Remember the ‘shaggin’ wagon’? It’s making a comeback

The classic ‘shaggin’ wagon’ of the 1970s is on the way back – with a millennial twist.

The original Holden Sandman, Ford Sundowner and Valiant Drifter were highly modified panel vans with muscular V8 engines, lowered suspension, wide wheels and custom paintwork.

The one essential feature was a mattress in the back…

Now Ford is reviving some of that spirit with the Bronco Basecamp, an all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV designed less for the local drive-in theatre and more for weekend getaways.

But Blue Oval dealers will be happy to sell you a blow-up mattress to transform the cabin into a bedroom when it arrives in the second half of next year.

A very different Bronco

The Bronco has been on the Australian wish list for many years, based on the rugged off-roader sold in the USA.

This one could not be more different.

Coming from China, the Bronco Basecamp uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that never drives the wheels. Instead, similar to Nissan’s e-Power system, the petrol engine is used to keep the hybrid battery charged.

The mechanical package includes twin electric motors for all-wheel drive and a 49kWh battery, plus 6.6kW of ‘Pro Power Onboard’ that effectively turns the vehicle into a small-scale power station for plug-in accessories.

Ford claims a combined driving range of 800-900 kilometres, although that is yet to be verified.

There is no word yet on the price tag, firm on-sale date or sales target.

Boomers could be along for the ride

Ford believes there is a giant sales opportunity among new-age recreational buyers – and perhaps a bunch of Boomers.

“Outdoor life here isn’t a trend, it’s just life. Bronco Basecamp was almost purpose-built for these customers,” Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson said.

“When we looked at how Aussies and Kiwis spend their time outdoors, the national parks, the coastal trails, and the distances they travel, the fit was immediate.”

Ford maps out its next moves

The Bronco Basecamp was unveiled at a three-day event outlining the future showroom direction for Ford Australia.

The company also announced an extended seven-year factory warranty, provided vehicles are serviced through its 180-strong dealer network.

Other announcements included a preview of a fully battery-electric Transit van for short-haul delivery work, a renewed emphasis on performance including a Triple Eight-tweaked Mustang, and displays of factory-developed packages for the Ranger Super Duty pick-up – including a fire-fighting conversion.