New Aussie Bailey for Leisurefest

A new Bailey caravan built in Britain exclusively for the Australian market will make its debut at Melbourne's Leisurefest show from October 2-5.

The new 21ft internal length Unicorn Series III Pamplona is one of five new models being introduced by Bailey Leisure Pty Ltd, a new stand-alone joint venture British-Australian company formed in June this year to grow the British brand following its withdrawal from the Caravans Australia group mid-year.

The 2015 Pamploma in its facelifted Series III evolution, will only be sold in Australia, while its tandem axle Unicorn Barcelona, Cartagena, Pamplona and the entry-level single-axle Valencia Series III stablemates are ‘world' models with specific modifications and equipment for the Australian market.

The new Pamplona and Barcelona models will be at Leisurefest, while the other 2015 Unicorn models will follow them onto the market in late October/early November.

A key feature of the new Pamplona Series III is its increased ground clearance for local conditions, thanks to further modifications to its European Al-Ko chassis, the fitting of slimline Australian-designed and built fresh water tanks, standardisation of 15-inch wheels and the fitting of a new recessed battery box.

The new Pamplona also has a full rear tunnel boot and a washing machine – both believed to be ‘firsts' for a British-built caravan.

Inside, the Pamplona has been redesigned to be roomier for Australian caravanners, who generally travel further and for longer periods than their European counterparts, with a 25 per cent larger fibreglass shower cubicle, 10 per cent longer front lounge seats and 10 per cent more kitchen workspace than the outgoing Unicorn II model.

Reconfiguring the furniture has also increased the available floorspace by 15 per cent.

“Our customers have told us they want more natural light, flat bench tops, more storage space and a washing machine – and that's exactly what we're giving them,” said Adrian van Geelen, managing director of Bailey Australia.

“I can't tell you how many times the public has told us ‘we love the Bailey, but wish it had a washing machine'. Well now it does!” he said.

Australian-sourced Italian leather is for the first time being offered as an option to Bailey's traditional fabric interior trim, with experienced upholstery machinist Debbie Wilson moving across from Caravans Australia to take charge of the new Bailey upholstery division at its Metrolink Circuit, Campbellfield facility.

Locally-made front panel ‘bras' for all Bailey models are now also being made by Bailey in Melbourne, featuring more durable, heavily-padded material for bodywork stone protection

All the Unicorn III models retain the low Tare weights of their predecessors, with the single-axle 2015 Valencia weighing in at around 1450kg and the tandem axle models weighing between 1600-1700kg empty.

Pricing of the new Bailey range will be announced at Leisurefest.