SUPER TROOPER

TALLER, WIDER AND WILDER THAN ANY TROOPY WE’VE SEEN BEFORE, THIS STUNNING CRUISER IS READY FOR ADVENTURE.

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

VICTORIAN Scott Round wanted something different for his 70 Series LandCruiser build and forwent the common LC79 ute for a Troop Carrier with the works. In doing so, he created the first LC78 to be fitted with Marks 4WD portal axles, but that’s not all there is to his unique Troopy.

The venerable Troop Carrier is the 4x4 vehicle of choice for so many adventurous travellers due to it’s outback-proven heavy duty platform and the ability to accommodate a couple for self-sufficient remote-area touring. The Troopy body hasn’t changed much in 35 years, so there are a host of modifications and equipment you can get for them with some clever camper conversions done professionally and by enthusiasts.

The Troopy is also popular with surfers and it was this that attracted Scott to the versatile model.

“To me, it’s just the ultimate setup,” says Scott who lists surfing, snowboarding and camping among his favourite ways to get away from work. “Travelling and exploring are important to me, just to get away and break the everyday grind.”

Scott’s work 4x4 is a nicely kitted up Ranger, but he was looking to take a vehicle to the next level for this build. Extra Large in more ways than one.

POP-TOP PICK

“I wanted something I could hop in the driver’s seat, start the key and be gone for a weekend, a month, or two, or more,” he explained.

“I always loved the idea of the Troop Carrier with a rooftop conversion – it’s an icon of Australian adventure,” he says. “I also wanted something unique that hadn’t been done, and the idea of putting a 78 on portals has intrigued me.”