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Curated Auction

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

At a Glance

80s Icon | Recommission Project | Keen Reserve

  • Mileage~35,086 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.8L
  • LocationBirmingham

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£4,500
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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£4,500

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Video #2

Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Great Scott - Need we say any more to introduce this 80s icon?

The DeLorean DMC-12 is an iconic 1980s sports car, best known for its distinctive brushed stainless-steel body, gull-wing doors, and futuristic styling by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Built in Northern Ireland, it features a fibreglass underbody on a Lotus-designed chassis. Powered by a 2.8-litre PRV V6 engine producing around ~130BHP, it offered modest performance, with 0–60mph in about ~10.5 seconds. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearbox. The DMC-12 was the only model produced by John DeLorean's company, which folded in 1983 after just two years of production. Its fame was sealed thanks to its starring role as a time machine in the 'Back to the Future' films, making it a lasting symbol of 1980s pop culture and a sought-after collector’s item today.

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 has been owned by a company for the past seven years and used as a promotional vehicle. It has been dry stored and used very little. It's being sold as a recommission project, but once this is completed, it will make a fantastic car!

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Mark the custodian, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Video #2

Meet the owner

We have wrapped this DeLorean several times for different promotions over the years, and obviously, because of what it is, it always draws a crowd!

Mark's company has been in charge of the DeLorean for a client, for whom they have stored and wrapped the car several times for use as an advertising prop. The car has always been kept in dry storage, and when used at various shows, it had the fluids completely drained.

Four years ago, the car had the fluids refilled and was moved into another storage area, where it has remained since then. Therefore, it will require some recommissioning. Mark will be available to answer any questions about the car the comments section below.

Mark
Custodian

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CONTACT OWNER
EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Gull-wing doors and a brushed stainless steel body – the DeLorean DMC-12 is probably one of the most iconic-looking cars ever produced.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the original multi-spoke alloy wheels, these are all in good condition with just a minor amount of surface corrosion to some areas of the faces, but nothing excessive we think.

The tyres are different brands to the front and rear, but there is plenty of tread remaining on each. Please see the image gallery for detailed shots.

image

Bodywork

It's this that makes or breaks the car, and we can say the panel gaps all look to align well. There were no dings or dents spotted, and the doors, boot, and engine cover all opened easily and stay in place when open.

The bonnet cable has snapped at the handle, but this can still be pulled open from inside.

image

Paint

Finished in bare brushed stainless steel, the finish is excellent. There are a couple of light scratches which run against the stainless grain, but with the correct grade paper, they could be rectified.

The windscreen surround, front and back panels have been wrapped, and there are signs of either a previous wrap or paint under the existing gloss black wrap, which has come off in pieces. Images are taken from multiple angles to give you a realistic impression of the car, just as if you were standing beside it. Please take the time to examine these high-resolution images and videos to assess the condition for yourself.

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Glass and Trim

The windows are all in good condition, and there are some age-related marks, but these are minimal. The seals look in good order for their age but have perished a little.

The louvred engine cover is in good condition and has no visible cracks or splits that we could see.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

With full leather seats, the low-down seating position suits the style of the low-slung DeLorean just perfectly.

Seats and Carpets

The full grey leather interior is in good condition. The driver's seat has a light amount of wear, and when you consider how low down the car is, the wear is very minimal. There are some bits of trim which are loose and have been removed; this includes the roof panels, which attach to the top of the doors. Two flat panels have been attached, which does lower the internal roof height, but the originals are included and would add a couple of extra inches in height inside.

The grey carpets have a small amount of wear and have discoloured in places. There is one area behind the passenger seat which looks to have had battery acid spilt on it at some point, which has unfortunately rotted the carpet. Inside the boot, the original space-saver spare wheel is in place, along with the carpet.

image

Dashboard

Matching the seats in grey leather, the dashboard is in good condition with no damage noted. There is one corner of the glove box lid which has lifted slightly as pictured.

The instrument cluster does have the oil pressure gauge, and the tachometer needles are sticking but do move when revved, and the odometer shows a reading of ~35,806 miles at the time of our visit.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather steering wheel is in good condition with just light signs of age. The original gear knob shows the numbers 1–5 and R clearly, albeit a little small.

Please refer to the interior gallery for more images.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Producing around ~1.21 Gigawatts and developed jointly between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo, the DeLorean is fitted with the 2.8-litre PRV V6 engine.

Engine and Gearbox

The PRV V6 produces in real terms, around ~130BHP – which, although it might not sound like a lot, is still capable of achieving a 0–60mph time of ~10.5 seconds.

The DeLorean has not been run for some time and does require some recommissioning. We were able to get the car to start on our visit and it idles smoothly, however when revved it misfires. We did move the car around Mark’s garden, and 1st and reverse gears were selected easily.

image

Suspension and Brakes

The car appears to sit as it should, and looking under the car, there doesn’t appear to be any leaks from the dampers, and there is minimal surface corrosion to the suspension components.

The brakes do stop the car travelling slowly around the garden. It goes without saying that these should be recommissioned before being used on the road, having not been used for some time.

image

The Drive

Unfortunately, due to some recommissioning work needed, we were unable to take the DeLorean out on the road. It was last driven on the road approximately four years ago, when it was moved from storage to a new location. However, Mark reports that it drove well with no issues.

image

Electrics and Other

There is an issue with the ignition switch that requires some jiggling to start the car. All of the switchgear appears to be in good condition, with minimal wear. Some of the switches in the centre console are a little loose.

The electric door windows operate, but the heater fan doesn’t seem to blow. However, this issue has not been investigated further. It dates back to 1981, so the electrics are relatively simple to work on by an auto electrician or competent DIY enthusiast.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

Imported 2015, the DeLorean has had just 2 former keepers in the UK, it comes to market from ~7 year ownership used for promotional activity and presents a potential steal with a keen reserve as a recommission project.

Unfortunately, there is no paperwork with the car other than the V5C, as it has been used purely as an advertising car over the past few years. Mark does suspect there was some paperwork which may have been lost, and he is trying to obtain it - any bidders should assume this will not be supplied and bid accordingly.

With a little recommissioning, this is going to make a fantastic, desirable, and iconic car for the following lucky custodian. “Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." Well, maybe you do, but get this '80s icon up to 88mph (on a private road of course), and who knows what will happen! You have been warned!

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time—we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win—just like in a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
25.09.2019 MOT 35,789
09.10.2018 MOT 35,588
21.10.2016 MOT 35,435
20.05.2015 MOT 64,966
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Key Details
  • Model DMC-12
  • Transmission Manual
  • Reg. Date 01.01.1981
  • CC 2,849
  • Mileage ~35,806 on clock
  • Colour Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Interior Colour Grey
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # SCEDT26T4BD004463
  • Restored No
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 2 in UK
  • LHD or RHD LHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~7 years
  • Key Feature Original condition
  • Auction ID 2858
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VIEW ALL
Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos



Vehicle Location

Birmingham

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    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £4,500
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    Auction Ends Thu 26th Jun at 7.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  3
    £4,500 bid by King12.06.25 @ 11:07:13
    £4,000 bid by Jonty11.06.25 @ 22:12:37
    £2,000 bid by jjworkshop11.06.25 @ 17:29:20
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    Market View

    Most examples that come to auction tend to be show cars that have had lots of money lavished on them, this car is something different and potentially a great value proposition for the right buyer.

    We’re sure you have a good idea of the value of this vehicle by studying our thorough listing, however, you may be interested to see a selection of recent sales for cars that have had money lavished on them.

    1982 DeLorean DMC-12

    Auction House Car and Classic Auctions

    Sale Date 13 Aug 24

    Sold Price £42,250

    SEE AUCTION

    1981 DeLorean DMC-12

    Auction House Silverstone Auctions

    Sale Date 30 Sep 23

    Sold Price £30,375

    SEE AUCTION

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a DeLorean like this is £219 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2025.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Birmingham

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