Without fail, most of the Bradley GTs we feature are shadows of their former selves, completely past the point of reasonable return. It’s rare we get to see what one would have looked like when new, assembled by someone who clearly knew what they were doing. This 1980 Bradley GT here on eBay is exactly such a car, and one of the few examples left that makes you understand why these were once so popular.
As with all things hand-assembled, if they’re not maintained, the break-down can be fairly severe. Especially when the item in question is a kit car with body lines that are far from simple and a variety of over-the-top features like gullwing doors and pop-up headlights. However, if you found the prospect of trying to tie all those pieces together atop your VW Beetle chassis overwhelming, Bradley Automotive would sell you one fully-assembled.
This is one of those cars ordered that way by the first owner, and being an early example, it was also originally an electric vehicle. I always forget that little tidbit that in addition to selling a truly off-the-wall kit car, Bradley was an early pioneer of electric cars. Check out the interior – it’s stunning, by Bradley standards, and looks awesome in red leather. The kit car origins are still hard to deny, the recently restored interior is a big selling point here.
Even better, this example has a drivetrain you might actually enjoy using as opposed to the low-output VW Beetle powerplant that most of these are saddled with. The electric motor was swapped over to a VW Scirocco 1.4L engine with twin carbs paired to a 4-speed manual transmission. Recent maintenance includes a new front axle beam, new brakes, new P215/70R15 tires and powder coated aftermarket wheels. Bidding remains low at the moment with the reserve unmet.
Nice to finally see one with nice paint and put together. Not in the weeds or full of mold.
Liked these since I saw a poster as a kid. Almost forgot how neat they were in new condition!
Kudos
Wow- this is a piece of history and a great idea for an engine swap. If bidding doesn’t go a lot higher, someone will steal this.
Just a note: this isn’t a Bradley GT, it’s the more sophisticated (relatively speaking) GTII, which is a much rarer find. Unfortunately, that means it’s even harder to maintain. But the EA827 engine is a definite plus.
Yeah, don’t crack that windshield!
When my son was 14 he spotted a Bradley GT at a classic car junkyard I used to frequent and just had to have it. Being a collector, I was against the idea but he persisted. I told him if he wanted it he would have to negotiate his best price, pay for it himself and do the work on it. He got it for $600 not running and paid for it with his own money and we towed it home on the trailer. It was crude, worn out and tattered around the edges but he cleaned it up, we got it running and he actually sold it for a modest profit at $950. I still don’t like them. :)
How long ago was this?
The car isn’t that old.
Bradley Automotive shut down around 1981, Miguel, so the last ones they made are now 37 years old.
Thats a kool car.ive always liked kit cars.please no comments of a sbc ls1 swap..lol
I don’t think that gets a lot of summer driving. I imagine that it’s tough keeping that engine cool when you look at where the radiator is.
I’d like to proudly (or maybe sheepishly) admit, that I am in possession of the finest Bradley GTII in existence. LOL.
Built with my dad as a father and son project in 1977, it was put together meticulously as my dad was a mechanical engineer. Never one to go half-a$$ed, he ordered a BRAND NEW crate VW engine and chassis, complete with factory AC.
The car was used sparingly, always garaged, and never seen salt or snow.
I inherited the car after my dad’s passing and still take her out occasionally. She has a total of 8,800 miles on her. So, she is virtually a brand new 1977 VW (mechanically). Everything still works as it should.
Now, if he only kept that damn Ferrari he sold to get this project going, I would be a much happier camper. LOL
Great looking car Bill! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Deliver me from Malcolm Bricklin! Cheaply made, ill fitting everything, looks like it was designed by a 1st grader with only the 8 color crayon box. Take a small block Chevy motor and drop it on this-over and over again.