What Is a Troopy Car?
The Troopy car nickname is uniquely Australian. The Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier is sold in many markets worldwide but only Australian owners universally shorten the name to Troopy. The vehicle has become so embedded in Australian outback travel culture that the word is now used to refer to any long-wheelbase Landcruiser wagon regardless of model year.
This guide covers what a Troopy car is, the difference between the 75 and 78 Series, and what makes the platform unique.
1. The Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier
The Troop Carrier is part of the Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series range, which has been in continuous production since 1984. The 70 Series covers the 76 Wagon, 78 Troop Carrier, and 79 Single and Dual Cab utes. All share the same ladder chassis, drivetrain options and 4WD architecture - they differ only in body style.
2. 75 Series Troopy (1985 to 1999)
The 75 Series Troopy was the original. Sold from 1985 with naturally-aspirated diesels (2H, 3B and 1HZ), it has a narrower body than the 78 that replaced it. The 75 Troopy is now a sought-after vintage Landcruiser for owners who prize mechanical simplicity over modern features.
3. 78 Series Troopy (1999 to Present)
The 78 Series Troop Carrier replaced the 75 in 1999 with a wider, larger body and modernised cab. Engine choices have moved from 1HZ (1999-2007) to V8 1VD-FTV 4.5L (2007 to late 2024) to the current 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder (late 2024 onward). Factory GVM has stayed at 3,300 kg across the 78 production run.
4. What Makes the Troopy Different
The Troopy has a flat cargo floor accessed by side-opening rear barn doors. There is no fixed second-row bench seat - the rear seats fold flat to create one large cargo area. This is what makes the Troopy the dominant base for camper conversions in Australia: the flat floor takes a full drawer system, bed platform and standing-height pop-top conversion.
5. Why Owners Pick Troopies
Owners pick the Troopy over a Dual Cab or 76 Wagon for one of three reasons. First, they want to build a self-contained camper with internal sleeping space - the Troopy's flat floor and barn doors are unique in the range. Second, they want maximum cargo volume for working or commercial use - the long-wheelbase wagon body holds more than any 79 Series tray. Third, they want the off-road capability of the 70 Series in an enclosed wagon body that protects gear from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Troopy car?
The Toyota Landcruiser Troop Carrier - a three-door long-wheelbase wagon variant of the 70 Series. Available as the 75 Series (1985-1999) and 78 Series (1999-present).
Why is it called a Troopy?
The Australian nickname for the Troop Carrier. Originally a military personnel carrier (10-seat or 11-seat troop transport configuration), the name stuck and is now universal in Australian 4WD culture.
What engine is in a Troopy?
Depends on year. Current 78 Troopy (late 2024 onward) uses the 2.8L 1GD-FTV four-cylinder turbo-diesel. 2007 to late 2024 used the V8 1VD-FTV 4.5L. Pre-2007 78 Troopies and all 75 Series used naturally-aspirated diesels.
