Bradley [3]

Bradley Automotive was a kit car manufacturer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company became known for one of the more notable rise-and-fall stories in the kit car industry, gaining early attention with the Bradley GT, a simple and inexpensive kit built on the Volkswagen Beetle floorpan and running gear, a common basis for kits at the time. The design featured low sides that eliminated the need for doors and used clear plexiglass side windows that folded up for entry. It was offered in both basic kit and pre-assembled forms, and according to company figures, more than 5,000 units were sold.

In 1980, the company introduced the Bradley GT-II, a more refined model featuring gull-wing doors and additional interior space compared to the original GT. Although more comfortable, it was more difficult to assemble and more costly, which limited its sales success. An electric-powered variant of this model, called the GTE, was also offered.

That same year, Bradley expanded its lineup by acquiring several kits from other manufacturers. These included the MGT, a replica of the MG-TD built on a Volkswagen pan, and the Baron, a copy of the Fiberfab Gazelle. The company also acquired a shortened replica of a 1957 Thunderbird, originally from VEEBIRDS, adapted to fit a Volkswagen floorpan. Among its new offerings, the Marlene, a neoclassic design, was considered the most attractive addition to the range.

Due to a range of business difficulties, Bradley Automotive ceased operations in 1981. Following its closure, production of the Bradley GT was taken over by Sun Ray Products, while the Marlene design was passed on to Classic Roadsters.