I’ve always had a fascination with overlanding and the unique vehicles that make such journeys possible. The thrill of exploration, the open road, and the ability to create a home wherever you park—there’s something magical about it. My love for camper vehicles goes way back to my childhood. My uncle had a Volkswagen Kombi T2, a marvel of innovation to my young mind. The back seat benches faced each other, and in the centre was a table that, with a bit of magic, transformed into a bed. Add to that a Stanley flask filled with coffee for the road, and you had the perfect recipe for adventure.
Perfect Camper
Fast forward about 15 years ago, I was on a beer trip, heading to Cape Town’s BREWERS & UNION bar. It was nestled in the basement of an 18th-century church on Riebeek Square, a spot filled with history and character. I had a bit of time to kill before my meeting, so I decided to drive up Lion’s Head. As I made my way down, I spotted it—the perfect camper, a Defender with a roof conversion. It was love at first sight, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. Deep down, I knew a Land Rover wasn’t an option, having grown up in a family that swore by Land Cruisers. But still, the dream lingered.
Years later, during the pandemic, with way too much time on my hands, I found myself watching endless YouTube documentaries about Unimogs and Defenders conquering continents. Then, one channel reintroduced me to the Land Cruiser Troopy—a beast of a vehicle with its own tribe of devoted followers. And when I discovered that there was a roof conversion for it, the stars began to align.
Image: 4xOverland.
The Search Begins
Once the Troopy bug bit, I couldn’t shake it off. I began searching everywhere, but finding one wasn’t easy. None of the dealerships had stock. Occasionally, one would pop up on Autotrader, but the price always made me hesitate. Was I ready to spend that much?
In February 2023, while heading to Pretoria, I spotted a few Troopies on Autotrader. My heart raced. Some were at dealers in Silverton, and two were listed at WeBuyCars in Silverlakes. One was a high-mileage vehicle, and the other had only 9,000 km on the clock. I figured it would be a good opportunity to compare. Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, the high-mileage Troopy was already gone, and most of the other listings had vanished as well. I took a look at the 2021 model, and it was pristine. But still, I hesitated.
Weeks passed, and the Troopy market seemed to dwindle. Dealers warned me that Toyota South Africa no longer listed the Troopy for sale. “If you see one, buy it,” they said. Yet, I wasn’t ready to pull the trigger. There was only one left, the one in Silverlakes. I visited again, got a trade-in price for my beloved Fortuner, and even arranged for the finances. Just as I was about to take it for a test drive, a salesman slapped a “SOLD” sign on it. Someone in Cape Town had beaten me to it. Oddly, I felt relieved.
Fate Works in Mysterious Ways
A few weeks later, while on a trip to Cape Town, I made a pilgrimage to the AluCab headquarters. And there it was. My Troopy, the very one that had been snatched away from me at WeBuyCars, standing in the parking lot, waiting for its Hercules Roof Conversion. The irony wasn’t lost on me, but I carried on with my beer expedition in my trusted Fortuner.
Months and 12,000 km later, I returned home. The Fortuner had served me well, but the dream of owning a Troopy still lingered. Then, one day, I got a notification from Autotrader—a Land Cruiser Troopy was listed for sale at Rand Stadium Toyota. I called immediately. Vusumuzi, the salesperson, told me there was no Troopy, only a Land Cruiser 300. Disappointed, I hung up. But moments later, my phone rang again. “I found it!” Vusumuzi said. This time, I wasn’t taking any chances.
For a R5,000 deposit, they held the vehicle for seven working days. I made arrangements, took the leap, and finally, the Beer Troopy was mine.
A New Adventure Begins
The search for my Troopy was long and winding, but the journey made it all worthwhile. Now, with my 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Troopy, complete with a Roof Conversion, I’m ready to explore South Africa, one pint at a time. This vehicle is more than just a camper—it’s the perfect overlanding companion, ready to tackle any adventure I throw at it. And as I hit the road with the Beer Troopy, I know I’m in for countless unforgettable memories, coffee breaks, and beers shared with friends across this beautiful country.
Stay tuned as the Beer Troopy and I embark on our journey of discovery, finding the hidden gems and stories that make South Africa so unique. Cheers to the road ahead!