1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy Restored

Location: Dallas, Texas

Why It's Curated: This 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy is for sale in Dallas, Tx. This exceptionally rare Troopy represents one of the most coveted Land Cruiser variants never officially sold in the US market. With just 42,000 actual miles and a complete restoration in 2024, this diesel-powered workhorse showcases the legendary 1HZ 4.2L inline-six engine paired with a proper 5-speed manual transmission—a combination prized by enthusiasts for its bulletproof reliability and torque delivery. The Troopy's distinctive high-roof configuration and rear-facing seating made it the preferred choice for safari operators and remote expeditions worldwide. Finding one in this condition, fully restored with no known flaws, is extraordinarily difficult. The beige exterior and tan leather interior maintain the authentic aesthetic while the Yokohama A/T tires on 16-inch wheels preserve the utilitarian character that made these vehicles legendary.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy represents the pinnacle of Toyota's utilitarian design philosophy, developed specifically for harsh commercial and expedition use in markets outside North America. Built on the robust 70 Series platform that debuted in 1984, the Troopy variant featured a distinctive high-roof body configuration with rear-facing bench seating, making it the preferred choice for safari operators, mining companies, and remote area transport across Africa, Australia, and South America. The 1HZ 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel inline-six engine, paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivered exceptional torque and legendary reliability in extreme conditions. This powertrain combination became synonymous with unstoppable performance, capable of running hundreds of thousands of miles with minimal maintenance—a critical requirement for operators in regions where service infrastructure was virtually non-existent. What makes the Troopy particularly significant among Land Cruiser variants is its purpose-built commercial DNA and extreme rarity in North American markets. Unlike the luxury-oriented 80 Series sold domestically, the 70 Series Troopy maintained Toyota's original utilitarian ethos with solid front and rear axles, manual locking differentials, and spartan but functional interiors designed for durability over comfort. The high-roof configuration provided exceptional interior space and visibility, while the rear-facing seating arrangement became iconic in adventure tourism. Today, these vehicles command premium prices among collectors who recognize them as the last true expression of Toyota's uncompromising approach to off-road capability, representing a direct lineage to the original FJ40 that established the Land Cruiser's legendary reputation for conquering the world's most challenging terrain.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1997
Make: Toyota
Model: Land Cruiser
Trim: Troopy
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 42000
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 5
Engine: 1HZ Diesel Engine 6 Cylinder Inline 4.2L
Exterior Color: Beige
Interior Color: Tan/Brown
State of Registration: Texas
Vehicle Location: Dallas, Texas
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes:

Wheel Size and Offset: No offset size 16
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: R16 Yokohama A/T

Exterior & Interior:  

Leather interior
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: Yes

Recent Maintenance:
Complete restoration in 2024:

New paint
Engine, transmission and suspension all OEM no modifications.
-New timing belt
-New timing cover gasket
-New Toyota drive belts
-New Camshaft oil seal
-New front bearings
-New knuckle rebuilt
-New Battery
-New brake pads
-New Safari Snorkle
-New Rear shocks
-ARB style Bull Bar
-New Yellow Fog lights
-New Pioneer multimedia Bluetooth wireless
-new upholstery seats front and rear

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
None