1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Automatic

Highlights

• Mechanically restored

• Low indicated mileage

• A sure-fire crowd pleaser

• Extensive works carried out in current ownership

• Ready to use, enjoy and fettle further if desired

Overview

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” and neither will you, with this mechanically restored DeLorean*

*you will, in fact, need roads; sorry to disappoint! 

That’s quite enough Back To The Future quotes for one listing. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let us introduce you to the iconic, stainless steel-bodied wedge that is the DMC DeLorean.

Surrounded by conspiracy thanks to its founder and his dealing with the DEA, yet forever immortalised by pop-culture classic Back To The Future, the DMC-12 was a car that was a lukewarm success during its production run, yet became a fully fledged poster car three years too late, with the launch of the aforementioned blockbuster film.

Constructed in a purpose-built facility in Northern Ireland designed to reinvigorate the local economy following The Troubles, the DeLorean was penned by legendary designed Giorgetto Giugiaro, and featured a raw stainless steel shell over a fibreglass underbody, affixed to a steel backbone chassis derived from the Lotus Esprit.

Powered by a PRV (Peugeot, Renault, Volvo) V6 engine with 128bhp being sent to the rear wheels (the handful of European market cars had a heady 154bhp, thanks to avoiding restrictive US emissions regulations) the DeLorean was arguably much more of a long-distance GT car than a sports or track toy, though reviews in-period were generally favourable. 

This particular example was first registered in January of 1982. Purchased by the seller in 2016 in a semi-restored state following a light front-end crash in the US in 1995, the mechanicals have been extensively overhauled, meaning this DeLorean is ready to be used and enjoyed - though be prepared for the attention and crowds the car inevitably attracts!

History and documentation

• Registered in the US on 01 Jan 1982

• First registered in the UK 01 Oct 2016

• In the US during 1995 at 6,121 miles (as quoted by CarFax) the car sustained a light front-end crash, resulting in the front panels, part of the front underbody and the front crash structure being repaired

• Following the repairs, the car was laid-up until imported into the UK by the seller

• Complete mechanical restoration including a new fuel system, CIS system restoration, overhauled cooling system, new rubber hoses, braking system overhaul, new steering rack, new tyres, replacement of all suspension bushes, new lowered front springs and SPAX shock absorbers

• A new air conditioning condenser has been fitted, but remains inoperable due to the car not being converted to R134 gas

• The bodywork has been professionally re-grained

• Correct UK headlights fitted

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• MoT exemption certificate

• Import documentation

• Significant number of invoices from marque specialists and clubs for various parts and sundry items during the vendor’s restoration of the car

• Two keys

• Exempt from mandatory MoT testing

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Salvage title from Texas

• UK HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant due to registration as a historic vehicle

Interior

• The interior of this DeLorean is in fair condition overall, but would benefit from the attentions of a detailer or a thorough valeting

• Both seats have been professionally reupholstered, and present in excellent condition save for a small mark on the drivers’ seat base

• Ahead of the occupants, the dashboard leather is showing signs of wear and exhibits a number of small rips, tears and stains

• The steering wheel is well-patinated, and has a small rip in the boss

• Elsewhere, the high-traffic areas such as the switchgear, shifter and the various touchpoints exhibit a level of wear in keeping with the rest of the cabin

• The ‘flux capacitor’ phone charger is included with the sale of the vehicle

• Manual fan override system fitted, activated by a switch in the centre console

• In the rear, the luggage compartment is neat-and-tidy throughout

• The seller notes that the previous owner removed the central locking system to avoid battery drain

• There are no reported electrical faults

Exterior

• Finished in raw stainless-steel, the iconic lines of this DeLorean present well overall, with a light patination to the lower portions of the bodywork

• Both the front and rear bumpers have been refurbished as part of the restoration

• All four of the staggered alloy wheels exhibit some light kerb rash

• Small marks and stone chips to the front end, mirror cases and exposed edges

• We noted some minor scuffs to the front bumper

• Small dent on the offside front wing

• Both lower corners of the windscreen are scratched

• The underside of the vehicle looks to be in fantastic condition as far as we can see, as this is the area that has been the focus of the seller’s restoration efforts

• Overall, whilst the bodywork would benefit from a little TLC to bring it back to its best, this DeLorean is still an absolute show-stopper, particularly with the iconic gullwing doors opened

Mechanical

• 2.8-litre PRV naturally aspirated V6 engine with 128bhp mounted in the rear

• 3-speed automatic gearbox - an optional extra!

• Rear-wheel drive

• The seller has removed the intake pre-heat and lambda sensor and fitted a cat bypass to free up the power restricted by US emissions regulations

• Higher-output alternator fitted with a new battery

• The engine bay presents very well, with only some light corrosion noted on a few fixtures and fittings

• This DeLorean appeared to be slow to start in the accompanying video (the seller reports that the fuel pressure needs a little time to build), but runs well once started with no notable excessive smoke, and showing a strong oil pressure indication

• There are no reported mechanical faults or issues from the seller, who states that the car “drives well” and draws plenty of attention wherever it goes

Summary

Few other cars can match the sheer presence or head-turning capabilities of the DeLorean DMC-12, whether it’s children thinking they’re seeing a spaceship on the roads, or adults experiencing waves of nostalgia for the BTTF movies, this isn’t a car for those that don’t like to have spontaneous conversations at fuel stations, whilst running errands, or at car shows.

This example benefits from an extensive mechanical restoration during its time in the care of our vendor, and as a result is reported to be ‘on the button’ and ready to use and enjoy, yet retains scope for further restoration from an aesthetic perspective, meaning you have the opportunity to purchase a car that’s ready to use for the summer, and yet also offers potential for plenty of off-season tinkering and improvements. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located near Banbury, Oxfordshire.