The Bailey Olympus was launched in 2010, shortly after the first Pegasus introduced us to the Bristol manufacturer’s brave new world of Alu-Tech construction.

The Mk1 Olympus was a rather lacklustre affair.

Stark and very plain, it was soon replaced by the much-improved Mk2, which was a far better caravan.

New and improved Bailey caravans

Here we focus on the end-washroom Bailey Olympus 460-2, a couple’s tourer that continues to sell well as a used buy.

This model came with a front lounge featuring wraparound seating – for an additional fee you could order it with a chest of drawers.

The side kitchen is opposite the dresser unit, while the full-width end washroom boasts Bailey’s usual spacious shower cubicle and plenty of room for changing.

The Olympus wasn’t badly specified, with a Status TV aerial, an Al-Ko chassis with ATC and blown-air heating – there was also a standard microwave, and a separate oven and grill.

The 460-2 isn’t heavy, either, so it’s ideal for caravanners with smaller cars.

Model history

The Olympus was only the second range of Bailey caravans to feature the firm’s pioneering Alu-Tech construction method.

It was seen as the replacement for the Pageant Series 7, though it also had a good hint of Ranger Series 6 in many ways.

One-piece aluminium sidewalls were used and the Olympus rode on an Al-Ko chassis, with standard kit including a spare wheel.

When it was time to update the Olympus for 2012, Bailey took the bull by the horns and gave the interior a more upmarket feel plus improved roof-locker storage to inject the Mk2 version with greater appeal.

These revamped models also came with ATC trailer stability control as part of an extensive kit list, the exterior got new decals and there was a much-improved microwave plus better LED lighting.

The kitchen was a big step up over the Mk1’s, with more storage and new gloss worktops to complement the upgraded soft furnishings in the lounge.

The Bailey Olympus in its new guise offered a significant step up.

Even so, the range didn’t really hit it off with buyers and as a result it didn’t last long – by 2013 it had been dropped.

So how does it rate today, as a used caravan?

Buyer’s checklist

  • Check the rear panel for cracked ABS plastic road-light mouldings
  • Inspect front panel decals for fading
  • Look out for stone-chips on the front panel
  • Check for condensation in grabhandle lights
  • Ensure that the shower door isn’t damaged
  • Look out for water ingress around the front side-locker seals
      

What to pay?

Checking around the used caravans for sale pages, the cheapest Bailey Olympus 460-2 we could find was £10,495, while others were up for as much as £11,495 so it clearly pays to shop around.

The next rung up on the Olympus ladder is the 530-4, from £11,995, with the 540-5 starting from £500 more and the 620-6 at around £14k.

Alternatives

How about a 2011 Coachman Pastiche 470-2?

At £10,495 this is a heavier tourer, but also solid and nicely finished.

Or maybe you’d like a 2012 Swift Challenger 442?

It is a year newer than that Coachman caravan, with stylish and modern looks, but pricier at £11,995.

Verdict

Five years down the line, how does the Bailey Olympus Mk2 fare?

It’s certainly good value, and it’s worth looking around for the best deals, too.

There is good storage all round and a well-equipped kitchen with a large sink and excellent lighting, plus a decent washroom.

You get quite a lot of caravan for your money and, even though they aren’t the prettiest, they sell quickly at the right price.

Factfile

2012 Bailey Olympus 460-2:

  • Price: £10,995
  • Berths: 2
  • MiRO: 1135kg
  • Payload: 141kg
  • MTPLM: 1276kg
  • Internal length: 4.90m
  • Width: 2.19m
  • Seen at: Campbells Caravans, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 5RD (call 01772 627 627 or go online)