Special edition Bailey GT65 on the way

The new Pegasus GT65, released to celebrate the 65th anniversary of top-selling UK manufacturer Bailey, will be available in Australia from mid-2013.

Just launched in the UK, the GT65 is a special, upgraded edition of the ‘mid-market’ Pegasus range, and is sure to stand out in the caravan park with a radical vertical skylight similar to Bailey’s range-topping Unicorn Series 2.

Essentially, the GT65’s front window is split into three sections, with the middle window running all the way to the roof and creating a distinctive look that allows plenty of sunlight in.

The Pegasus GT65 also benefits from a reinforced version of Bailey’s patented Alu-Tech body, including an impact resistant fibreglass outer skin plus re-profiled one-piece front and rear bumpers.

Also contributing to its ‘winterability’ is a new Whale floor mounted heater and hot water system.

Safety and convenience has been enhanced with a new high-security entrance door lock, grippy Michelin tyres, and an automotive style wind down floor mounted spare wheel carrier, to go with the standard Al-Ko ATC Trailer Control System and Al-Ko wheel lock.

Inside, the Pegasus’ trademark walnut-themed decor has been updated, with new Italian-style curved cabinetry, slate effect benchtops, and brushed steel fittings and fixtures.

Although final specs and pricing are yet to be announced for Australia, five GT65 models ranging from two to six-berths are available in the UK. The current local Pegasus range is priced around $50,00-55,000.

When it arrives here the GT65 Pegasus will join Bailey’s new top-spec, second-generation Unicorn range, due to go on sale in Australia in March.

According to Bailey Australia managing director Adrian Van Geelen, the GT65 together with the Unicorn S2, will benefit from a number of changes and improvements specifically designed for the Australian market, based on customer and media feedback.

“We have now actually reacted to feedback over the last 18 months and incorporated a whole lot of features into the Bailey vans that are specific to the Australian market... the first of these changes coming out on the Unicorn S2,” he said.

These will include bigger fresh water tanks (up from 65 to 100 litres), larger 190 litre fridge/freezers, pre-wired solar and grab handles.

“All up there are probably about a dozen items that are tailored and changed just for Australia... adding to the original 45 items that were altered to make (the Bailey caravans) compliant for Australia,” he said.

Despite the extras, Tare weights of both new ranges will be reduced by up to 70kg, allowing for additional payload including water, says Van Geelen.

For example, the four-berth Pegasus Bologna that currently has a Tare of 1565kg should have a dry weight of around 1495kg in the new model.

The six-model Unicorn S2 range will also introduce a new Cartagena layout featuring for the first time an east-west island bed. The Unicorn S2 will be launched at the Melbourne Caravan Supershow in March, with slight price rises expected across the range.

Van Geelen said sales of the UK-built caravans had been “going very well” since Bailey Australia launched at Sandown’s Leisurefest in October 2011, with the six-dealer network currently holding a “strong order bank” for 2013.

“Sales are very healthy and exceeding our expectations and the take up in the market proves that there is a solid market for lightweight caravans that I believe is going to be the next big trend and direction over the next five years,” he said.

For a sneak peek inside the new GT65, check out the UK video below...