1981 DeLorean DMC-12 |

Sold

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£53,010

Mileage~33,558 on the clock
Transmission5-speed Manual
Engine2.8-litre
LocationPershore

SOLD

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

There aren't many cars as striking as the DeLorean DMC-12.

Few cars are so inextricably linked to popular culture as the Delorean. While its development and subsequent fate could have easily consigned the car to history as a minor motoring footnote, the 1985 to 1990 blockbuster trilogy Back to the Future has single-handedly elevated the brand to one of the most loved and recognisable cars to have ever been produced.

Its story began in 1973, when John DeLorean left GM to build his own car. Production finally commenced in 1980, with the first cars being delivered in the following year.

The distinctive brushed stainless steel coupe was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, with Lotus helping out with the chassis design. The V6 fuel-injection engine was used on higher-end Peugeots, Renaults, and Volvos, and used conventional running gear. Unfortunately, it was launched during a recession. The messy wind-down of the company in 1982 meant that just ~8,975 were produced. However, thanks to its subsequent fame, around 2/3 of those cars survive, and the car is backed up with excellent parts availability and a vibrant owners club.

Subject to restoration in the late 2000s, the current owner sought the best example he could find and approached the owners' club, who found him this facelifted LHD 1981 car. Maintained to a high standard, it was imported into the UK in 1990 and registered in 1998. Smartly presented and very original, with a believed genuine mileage of ~ 33,558 miles, it comes off the back of 13 years of ownership with our vendor, with three sets of keys and has recently been serviced.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Carl the owner, and having visited and photographed the 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.

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.

Meet the owner

There’s simply no avoiding the attention you’ll get when driving a DeLorean!

Carl bought the car for his son in 2012, who was aware of the car's appearance in the Back to the Future films, but was more attracted to the design of the DeLorean. They were keen on buying the best example they could find, and therefore contacted the owners' club - who suggested this car, which had been restored by a club member.

It has seen a modest amount of use over its ~13 years of ownership, gaining around ~2,000 miles. It has been regularly maintained and checked over by a trusted mechanic. Carl’s son is emigrating and the sale of the car will help contribute towards his new start. Carl would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Carl

Vehicle Owner

Carl saved £9,540* when they
sold their DeLorean with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Smartly presented, this has to be considered one of the best on the market today.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” alloys present well with no rim damage, although there are surface corrosion spots between the spokes.

The car is fitted with Pirelli P600 tyres with the front showing a spec of 195/60 and 235/60 to the rear. The offside tyres date from 2007, but both the nearside tyres are likely to be over 25 years old. While they all have good tread, there are signs of age and the nearside rear shows sidewall cracks.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Delorean and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The stainless steel bodywork is free of any discernible corrosion, and we didn’t spot any significant ripples or dents. The panel gaps are acceptable with nothing that looks too untoward. The gullwing door opens without problems, providing a good seal. The passenger side door needs a little guidance to open fully. The front luggage lid and rear louvred lid also open without issues, but the rear engine cover will not support its own weight.

The underside is clean, the chassis and engine cradle are solid, and the floor pan has a few scuffs but overall is in good shape. The engine bay and sills are present positively. The fibreglass wheel wells are in good shape, with the occasional crack, but this appears to be nothing more than a cosmetic issue.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The nose and tail panels are in good shape with no marks.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass, lights and lenses are in good condition, with decent seals. The trim is in good order, with no significant marks. The bumpers are flush to the body, and aside from mild age-related marks, they display positively.

Carl has added black-textured accent stripes to the car, which we feel adds to the visual aesthetics of the car. They have been well applied and are in good shape.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Original and well cared for, the interior reflects the car's modest mileage.

Seats and Carpets

The leather seats are free of significant marks or scuffs, only showing age-related creasing and minor bolster wear, but are well above the exceptions of a car of this age.

The carpets are clean and damp-free, and the front luggage area is tidy.

Dashboard

The dashboard is smartly presented. We saw a small mark in front of the binnacle, but otherwise it is free of damage. The leather padding is clean, only showing typical age-related creases.

The centre console is free of scuffs, although the black heater control panel and some switches shows minor signs of age.

All of the functions and controls are said to work, including both electric windows, although the air conditioning will need re-gassing. The cabin trim, door cards and headlining are well-mounted and in good condition.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in line with the positive condition of the interior, being free of significant marks.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without any hesitancy, sounding even and free of rattles or unwanted noises. It idles smoothly with no undulations. The exhaust remained free of fumes, and we didn’t see any lingering dashboard warning lights.

The engine presentation is tidy, with evidence that it has seen regular maintenance. All of the hoses and ancillaries look good. Carl has notified us that the car has recently been serviced and will supply the invoice shortly.

The 5-speed manual gearbox has a positive action, with no reported problems with the changes. Carl is happy with the clutch and told us it has a good bite point.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rides well with no notable flaws; it absorbs the road without negative feedback and is free of any knocks or thuds.

The car brakes confidently, and we didn’t hear any squeals or notice any judders when it slowed down.

The Drive

The DeLorean utilises the hardy PRV V6 engine, and while it's known for its durability, it wasn’t particularly performance-oriented; however, this car has seen its catalytic converter emission gear removed, which helps the car produce a useful ~158 bhp: 21% more power than the original US-Spec power unit.

Carl took us for a spin in the car, driving along some of the picturesque back roads of Worcestershire. The car felt lively and pulled well with no unwanted engine noises; the cabin was well insulated and without significant noises from the wheels. The car has a stainless steel free-flow exhaust, which made the experience far more sporting than expected; the steering tightness and controlled ride added to the feel.

Carl has told us that there have been no problems with its cooling or oil pressure. The car was left running for periods of time, and it idles evenly and starts up without problems when warm. It has been consistently stored in a heated garage since 2012, and we didn’t spot any evidence of historic fluid leaks.

Electrics and Other

The car comes with its jack and wheel brace, and an owner's wallet with a reproduction handbook & window sticker is also included.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

Imported into the UK in 1990, this car comes with an impressive record of maintenance.

This car is chassis number 6457, with a November 1981 build date. It was delivered to California when new and imported into the UK in February 1990 with a documented 6,519 miles; but was not registered for UK roads until 1998. Its fourth owner restored the car in 2008, including a chassis strip down followed by galvanising and powder-coating. At the same time, it also received new suspension bushes, new lower front springs, Spax shocks, a new fuel pump, a new radiator, and a stainless steel coolant header tank.

Carl bought the car in 2012 and has not needed to do much other than replace the steering rack in 2021, address a few cosmetic items, and the usual mechanical maintenance. It has been regularly checked over by a trusted mechanic. The car has recently been serviced. It comes with a folder of invoices since 2002 and past MOT certificates since 1997. There are 3 keys, and it is Road Tax and MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
14-04-2022	MOT	33,347
13-04-2021	MOT	33,339
14-05-2019	MOT	32,852
09-08-2016	MOT	32,809
18-01-2016	MOT	32,732
23-01-2015	MOT	32,448
20-01-2014	MOT	32,163
17-10-2012	MOT	31,982
29-10-2011	MOT	31,645
13-10-2010	MOT	28,266
10-10-2009	MOT	22,536
27-09-2008	MOT	20,173
19-10-2007	MOT	17,348
03-06-2006	MOT	16,277
08-06-2004	MOT	14,743
05-02-2003	MOT	12,265
16-10-2001	MOT	11,127
07-10-2000	MOT	9,073
16-10-1999	MOT	8,477
26-09-1998	MOT	7,780
18-10-1997	MOT	6,589