The Project Story
From forgotten camper to outback explorer — the full story of Chinook Overlander.
What the Chinook Is
A rare 1978 Toyota Chinook — a fibreglass camper body originally built on an early Hilux. An oddball adventure vehicle decades ahead of the overlanding trend.
Why It's Rare
Few were built, fewer survive, and almost none in a state worth transforming. The character of the body is irreplaceable — but the running gear underneath was never built for what's coming.
Why It's Being Rebuilt
Rather than a faithful restoration, this is a complete reimagining: the vintage body onto a modified 1997 LandCruiser 80 Series chassis, with a 6.0-litre V8, a six-speed automatic and a fully custom electrical platform.
What It Will Become
A highly capable, Australian-engineered overland vehicle — vintage on the outside, modern engineering underneath, complied for the road and prepared for remote travel.
Where It Will Travel
Ultimately, trips throughout Australia — including remote and desert crossings. The build is only the beginning.
