If you grew up watching Malcolm Douglas’ films or simply love Australian 4WD history, this is one display you won’t want to miss!
When legendary Australian adventurer Malcolm Douglas passed away in 2010, his faithful Troopy sat for years rotting away, until the idea came to bring it back to life. In 2022, the Douglas family and the team from the 4WD Adventure Show stepped in to give the old car a full restoration, bringing it to Perth from Broome and leaving it in the hands of Gary and the team from Rust Worx.
It’s been a very long process restoring Malcolm’s old Troopy. Many, many hours have been spent replacing panels and seals, taking off the roof for repairs, and of course putting it all back together again. A new paint job has made it look the way it did when it was new, and of course the vehicle has been kitted out with all the latest accessories. The engine is one of the best – the same powerful Toyota 1HDFTE which was in the vehicle when Malcolm got it new.
Malcolm was a simple traveller. All he needed was a couple of canvas bags thrown in the back which had his cooking equipment, a billy, and of course his swag thrown on the roof rack so he could sleep under the stars. However he also always had his old faithful Engel fridge in the back which served him well on his more than 30 trips around Australia.
In the new restoration, we worked with Malcolm’s old sponsors – as well as some new ones – to complete the vehicle. Engel, Tyrepower, Supafit Seat Covers, ARB, Terrain Tamer 4WD all contributed products for the restoration.
Malcolm Douglas will always be remembered as a pioneer in 4WDing and camping films. In the 1960s, Malcolm set off in the bush with a vehicle and a camera and never looked back! He made many films and documentaries during his time, many of which are still watched and cherished today.
And now Malcolm’s grandson Owen is stepping in to keep the journey alive! Owen is one of the presenters with The 4WD Adventure Show on Channel 7, as well as running the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park in Broome. Owen will be heading out in the newly restored Troopy and enjoying exploring Australia the way his grandfather did before him – and we all know that Malcolm will be along with him in spirit!
CHECK OUT MALCOLM’S TROOPY AT THE 4WD SHOW, NEXT TO THE ENGEL BUSH CAMP STAGE!