For my husband Rainer and me, living in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, our children growing up wasn't an ending, it was the start of a new adventure. We traded traditional hotel holidays for the freedom of the open road, and it’s all thanks to our Ford Nugget camper van, which we affectionately call "The Wee Blue Bonnet".

How Did We Choose the Ford Nugget?

The idea sparked on a trip to the Scottish Highlands in 2019. We kept seeing these classic camper vans against the stunning rural backdrop and I was captivated. The thought of waking up right in the middle of great nature was just so appealing.

Initially, we looked at vintage vans, but my husband, an automotive engineer, quickly pointed out the practical challenges. An old-timer might not make it over the mountains, and winter use would be out of the question. Then, during the 2020 lockdowns, we dove into every camper magazine we could find and discovered the Ford Nugget.

We fell in love with its two-room layout, with a proper kitchen in the back. It felt like a little house on wheels. With dealerships closed, we took a leap of faith and ordered one without ever stepping inside. Our Nugget arrived in 2022, and our new life on the road began.

What Makes the Nugget Perfect for Two?

We have the longer L2 version, and it's simply wonderful for the two of us. The key for us is the layout. Having the kitchen in the back, separate from the living and dining area, is what makes it feel so spacious and practical. It’s not just a place to make a quick coffee; it’s a real kitchen where I can enjoy cooking.

Even on rainy days, you can move from the driver’s seat all the way to the back without stepping outside, which is a huge advantage. It's this thoughtful design that makes living in the van so comfortable, whether we’re on a sunny road trip or hunkered down in chilly weather.

What Is the Nugget Community Like?

We quickly discovered we weren't alone in our love for the Nugget. There's a huge community in Germany. The main Facebook group, Ford Nugget Freunde Deutschland, has over 10,000 members. It’s an amazing resource for questions and advice.

The highlight is the annual Nugget Festival, which started five years ago and has grown bigger every year. This year, 264 vans are expected — unsurprising given the fact it marks Nugget's 40th birthday. It’s a place to share modifications, attend workshops and build friendships.

We’ve met so many wonderful people from all walks of life, people we never would have met otherwise. Now, when we see another Nugget on the road, we always give a little wave. I was out in my car yesterday and waved to a Nugget owner forgetting what vehicle I was in — they looked slightly confused to say the least!

What’s a Typical Day on the Road for Us?

We mostly do road trips rather than staying in one place. A typical day involves waking up, having a relaxed breakfast, and then driving for two or three hours to our next destination, perhaps with a stop for sightseeing along the way.

I’m a planner, so especially for our longer trips in peak season, I like to have our route and campsites booked in advance. It takes the stress out of finding a place to sleep. Once we arrive, we settle in for the evening and cook, read, and just enjoy the peace and quiet away from work.

When we bought our Nugget, I wasn't sure if camping would truly be for us. But now, we can't imagine our holidays any other way. We thought our biggest adventures were behind us, but they were just getting started.

With future dreams of touring the entire French coastline, our journey is far from over. "The Wee Blue Bonnet" is more than just a vehicle, it's our cosy home on wheels, our ticket to freedom, and the promise of many more memories to come.

Christine and Rainer R are Ford Nugget enthusiasts