This is a Troop Carrier Land Cruiser, a long wheelbase model that was only sold in Australia.
The Land Cruiser has many fans and this version is very rarely seen in Japan which makes this a very desirable version for Land Cruiser fanatics.
This particular example is a 40-series model, this generation was very popular and became a best-seller, especially in the US, which led to it being manufactured for 24 years. It was also the first generation with diesel engines as an option and was designed with a greater emphasis on quality, making it even more reliable and more capable off-road. The styling, which retains a military look similar to the first generation, is also a reason for the car's popularity even today.
While originally from Australia, Mr Ikeda bought it by chance when he found it for sale in Hokkaido. At the time of purchase, the car had already been customised and it showed the previous owner's love for the Land Cruiser, this was also a deciding factor for the purchase.
Of particular note is the pop-up roof, which is similar to that fitted on a camping car. This further extends the spacious interior of the 'Troopie' and makes it comfortable to stand and work normally inside the vehicle.
It also features a large snorkel on the front-left side, giving it an even more purposeful look.
The interior is bare, as the nickname 'Troopie' suggests, it was originally designed as a vehicle to carry soldiers, so it resembles a military vehicle which is another appealing feature for many.
The interior and exterior both show signs of rust and wear, but the diesel engine runs well and the car was able to be driven to an event in Nagoya without any problems.
This is a classic Land Cruiser with a very rare and valuable Troop Carrier body. If you are an enthusiast, this is an example that cannot be overlooked.