity, which is handy if you’re the type who worries about buying a fake celebrity car off Facebook Marketplace.
Since being bought from Australia Zoo in 2013, the Cruiser has spent 12 years under the wrench, receiving a full mechanical refresh, electrical overhauls and enough TLC to keep it cruising for another few decades. So, while it may have once smelled like mud, croc poo and adrenalin, it now comes roadworthy and ready for its next big adventure – whether that’s outback exploration or just a trip to Bunnings.
The online auction kicks off Sunday, August 24, 2025, and wraps up Monday, September 1, 2025. Bidders can head to collectingcars.com to try their luck.
So if you’ve ever wanted to own a 4WD with more star power than a Hollywood SUV convoy – and with actual proof it once carted around one of Australia’s most beloved icons – this is your chance.
Crikey, just don’t try to use it to catch crocodiles. Some jobs are best left to the professionals.
Images: Collecting Cars, Instagram
