The Toyota Troopy is my favourite overland vehicle of all time. Sure, there are many rigs I love and admire, but if I had to choose just one it would be an easy decision. So, what makes this platform so special? A lot of vehicles are adapted for remote off-grid travel, but the Troopy was built from the factory for this purpose. This iconic 4WD is designed to famously “get you out there, and get you back.” It’s subsequently the vehicle of choice for almost all frontline agencies and has a reputation for bulletproof reliability and excellent capability. We’ve recently featured several expedition-ready examples including this 1993 Troop Carrier, a 1994 FZJ75, and a HZJ78 overland camper. Unsurprisingly, this platform is one of the most desirable options for round-the-world trips, with plenty of online resources and inspiration to enjoy. A few of my favourites are The Way Overland, Live Work Wander, and Aidan Klimenko. Today’s nuts-and-bolts-restored 1985 HDJ75 showcases a modified 4.0-liter 12H-T turbo-diesel engine and premium modifications. It is the perfect blank canvas for an overland build.
From the Seller:
“Meticulously maintained RHD HDJ75 that had a complete frame-off restoration done in 2017. Licensed and registered in the USA with a clear title. She cruises comfortably at 70+ mph and gets between 17-19 mpg. When she was restored, we swapped out the OEM normally aspirated diesel engine with a low-mile 12H-T turbo-diesel engine from Japan—it’s basically a direct bolt-in converted to 12VDC from 24VDC. The 12H-T is considered one of the most reliable diesel engines ever produced and was offered for a few years in 60-Series luxury Land Cruisers in Japan. This car is uncommonly fast as well as fuel efficient and will run away from the current Land Cruisers with the normally aspirated 1HZ 4.2-liter diesel engine. This car is truly a unique vehicle that’s comfortable for long road trips as well as overlanding on dirt roads.”
1985 Toyota HDJ75 Land Cruiser Troopy
Today’s HDJ75 has been fitted with a 4.0-liter 12H-T motor, which from the factory produces 134 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. However, this example has been upgraded with a new turbocharger, so stock performance has been upgraded significantly. A powerful engine is matched with legendary all-terrain capability thanks to 4WD, high and low range, front (Eaton electronic) and rear (ARB) lockers, snorkel, and more. The Troopy is designed to be a utilitarian vehicle and is subsequently not luxurious inside. That said, today’s offering does feature Corbeau front seats, USB charge points, LED headlights, and air-conditioning.
Distinguishing Features
- ARB compressor
- Old Man Emu 50-millimeter lift with Bilstein shocks
- Mickey Thompson wheels with all-terrain tires
- Auxiliary 20-gallon fuel tank
- Custom front bumper and rear bumper with two swingouts
- Warn winch
- Highway Products bed slide
This 1985 Toyota HDJ75 Land Cruiser Troopy is listed for $50,000 and is currently located in Colorado. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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