Bailey of Bristol has been a major player in the UK leisure vehicle industry since 1948. For many years they concentrated on building trailer caravans, but in 2012 launched the Approach, a coachbuilt range of motorhomes based on the Peugeot Boxer Al-Ko chassis-cab.
Later, additional motorhome ranges were added, all remaining loyal to the same underpinnings. It is a matter of conjecture whether that loyalty would have continued if Covid hadn’t had the effect of reducing supplies to a trickle.
Clearly Bailey needed alternative underpinnings so they would be able to satisfy the pent-up demand for their motorhomes. Ford’s Finest – the Transit – was their choice and now provides the base for 100% of their motorhome and campervan production.
The star of this review is their Adamo range, launched in late 2021, and a range you may come across if you’re looking for one of the best used motorhomes. Initial offering consisted of three four-berth low-line overcab coachbuilts, all featuring Bailey’s Alu-Tech construction method.
Put simply, this involves the use of an immensely strong aluminium frame superstructure, fitted with sandwich panels that are clad on both sides with GRP sheeting.
All early Adamo variants had a forward lounge consisting of swivelling cab seats ahead of two inward-facing settees of unequal length. On these variants, each settee squab housed a folding face-forward Aguti travel seat.
Another common feature was an electrically operated drop-down transverse double bed positioned above the lounge settees.
If you’re wondering “what driving licence do I need to drive a motorhome?“, you may be pleased to hear the original mission statement must have included ‘can be driven by all’. Every launch model was under 3500kg and could be driven by anybody with an ordinary car licence.
Adamo 69-4 is the shortest launch model, or maybe that should read ‘less long’. Coming with a length of 6.9m/22’ 7.75” bumper to bumper, it’s certainly not a small motorhome. Most of the galley is offside midships, with just the fridge-freezer across the aisle on the nearside.
A full-width washroom/changing area is towards the rear, but located ahead of a generous amount of storage that can be accessed from both the exterior and the interior.
The remaining two launch models in the range are longer, at 7.48m/24’ 7”. Adamo 75-4i boasts a full-width washroom that is ahead of (and can be made en-suite to) a permanent longitudinal island double bed located above the garage. This is accessorised with nightstands and wardrobes for each occupant.
Adamo 75-4DL features a centrally located all-in-one comfort station on the offside, with the kitchen across the aisle; all ahead of a not-quite-at-the-far-rear U-shaped lounge. A tall, slim, exterior-access storage area is immediately forward of the back wall.
Unsurprisingly, given Bailey’s track record of specialising in well-equipped ’vans at affordable prices, all models arrived with the top-tackle 160bhp (later 165bhp) turbodiesel engine mated to a silky-smooth torque-converter eight-speed automatic transmission. Driver and cab passenger benefited from a high base vehicle kit-count as standard.
Adamo was an instant success, thus it was inevitable that the range was going to widen. That said, there wasn’t really an Achilles heel on any of the existing variants, so they all continued.
Popular 75-4 range gained the Adamo 75-4T, which could be ideal for fans of motorhomes with fixed single beds. It replaces the 74-5i’s permanent double bed with two permanent longitudinal single beds.
Then for those who prefer a smaller size of motorhome, the uber-compact Adamo 60-2 was released as a coachbuilt alternative to Bailey’s Endeavour panel van conversions, also behind the blue oval. 60-2 stretches the tape to a gnat’s whisker over 6m – actually, 6.1m/20’ 0”. It is basically a two-berth version of the 69-4, but without the storage compartment behind the washroom and with only two travel seats.
What to look out for in a used Bailey Adamo
Base vehicle
The huge popularity of the Transit as a commercial vehicle means that spares are widely available, and will continue to be so for decades. This makes it a smart choice for those expecting to keep their vehicle long-term.
Keyboard warriors have been using the internet to criticise Ford’s decision to use a wet (timing) belt system, quoting instances of early (total) engine failure. If Ford’s new advice
on shorter belt replacement intervals is adhered to, there shouldn’t be a problem. In addition, many feel it is vital that the correct Ford-supplied lubricant is used. A quick word of explanation for non-mechanically minded readers – Ford refers to the feature as an OIB, which is just an abbreviation of ‘oil immersed belt’.
Conversion
As far as I know, no serious faults have been logged with any frequency, although some first owners have reported small niggles. ‘Weight watching’ is crucial on the 74-4DL, especially if an awning/towbar/microwave was retrofitted. This is not a criticism, however, merely a consequence of Bailey’s ‘can be driven by all’ policy.
Serious load luggers and clobber collectors might want to consider something from the recently launched, payload-enhanced, Adamo XL range. However, if you opt for this, a Group C1 driving licence is required.
Our pick
Adamo 75-4DL has the most flexible interior layout and is the choice of some well-known travel writers. That said, the 60-2 is a cracking compact.
What to pay
Oldest examples are ‘almost new’ in ’van terms, so it’s unlikely one can be found for less than £55,000; most will be well north of £60,000. We did find a low-mileage 2022 (72 reg) 75-4i at Webbs Motor Caravans for £57,995. Just one owner and 9000 miles recorded. Equivalent brand-new today has an RRP of £78,995.
Bailey Adamo essentials
- Bailey Adamo on Ford Transit chassis-cab
- Low-line overcab coachbuilt
- Built in Bristol, UK, from 2021 to present
- Overall length: 6.1m/20’ 0” (60-2) to 7.48m/24’ 7” (75-4)
What we like about a used Bailey Adamo
- Alu-Tech body shell
- Well-specified base vehicle
- Practical layouts
- Excellent value for money
What we like about a used Bailey Adamo
- Up to four different floor levels
Alternatives to consider
(All on Ford Transit) Bailey Adamo XL (heavier), Bailey Alora (slimmer), Bailey Endeavour (PVC). Swift Voyager, Auto-Trail F-Line, Auto-Trail Excel.
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