A four-berth pop-top from Bailey that is surprisingly spacious inside
Words & pictures ❚ Iain Duff
NEW CAMPERVANS
Regular readers will no doubt be aware that my colleague, Peter Vaughan, has been to some exciting destinations with Bailey ’vans over the last year. First, he tested the Endeavour B62 in exotic Morocco and the Sahara Desert. This was closely followed by a trip to the snowy Italian Dolomites where he put the Alora through its paces.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I got the chance to review the Bristol manufacturer’s highly anticipated new four-berth Endeavour B64 campervan. And where do I find myself? Lincolnshire. Yes, Lincolnshire. Now, I’ve got nothing against the place, but it’s where I live and work. Possibly the flattest place in the UK and home of the cultural hotspot, Skegness. Ever feel like you’ve been cheated?
I jest, of course. Jealousy is a terrible thing which I don’t approve of and, anyway, Lincolnshire is a lovely place. I pitched up in a campsite in the heart of a village that’s as quaint and picturesque as anywhere in England – I even got some early summer sunshine to enjoy. And the narrow, winding roads in the surrounding countryside turned out to be ideal for trying out this Ford Transit-based ’van.
Along with the B62, the Endeavour B64 is Bailey’s first foray into the campervan world. Both are built on the Transit, which immediately gives the company a clear point of difference from its Fiat and Peugeot-based competitors.
EASY RIDER
Zipping around the Lincolnshire roads, the six-metre long Transit’s automatic transmission made for a smooth and easy drive. Visibility is good, which is an advantage when you’re keeping an eye open for oncoming vehicles on those high-hedged country lanes. It felt stable, too, for what is a tall van.
Standard features in the cab include air-conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and daytime running lights. Instead of the basic radio I found in the test vehicle, production models will feature Ford’s infotainment system, with a 12in touchscreen central display, DAB radio, satnav and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
In true Henry Ford spirit, you can have any colour you want… as long as it’s metallic blue. That’s not a problem, though, as it looked impressive glistening in the spring sunshine.
In fact, first impressions are good. The matching bumpers, black alloy wheels, overcab glass sunroof and outdoorsy graphics give the ’van exterior a stylish feel. A wind-out
