Bailey doesn’t make yearly changes to their ranges, unlike other caravan manufacturers. Instead, they tend to refresh their models every so often, when the time feels right.
The Bristol-based company has been following this system of regular updates with great success since 2004. An excellent example of this is the Black Edition, the name given to the Unicorn range after its major revamp.
The Unicorn, a huge success from its launch in 2011, evolved over the following years, but always offered a superb spec and well-planned caravan layouts, always welcome traits when looking for the best used caravans to buy.
The Black Edition line-up was introduced for the 2019 model year until late 2021, when the next-generation Unicorn was launched.
Model history
The Cabrera was one of the range’s top sellers, although all seven models were popular with caravanners.
The Black Edition came with smart new decals and added spec, which could make it an enticing proposition if you’re looking for the best 4 berth caravans on the pre-owned market. This includes tyre pressure monitors, a 100W solar panel, a tracker, Alde heating, ATC and a microwave.
With the particular model I found here, you wouldn’t need to worry about buying the best caravan mover either, as one had been fitted by a previous owner.
The Cabrera also boasted an opulent rear island bed with twin wardrobes, while the shower was opposite the midships washroom.
The well-appointed side kitchen was located opposite the entrance door. The front lounge housed a lot of storage in overhead lockers and the central chest of drawers.
All of this made the Cabrera a type of caravan for two or four.
The high-quality upholstery and generous living area also proved to be popular selling points and are likely to be again when you’re looking at buying a secondhand caravan.
Outside, the robust build provided GRP sides. As in all Unicorns, the addition of a side gas locker freed up the front to allow for more internal space in the comfortable lounge.
Additional welcome design touches included a barbecue point and mains socket.
Classed as a luxury tourer, the Cabrera also benefited from Bailey’s Alu-Tech construction system, where an interlocking aluminium framework clamps body panels together to create a stronger, lighter and more durable leisure vehicle.
What to look out for in a 2021 Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Cabrera
- Scuffing on alloy wheels
- Signs of damp in rear roof
- Evidence of water ingress around exterior lockers
- Signs of damp in wheel arches
- Evidence of damage to exterior panels and mouldings
Price checker
With plenty of good pre-owned models on the forecourts, we found prices from £21,195 to £21,995. Buying privately, you should see examples at around £20,405. For the rest of the range, you can expect to pay:
- Merida: £19,495-£21,795
- Valencia: £19,695-£19,995
- Cadiz: £20,195-£21,995
- Vigo: £21,895-£22,495
- Cartagena: £22,995-£23,995
- Pamplona: £23,995-£24,495
Verdict on the 2021 Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Cabrera
Bailey Unicorns have always been a popular choice, so there are plenty of them to be found on the pre-owned forecourts.
That also means competitive pricing, so it’s worth browsing around at a few dealerships.
As always, though, it’s very important to do the checks. Some vans from this model year did have a few problems, not helped by shortages of materials and staff during the pandemic. That said, our example was in very good condition.
Whether you are buying from a dealer or privately, look for a full service history and inspect for signs of water ingress.
Do that and you should find the Unicorn a superb used buy, with a really impressive spec.
Alternative models
A used 2020 Swift Eccles X 880 is a stylish tourer with a transverse island bed and still looks up to date, as well as coming with a lot of kit.
Alternatively, you could consider an older Unicorn, such as the 2012 Bailey Unicorn Cabrera. It’s a rear island bed tourer which came with an excellent spec when released.
Technical specification
- Price (used model seen here): £21,995
- Berths: 4
- MIRO: 1377kg
- Payload: 153kg
- MTPLM: 1530kg
- Internal length: 7.36m
- Width: 2.28m
- Seen at: Spinney
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