Ford could also be celebrating 40 years of its iconic Nugget camper van, nevertheless it got here underdressed to its personal kickoff occasion. In saying the brand new 40 Years of Nugget restricted version, it launched precisely one exterior photograph in opposition to a inventory backdrop and one inside photograph. Unacceptable. We made certain to cease by and seize more pictures of the world’s newest Nugget camper van, after which discovered ourselves drawn in by the drastic coloration distinction between the completely different fashions.
Sadly, Ford did not have the unique Nugget (or duplicate thereof) on show at its all-Nugget CMT 2026 sales space. That Nugget was born as a collaboration between Ford and Westfalia means again in 1986. The camper was based mostly on the full-size Transit van, then in its fourth technology, and included a transverse rear kitchen outfitted with a spirit range. It wore a easy white paint job with black stripes and accents.
Ford Deutschland
The Nugget underwent a number of main adjustments over its 4 many years available on the market, none larger than the one which got here in 2013. Intently following Ford’s spinoff of the Transit Customized line as a lighter, extra passenger car-like FWD van different sized to compete with midsize vans just like the Volkswagen Transporter and Citroën Berlingo, the Nugget slid over to the smaller, extra environment friendly van platform.
The 2014 Transit Customized Nugget camper van debuted on the 2013 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon, giving the Nugget new life because the compact, lovable mini-camper we all know it as immediately. Ford marked the event by working with its prime Nugget sellers to refresh the Nugget’s structure and design. It additionally carried out a single-invoice system for simplified billing and fee.
Past only a new base van, the primary technology of Transit Customized-based Nuggets welcomed the introduction of quite a lot of new improvements and tools upgrades over the course of its lifespan, increasing its provide sheet proper previous the VW California with the launch of its first toilet-included mannequin within the Nugget Plus and, later, Nugget Plus Pop Up. It additionally gained built-in Wi-Fi, limited-slip traction, and the standard evolutionary engine and driver-assistance tech updates.
CC Weiss/New Atlas
The most recent Nugget made its world debut in 2023, following the launch of the second-gen Transit Customized. With it, Ford has introduced its iconic camper van as much as fashionable normal with additions like all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid powertrain choices and a touchscreen good command middle with distant app connectivity. It now additionally gives long-wheelbase variants with or with out the built-in passenger-side rest room space.
CC Weiss/New Atlas
Unusually, for a fortieth anniversary version that would have a good time precisely how far the Nugget has come when it comes to tech and options, Ford has chosen to maintain the spec somewhat restricted. It holds again on the newest newfangled PHEV and all-wheel traction-boosting bits, providing the particular mannequin in a single 168-hp diesel powertrain and Energetic trim. We would desire AWD throw in as not less than an possibility, however no such luck.
Nonetheless, the 40 Years of Nugget presents a glossy, understated different to the intense Nuggets on which Ford usually focuses, carrying a dapper swimsuit of black and white, inside and outside. It additionally options inside and exterior badging and costs in on the identical €89,647 (approx. US$107,330) as a typical Nugget in Energetic trim, bringing alongside a present bag of fortieth anniversary goodies. It is accessible to order now, with deliveries set to start within the Northern Hemisphere spring.
Have a more in-depth take a look at the 40 Years of Nugget version in our gallery, together with the explosive impartial/brilliant coloration distinction of Ford’s CMT sales space.
Supply: Ford Germany
