In 2010 Bailey launched its Pegasus range, replacing the Senator, a well-specified, hugely popular tourer. The Pegasus featured the new Alu-Tech construction, which was seen
as a revolution in durability in caravan design.
The Unicorn line-up hit the forecourts for the 2011 model year. The Unicorn had the same profile as the Pegasus, but was considered by many to be far better looking inside, and it was soon selling well.
The Unicorn seen here is the 2012 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera, a rear-island-bed layout highly suited to couples, although it is a four-berth.
The Unicorn had a superb spec, including Alde heating, an alarm and a caravan tracker, a BBQ point and an exterior mains socket.
The range comprised seven caravan layouts, adding to the appeal of this luxury line-up. Generous storage and quality upholstery were also part of the offering.
Model history
The Cabrera launched in 2011, following through until 2012, after which it was discontinued. The Unicorn had arrived in late 2010 for the 2011 season, and after a couple of years, Bailey revisited the range to revamp it, which was when the Cabrera was dropped, making its return some years later.
With only a two-year model run for the Series 1 Unicorns, there aren’t that many of them around, although there are still 2012 Unicorns in good supply.
The overall range was to see an update in 2013; so Series 1 Unicorns might not have had a long production run, but they still sold well. Models such as the Valencia, a fixed-side-bed layout that could accommodate four, made a very popular choice as a caravan for couples on tour.
So now, several years further down the line, the question is, are they still a good used buy?
Price checker
We did have a bit of a search on to track down a Cabrera, but we managed to find a few examples, and for these, prices seemed to be around £11,995 to £12,195, depending on the condition, of course.
We found one private sale at £11,195, with a motor mover and an awning. But if you are keen to take a look at the Cabrera, you will need to keep shopping around. As always with Bailey caravans, the best examples can make a great first-time buy.
For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- Seville: £8495-£10,495
- Valencia: £9995-£10,595
- Madrid: £11,388-£12,395
- Cadiz: £10,995-£11,995
- Barcelona: £12,995-£13,795
- Pamplona: £13,995-£14,495
What to look out for
When you’re thinking of buying a secondhand caravan, there are always important checks to carry out. Here, we’d also advise looking for:
- Possible warping on door
- Loss of support in seating
- Damage to exterior mouldings
- Loss of support in mattresses
- Rotting in floor corners and around wheel arch areas
- Locker catches coming loose
- Water ingress in sidewalls
- Water damage from around the base of the shower tray
Alternative models
If you are after the same layout as the Cabrera, but have a bit more cash to spend, look at the Adria Dart from 2020, for around £15,995. It’s well built and has a good spec, although not as good as the Unicorn. You could also consider a 2018 Swift Conqueror 560 – it’s one that I think offers style, spec and luxurious touring.
Or perhaps you’d rather see what a new Unicorn is like? In that case, check out our review of the Bailey Unicorn Deluxe Cadiz, a four berth with plenty of comfort.
Verdict
The original Unicorns sold in large numbers. Although the Cabrera was short-lived, after a few years off the market, it resurfaced in another series of the Unicorn line-up.
This example needed a bit of TLC on the outside, but inside, it was in excellent condition, considering its age.
As usual, carry out all those important checks (especially on the floors in these models, which could have problems). Find a good one and it should be well worth the effort.
You can also take a look at our guide to the best four berth caravans if you would like to see the tourers that we believe provide a layout that works for all four of you.
Tech specs of the 2012 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera
- Berths: 4
- MiRO: 1441kg
- Payload: 157kg
- MTPLM: 1598kg
- Internal length: 5.79m
- Width: 2.29m
If you’re still not sure about which van is the right one for you, John Sootheran is on hand to talk you through how to choose a caravan.
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