The Toyota Blog

This is the story of how I found my very rare, 1989 HJ75 Land Cruiser Troopie...

I always wanted a Land Cruiser, ever since I had to deliver one for which I installed a 2 way radio. My dad also drove a few during his career. Man, what a monster. The rumble of the Four Litre Diesel combustion is enough to give any man goosebumps. UNSTOPPABLE. It literally sounds bigger that it looks, but don't let size fool you. Every time I saw a Land Cruiser drive past I would say to my Girlfriend: "There goes my bakkie..." with a distant look in my eye. Then one day...

I went to a client of ours in Woodmead. Not knowing if parkings were reserved, I marked a few cars in my mind, along with their location, for when I come here again, I can see that if they are standing on the same spot, meaning the parkings are thus reserved. One of these happened to be a Landcruiser, a car that I would remember easily.

The next time I went there (about two months later) I found that none of the cars were parked on the same spots, except for one: The Land Cruiser. As fate would want it, the only open parking was right in front of the Land Cruiser. So I parked there. Upon observing this Cruiser from a closer distance, I saw that it was covered in about 5mm's of dust! This one must have been standing here for a while? Well anyway, off to work I went.

That afternoon, before I left, I went to see the facilities manager and asked him what the story is with the Land Cruiser in the parking lot. Surely as a reputable company they wouldn't like dusty wrecks standing in their parking lot? He told me that it is an expat's Cruiser and he wants to sell it for... wait for it... R50 000!!! I immediately told the facilities manager to send me the owner's contact details ASAP! On my way out, I drooled over the van a little bit before I left for home.

By pure co-incedence I drove past a workshop where there were ONLY Land Cruisers in the driveway. I went inside, and funny enough, one of my friends were there aswell! I asked them what they think of this deal. They asked me features and the looks and shape of the Cruiser. As I explained to them they became LYRICAL! "Its a Troopie! Its a Troopie" - "Troopie" being a very, very rare Land Cruiser in SA, as it was only privately imported to SA privately, with numbers totaling less than 10 in the country! It is a collector's item as well!? The Friendly guys at the Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa also gave me good advice, and some even wanted to buy it off me directly! But wait, I haven't bought it... yet.

3 weeks went by and no word from the facilities manager. I phoned him again, waited another 2 weeks. I phoned him AGAIN. He then told me that the owner changed departments, and he does not have his contact details anymore. I told him: "JUST GIVE ME A NAME, PLEAAAAASE!" And so he did...

I then went on Facebook and searched the name. Many results popped up. I rephrased my search, adding the company name to my search. 1 Result popped up. I took the chance and messaged the guy with my details, explaining that, if I have reached the right person, he must please contact me. I am interested.

BULLS-EYE the next day he replied. It was the right guy!!!! But now he wanted R80 000 for it, as he wants to sell it along with all the extras. Still not bad, but I offered him R70 000... and he accepted the offer! I went to see the vehicle once more with him and when we opened it, MAN there was so many extras! Drawer system, water tank and pump, gas bottles, recovery kits, you name it! Then took it for a spin and fell in love immediately!

Well then, we sealed the deal. He then told me to come to his storage so that I can pick up some of the other accessories. WHAT? There I was given a 12v Freezer, rooftop tent, gas stove new upholstery etc etc WOW!!!

I then proceeded to go home with my catch, gave it a proper service and a good scrub to get rid of all that dust. She also passed the roadworthy test with flying colors! I then Christened her with a bottle of Champagne broken over the bumper: "BOSVARK"

I since got married, and BOSVARK was our honeymoon vehicle AND accommodation! I should've called it "Lucky packet" as I am still finding items inside it which I never knew was there.

What a gem - a real diamond in the rough...