Bradley Automotive commenced operation in Plymouth, Minnesota, in 1970. Its goal was to enter the growing kit car market, offering buyers everything from entry-level kits to turnkey cars. The GT was its most successful model, mainly due to its affordability. Records are vague, but it is believed that as many as 6,000 kits and completed cars rolled out of the company’s factory. This 1972 GT is an essentially complete car that runs and drives. Considering the low overall weight, it provides surprising performance for a vehicle with a relatively modest power output. The owner feels it needs a new home, so he has listed it exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
Cars like the Bradley are designed to look flamboyant and exotic, providing occupants with the feel of a classic low-slung sports car. This GT achieves that goal, and it has led a sheltered life. The seller and its previous owner kept it garaged when it wasn’t stalking the roads, protecting the Volkswagen chassis from the ravages of rust. It wears some slight surface corrosion but is structurally sound. Bradley Automotive built a reputation on sound construction, meaning its fiberglass bodies were not renowned for developing issues. This one looks nice, with no evidence of stress cracks or other problems. The paint would benefit from a refresh, but this is another aspect of these classics that many find appealing. With no manufacturer color palette to work from, the winning bidder could repaint this classic in the shade or combination that appeals to their taste. The opportunity exists for them to take an already eye-catching vehicle and transform it into something genuinely spectacular. The original wheels and trim are in good order, as is the windshield. The owner includes the original “gullwing” side windows, but they don’t have the rear glass. The luggage rack is a practical addition, as is the upgrade to fully functioning LED lighting.
A 1,600cc Volkswagen air-cooled flat-four and matching four-speed manual transmission may not sound like the recipe for automotive fun, but that is where the Bradley comes into its own. This engine is in excellent health, inhaling deeply through a pair of carburetors and sending the spent gases on their way via a sports exhaust. It would have produced around 60hp in standard form, but this motor should churn out significantly more. Depending on any internal upgrades to the camshaft and other components, a figure of 90hp+ is possible. Couple that with an overall weight of around 1,600 lbs, and the equation suddenly looks considerably better. It is conceivable that the car’s power-to-weight ratio would be similar to a 307-equipped 1970 Camaro, placing a 16-second ¼-mile ET within reach under ideal circumstances. The owner says this Bradley runs and drives exceptionally well. There are no fluid leaks, and he recently took it to 85mph without the motor showing any stress. It handles beautifully, which is expected given its low center of gravity. If potential buyers crave a classic with excellent performance and a bulletproof drivetrain, this car ticks those boxes.
Kit car interiors can be hit and miss, depending on the manufacturer and the builder’s skill level. This one isn’t perfect, but the buyer will slip behind the wheel of a car with its upholstered surfaces trimmed in Tan button-and-tuck leather. There are no rips or tears, and the leather looks soft and inviting on the body-hugging sports seats. The owner admits it needs carpet, but I believe a TMI Beetle kit should drop in with no issues. The owner added a backup camera with a large LCD screen, which is a practical feature in a vehicle with limited rearward visibility. Overall, some areas require attention, but they will take more time than money to address. Doing so will provide the winning bidder with a sense of accomplishment.
Kit cars don’t appeal to everyone but occupy an important niche in the classic world. Their creators almost invariably base them upon a known and readily available platform like a Volkswagen Beetle chassis. Many source the mechanical components from the same company, allowing ready access to affordable spares for the owner. Cars like this Bradley GT add a further layer to the attraction because although it is based on a humble Beetle, the lower weight of the fiberglass body versus the original VW steel means performance levels increase dramatically. They aren’t to be taken seriously but are designed to appeal to those who wish to enjoy the classic motoring experience on a budget in a car that is guaranteed to put a smile on their face. This 1972 Bradley GT should do that, and I can’t think of a better reason to bid on this beauty.
- Location: Richburg, South Carolina
- Mileage: Unknow
- Engine: 1,600cc Flat-Four
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
- VIN: 1122706478
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
papalou67 bid $3,700.00 2023-05-16 14:54:14- Michael Gaff bid $3,600.00 2023-05-16 12:12:38
- Sadie2 bid $1,800.00 2023-05-13 15:06:55
- 2manyvettes bid $1,700.00 2023-05-10 17:14:29
- Ed B bid $1,600.00 2023-05-10 16:19:39
- Hellonwheels bid $1,500.00 2023-05-10 13:32:27
- 2manyvettes bid $1,000.00 2023-05-10 12:51:48
- Jeff bid $850.00 2023-05-10 12:27:07
- 2manyvettes bid $750.00 2023-05-10 11:42:56
- gabbyaol bid $100.00 2023-05-10 10:36:50
Had a look at liberace’s far nicer model when on holiday in vegas and they are very small ! Would fancy squeezing into one at 6ft3 😂
Yes, I agree. Also at 6ft3 and wider than I used to be getting into one isn’t going to happen. Always wanted though.
Of all the kit cars of the era the Bradley gets the most ugly award. Nice car well done, but ugly.
Your reply, though short, displays a shocking lack grammar. When I was 15 years old I would have started some fights to get this cute little vehicle. Maybe you could elucidate us with the myriad of cars that you designed, built, and put in production over the years.
Michael: Be careful when you point your finger in an accusatory manner as three fingers point back at you! Your comment is loaded with grammar errors (e.g. missing words and punctuation, misuse of words (“elucidate”, “the myriad”)).
They must only drive in reverse with the way the display for the back-up camera is installed almost blocking the drivers view out the front.
It is a retractable screen, you troglodyte.
And if you can’t see over it, get a booster seat.
I’m guessing maybe Michael the self proclaimed wordsmith might be the seller 🤔 take it easy buddy
Where is this car located?
It’s in Richburg, SC
If I am the winner, I will be in Texas from 18 May to 3 June and i will contact you for payment on 4 or 5 June. Please be patient.
It’s funny, I have not see one of these in years, but yesterday in one drove past us in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Now I see one on Barn Finds. Sweet
I think this would be a fun car but where can you find a rear window for this thing?
On another subject, why is the site allowing the insult flinging and personal attacks?
Celtic 1. Sometimes my keyboard seems to ignore a letter or two. I stand by my use of the words elucidate and myriad. As a retired airline pilot, I don’t fear any attacks on me from these clowns. I rarely edit my comments to anyone.
If I err, I live with it.
I agree with BrianT: Why are personal attacks being allowed? I’ve had to “bite my tongue” on more than one occasion here.
Ahaha, so it’s the keyboard ´s fault ! Please adjust your meds
Yes, part of my missive was edited by the gods.
I bid $3,600 on this car for “old time’s sake.”
How much did you morons bid?
I bid what it’s worth = ZERO
richburg sc
Credit on these cars goes to the late John Chun, Shelby’s original designer from ’67 – ’69, then Chrysler with the winged Daytona and Superbird, before heading to MN for a job with Tonka, and didn’t really want to leave the car biz – hence, the Bradley GT evolved!
I was “this close” to buying a Bradley GT in 1969, I think. I was living in a Corvair with no backseat, but it had very pretty orange shag carpet. I spent my time learning to fly. My home was parked in the back of a hangar owned by the Dalton Rock Company of Dalton, Georgia. I did have a library in my home. I read Franny and Zooey, The Catcher in the Rye, Pride and Prejudice, etcetera.
I also had access to a VW.
I dreamed of building a Bradley GT.
Alas, I only became just another airline pilot eventually and never realized my dream.
That’s life.