I completely agree with your comment. It looks like the Ducato is not available in the U.S. Presumably the author could fly to Europe, purchase one, and ship

I completely agree with your comment. It looks like the Ducato is not available in the U.S. Presumably the author could fly to Europe, purchase one, and ship it back for less expense and labor. But I think part of his venture was to have some measure of self-reliance / DIY. "How I bought a great van from Europe and now I live in it" doesn't have the same novelty and escape-from-society appeal.