The Ford Nugget might endlessly have the spirit of a carefree 22-year-old, however Ford’s beloved camper van is definitely turning the large 4-0 this 12 months. To rejoice, Ford Professional is kicking off 2026 with a fortieth anniversary version styled to match the unique Nugget from 1986. The impartial black-and-white colour scheme seems gorgeous in and out, whereas the pop-top flooring plan showcases the newest in Ford’s three-room cellular dwelling design.
Consider it or not, the Ford Nugget really predates its world-famous rival, the Volkswagen California. Volkswagen might have a richer, extra celebrated historical past of pop-top camper vans on the whole, however the mannequin line bearing the California title launched in 1988, two years after the Ford Nugget made its world premiere.
Maybe that is becoming as a result of, although Volkswagen bought on the van and camper van practice earlier than Ford, the Blue Oval beat just about each different firm on the earth to the very idea of RVing, beginning within the mid 1910’s with the group of honored street vacationers that known as themselves the “Vagabonds,” led partially by Henry Ford himself.
It was one other 70 years earlier than Ford’s iconic Nugget made its debut, however the little camper van shortly endeared itself to a much-matured RV world. The primary Nugget was constructed aboard a fourth-generation Transit van, and as with the VW California that adopted two years later, the conversion work was dealt with by the world well-known camper van minds at Westfalia. However whereas Volkswagen would go on to take over the manufacturing reins from Westfalia in 2003, Ford’s Nugget work with Westfalia has continued on via a number of Nugget generations and refreshes, proper as much as current day.
Ford Deutschland
And so, the 2 automotive icons transfer on to their latest collaboration, formally known as the “40 Years of Nugget” restricted version and accessible to order in Germany now. The particular anniversary van is not meant to be a full-on 80’s redux, however extra of an inspired-by successor. So whereas the general black-accented “Frozen White” look is clearly derived from the 1986 Nugget above, the roof is available in distinction black slightly than white and the physique stripes working the flanks are a finer pinstripe design.
The Nugget’s fortieth anniversary gown is each understated and brilliantly formal, one thing of a black tie method full with black high hat, white overcoat and good, black equipment. It might look as snug shuttling VIPs to the sting of the pink carpet as it could popped excessive subsequent to a roaring campfire.
Westfalia
We’re not fairly certain if we like the brand new motif higher than the high-rising electrical blue we last saw the Nugget wearing, however the little camper definitely seems good in black and white. We particularly just like the sharp distinction of the roof and matching black-out cloth in opposition to the snowy white of the physique.
The particular version mannequin launches as a pop-up, and consumers can select both the bundle with permanently installed rear toilet or the less complicated flooring plan with increased kitchen and storage space changing the bathroom compartment. It is available in 215-in (545-cm) long-wheelbase (L2) dimension and Energetic trim with a 168-hp EcoBlue diesel engine.
Whether or not you select the rear bathroom or further storage capability, the Nugget comes divided up into the unconventional however extremely purposeful three-room idea that serves because the cornerstone of its fashionable design. The L-shaped kitchen is situated within the rear of the van, simply behind the three-seat rear passenger/eating bench. That creates a devoted prepare dinner station away from the hustle and bustle of the entrance lounge or heart aisle, permitting extra centered, much less harried meal prep.
The second room is the eating room-cum-bedroom in entrance, which incorporates the bench, two swivel driver’s cab seats and a detachable eating desk. The dinette converts over right into a double mattress at night time. And naturally, the third and ultimate room is the devoted bed room up within the pop-up roof, the place campers will discover one other double mattress.
Ford Deutschland
As a rule, we’re not keen on black-and-white interiors, however since we’re accustomed to seeing the Nugget with white or grey furnishings and charcoal counter tops, this one feels fairly pure. The unique inside decor contrasts white furnishings with black counter tops and drawer and cupboard handles to vivid impact. Fortunately, until our eyes deceive us, Ford lays off the bipolar black/white palette for the flooring, which seems to be an earthier gentle beige.
The 40 Years of Nugget version will make its official world premiere on the CMT camper and journey present in Stuttgart, Germany this week and is out there to order for a base value of €89,647 (approx. US$104,100).
Ford says it is stored the value an identical to the usual L2 Nugget in Energetic trim with the identical gear, a pleasant bonus for consumers because the particular mannequin additionally features a reward pack with objects like an anniversary ebook and mug. That would not be a lot of a throw-in for a standard passenger automobile, however in a camper van, that is a ebook to learn by the sunshine of the fireplace and a mug from which to take pleasure in morning espresso in opposition to a surprising backdrop.
We simply completed reserving our journey to Stuttgart to catch the tip of CMT, and we’ll undoubtedly be stopping by Ford’s sales space to deliver you a better have a look at this one, together with the brand new Nugget Excessive Roof and different automobiles it has on present.
Supply: Ford Germany
