Carl Montoya’s 1987 Land Cruiser Troopy is what dreams are made of. This build offers the attributes you want (or need) in a long-term overland vehicle. Significant preventative maintenance has been completed to ensure reliability. A nimble chassis featuring Old Man Emu leaf springs, BP-51 shocks, and a pair of ARB Air Lockers provide all the off-pavement capability you could ask for. The Trakka Bushman and plethora of Goose Gear cabinets (complete with fold-down bed) make any campsite feel like home. Honestly, all you need are the keys, a destination, and time—fill the dual tanks and take this HDJ75 on its next adventure. But, don’t be alarmed when you hit the wipers instead of the turn signals on this right-hand drive model!
From Carl:
“What I love about this vehicle is you can wheel it like a Land Cruiser and then camp in it in warmth and comfort like a camper van. It also is very unique, looks awesome, and drives well. You will get lots of attention and compliments in this vehicle. It also gets good fuel economy, and with the dual tanks, it has a crazy long range. It had lots of kilometers on it when I acquired it, like over 400,000 kilometers, but nearly everything has been replaced. I’ve driven it all over the western US and into Baja and would leave for a trip today. It’s a fantastic adventure vehicle for one to two people and can accommodate more on occasion for shorter trips. I can’t think of another vehicle that is so very capable off-road and a capable self-contained camper.”
Troopy Trakka Conversion
Chris Cordes described the Trakka conversion in an Expedition Portal Vehicle Feature on Carl’s Troopy: “For those who aren’t familiar with Trakka, think of them as the Australian Westfalia. The founder, Dave Berry, started converting VWs in the mid-1970s but soon realized that the Australian market needed something more rugged to tackle the Outback. His solution was a VW-style pop-top on the Land Cruiser Troop Carrier, and it would prove to be a smashing success. Fast forward about 40 years, and there’s now a cult following for Trakkas around the globe. Unfortunately, the Outback has taken its toll on their population, and the number of them in drivable condition is dwindling.”
Distinguishing Features
Both Carl and the previous owner have put countless hours, time, blood, sweat, and tears into this Land Cruiser. The long list of thoughtful upgrades makes this evident. It’s a who’s who of reputable aftermarket companies and products.
Additional distinguishing features include:
- Low kilometer (100,000) 1HD-FT 4.2-liter I-6 engine, swapped and installed by Torfab with aftermarket G-turbo and PDI intercooler complete with all new belts, hoses, seals, fluids, and aluminum radiator
- Scheelman seats with electric seat heaters, armrests, premium upholstery, and custom mounts with sliding tracks
- New OEM Toyota H55 Transmission with appropriate input shaft and rebuilt transfer case.
- ARB Front bumper, ARB intensity lights, Warn Winch with synthetic rope, and Factor 55 thimble.
- 35×11.50R17 Nitto Ridge Grapplers on Genuine Toyota TRD Pro Wheels
This 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy is listed for $110,000 and is currently located in Cashmere, Washington. Check out the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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