Rare Factory-AC Find: 1974 Bradley GT2 Mk II Kit Car

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.
This 1974 Bradley GT2 Mk II is a rare example of one of the more refined kit cars of the 1970s, now listed here on eBay. Built on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis and powered by a transplanted 1600cc VW Thing engine, this GT2 is noteworthy for its unusual factory air-conditioning option—one of only around 50 cars reportedly equipped with it. Showing 34,600 miles, it’s described as being in very nice, well-maintained vintage condition, complete with rare original components and a stack of factory literature.

The Bradley GT2, introduced in the mid-1970s, was a more sophisticated follow-up to the original GT kit car. While still based on a VW chassis, it featured pop-up windows, improved glass visibility, and a more comfortable interior, giving it the feel of a proper sports car rather than a bare-bones kit. Few were produced compared to its predecessor, and survivors in clean, complete condition are becoming hard to find.

This example wears a clean white finish with a matching white interior and black trim accents. The seller notes that the glass—including the factory-tinted rear hatch—remains in excellent condition, and that the rare rear hatch opening option is intact. Electric pop-up windows are fully functional, and the car retains its original Bradley wheels. Body side moldings were added by a previous owner, but they blend well with the GT2’s angular design.

Mechanically, this GT2 has been given a host of upgrades to make it a reliable driver. The 1600cc VW Thing engine reportedly “runs great,” helped by a Pertronix electronic ignition conversion, an upgraded carburetor, new fuel lines, and a new clutch kit. The braking system has been modernized with four-wheel discs, a new rear emergency brake setup, and a new master cylinder. The seller also replaced the front suspension with a Karmann Ghia unit for improved handling.


The rare factory AC is present but needs a new compressor and mount, which the seller says would cost about $200. While air conditioning might seem like a novelty for a kit car of this era, it’s a detail that makes this particular GT2 stand out among other survivors.

Included with the sale are the original Bradley GT assembly manual, advertising literature, key fobs, and spare parts. For kit car fans or anyone looking for an unusual piece of 1970s automotive history, this GT2 presents as a clean, functional, and unusually well-preserved example. Would you keep it as-is for weekend cruising, or fully restore it back to showroom kit-car glory?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. charlieMember

    Friend built a kit car, a very skilled guy, it ran well, and he trusted it for several hundred mile trips with his wife and a minimal amount of luggage and tools (just in case). In retrospect, he wished he had just bought a used Karman Ghia, much better fit and finish, and equivalent handling.

    Like 1
  2. Danno

    Possibly the most well-done Bradley GT I’ve ever seen pictures of. Good colour choice, lots of attention to detail, very nice.

    Like 0
  3. skidmarc

    In my opinion, these Bradleys had zero redeeming qualities. I wouldn’t own one if it was given to me. There’s so many more worthwhile cars on the road.

    Like 1
    • Kenn

      It would be interesting to know what you drive…!

      Like 3
  4. CeeOne

    I had a stepbrother who did something at Northop, he did not have a degree in engineering. He retired to Oklahoma and was going to build Bradleys and sell them. He bought the manual, which I found interesting, but that was it. Never bought a kit.

    Like 1
  5. Philbo427

    This is a really nice Bradley but after seeing a Kelmark, I would much rather have a Kelmark. Looks more finished and looks less like a kit car.

    Like 0
  6. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Ended at $3,605
    Reserve Not Met.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds