Palatine Bridge, NY | USA
Description
1980 Bradley GT II E Kit car. Sets on a 1973 VW bug chassis. The chassis is in excellent shape and rust free. In 1980-81 Bradley produced roughly 62 electric kits before going bankrupt. This one is #54. This car was operational 9 years ago with all new batteries. Since then, the batteries have all discharged and will not take a charge. This is a 96-volt unit. requires 8 12-volt batteries in the front and an additional 8 12-volt batteries in the rear for a total of 16 batteries. The car roles eas...
Our Take:
- The Bradley GT II E is a fascinating dive into the early days of electric vehicles. Produced around the turn of the '80s, it's part of a small batch of roughly 62 electric units, making it quite the rarity! With Bradley going bankrupt shortly after, owning one is like having a piece of electric car history before it was cool.
- Built on the solid foundation of a 1973 VW Beetle chassis, it combines the charm of German engineering with the innovation of early EVs. The bug chassis is a classic choice for kit cars and is known for its robustness and simplicity. The fact that this one is rust-free is a testament to its careful upkeep.
- This particular unit (#54) has a fascinating power setup, originally operating on a 96-volt system. It's a reminder of how experimental electric vehicles were at the time. With 16 batteries split between the front and rear, it was both inventive and ambitious in terms of design—something that anticipates the complex battery configurations in today’s EVs.
- Given its limited production and unique setup, the Bradley GT II E is a conversation starter at any car meet. Its potential for revival with just some new batteries not only promises a unique driving experience but also contributes to the preservation of automotive history. Plus, the offer of an additional complete kit body adds to its appeal for custom builders looking to make a splash.
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