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With 415,426 km on the clock, this Steve Irwin-owned 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier has certainly put in a good innings exploring the corners of Australia as part of “The Croc Hunter” DVD and books series. Now, it’s your chance to get your hands on a piece of history as it’s going up for auction at Collecting Cars on Sunday, 24 August 2025, and closes Monday, 1 September 2025.
Having previously spent time roaming around the zoo, the Irwin family put the 4WD up for sale in 2013, listing it on eBay after “quite a bit of consideration,” according to an email written by Robert Irwin and addressed to the current owner, Irwin-obsessed Sunshine Coast local, John Robertson.
“When the decision was made originally to part ways with the vehicle, it took quite a bit of consideration, as it had been with us for so many years. But, we felt (and hoped) that it was an opportunity for it to live out another life with someone who appreciated it. You certainly fulfilled that, and then some,” reads the email. After a significant restoration, Robertson is listing the vehicle for auction, having already given Robert Irwin first right of refusal.
When Robertson won the auction, he couldn’t believe his luck. He’d purchased the vehicle because his eldest son, Archer, “was absolutely obsessed with Steve,” and “I knew that I had to buy it, to keep it on the Sunny Coast, and to have it for my kids.” Now that John’s kids have grown up, it’s time to move on from the vehicle and list it for auction, but not before giving Irwin his first right of refusal. “If you’d like to purchase it, please let me know a figure that you feel is fair,” reads the booklet shared with Irwin.
Extensive work was done to return the 4WD to its former glory, and then some, but plenty of rust remains. John purchased the car on eBay more than a decade ago and undertook a restoration.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 4.9-litre (302 cubic inch) Cleveland Ford V8 engine. While power and torque figures haven’t been shared, expect around 200HP at the crankshaft, which is more than enough for an old Troopie like this. The electrical system has been overhauled, and other improvements have been made during its current 12-year ownership, with Collecting Cars identifying HJ47 Troop Carrier body with evidence of ute chassis components, a rear crossmember from a ute model, and extra cab mount supports.
The vehicle’s aluminium bull bar is believed to date back to its time at Australia Zoo. It’s joined by reproduced green-coloured ‘The Crocodile Hunter™’ lettering along the sides and bonnet.
“This special Toyota LandCruiser represents an important piece of Australian history and culture,” said Lee Hallett, Head of APAC at Collecting Cars.
If you want to get your hands on Steve Irwin’s V8-Swapped ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Toyota LandCruiser this is your chance. It’s heading to auction at Collecting Cars on Sunday, 24 August 2025, and closes Monday, 1 September 2025. While it’s tough to estimate a price, clean HJ47 LandCruisers fetch between $40,000 and $80,000, and we wouldn’t expect it to sell for less than $60,000 in its current condition.
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