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.”
This story is from the September 2020 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
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This story is from the September 2020 edition of 4x4 Magazine Australia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
OUTBACK WATERING HOLES
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BIG COUNTRY
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ISLAND PARADISE
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WEIGHTLIFTING
INCREASING THE GVM OF YOUR 4X4 SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, BUT BY THE SAME TOKEN SHOULD NOT BE AVOIDED IF YOU NEED IT. WE GO THROUGH THE PROCESS ON OUR FORD RANGER TO EXPLAIN HOW TO GET IT RIGHT
NOW HEAR THIS
THE CEL-FI GO MOBILE BOOSTER WILL KEEP EMAILS, MESSAGES AND CALLS COMING THROUGH TO YOUR DEVICES WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE IS HEARING CRICKETS
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TRUCKIN' LIFE
CAN FORD AUSTRALIA'S NEW F-150 BE AN ACCOMPLISHED OFF-ROAD TOURING 4X4?
WHAT LURKS BENEATH
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EYE OF THE HURRICANE
RAM HAS DUMPED ITS HEMI V8FOR A SIX-CYLINDER, AND IT'S COMING TO AUSTRALIA
GETTING TANKED
GWM EXPANDS IT TANK 4X4 RANGE WITH THE LUXURIOUS TANK 500 WAGON
