June 15: Glamping fun?

Glamping. You know this term, it applies to upscale camping or whatever passes for upscale camping these days. The original glamping might have been in one of those old VW camper vans, that roamed our highways and biways in years gone by. They worked for me, since I don't think mankind (personkind? humankind?) was meant to sleep under canvas. Don't see many of those Vdub vans around here these days, but cross the Atlantic and these very compact rv's still adorn peaceful meadows, while their owners enjoy their leisure time. And the non owners dream, while looking longingly at your nomadic lifestyle (well, at least for a week or two).

You have to know that they have an avid following, when there is a monthly magazine devoted to the worshipping of the past. Hope springs eternal for a rebirth of this classic vacation vehicle. And now the hopes and dreams of those happy wanderers are getting closer to reality. I told you before about the new electric VW van, that harkens back to the good old days of the famous VW bus (next picture, please)........

A perfect model to turn into what came to us many years ago. Pop open the roof and the sides and "We don't need no stinkin' Winnebago!"................ 

But this is where it gets interesting. Can those VW dreamers be turned onto something else the same size and maybe even with the same character (if you squint). Who might be looking to fill this niche? A hint, perhaps......

Recognize these little carry alls? Look again, as they are the Nissan VV commercial vans, that we sometimes see as a taxi, but most often as mini panel vans. But paint them in those distinctly '50's pastels and look out world. These things say VW camper van, but with a Japanese accent..........

Get the e version, if you've blown your wade on the van and can't afford the gas to run it. How perfect is this little caravan? Just the size needed to cruise those narrow European streets and those beautiful winding mountain roads. A little interior imagination and you can become the king or queen of a fully decked out vacation home on wheels.

Your friends want to join you? Tell them to get their own.

Yes folks, the past will be the future, when these concepts from Nissan go into production shortly. Good move before VW comes up with the same idea for their upcoming electric blast from the past. Will we see them in North America? Unlikely as our rv's seem to be getting bigger all the time. Hope springs eternal? Sure why not, write to Nissan USA and make mine turquoise.

Until next time.......