Vehicle Description
1981 DeLorean DMC-12174ci Volvo-sourced Engine with 130
HPThree-speed AutomaticMade Famous by the Movie Back to the
FutureHistoryThe DeLorean DMC-12 was the brain-child of John
ZacharyDeLorean, an American automobile engineer and executive.
ThisGT type production car was designed and developed in the
1970s,but production and funding issues delayed its introduction
until1981, the year model of this car. DeLorean Motor Company was
anUnited States corporation, headquartered in New York,
butDeLoreans were build in Dunmurry, Ireland with support of
theBritish Government. John DeLorean considered several buildsites
in the US and around the world, but the British Governmentwanted to
resolve poverty and religious strife in Ireland andoffered him the
best support, subsidies and tax breaks.Its not easy to design and
build a car from scratch, but JohnDeLorean knew engineering and the
automobile business. This isnot a kit car assembled from off the
shelf parts. Almost everythingwas designed specifically for the
DeLorean. The timeless goodlooks were from celebrated designer
Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesigns, now famous for his design of
such cars as the AlfaRomero Brera, Ferrari 250 GT, Maserati Ghibli,
DeTomasoMangusta, Lamborghini Cala, and many more. The DeLorean is
aunique car with several distinguishing features. The doors are
ofthe gull-wing design, opened by gas struts and crysotwist
torsionbars designed by Grumman Aerospace. Lotus designed thedouble
Y frame. The fuel tank is safely nestled in the front Y andthe
engine is cradled in the rear Y. That engine is an aluminumalloy V6
jointly developed by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo anddesignated the
PRV6. It employed a very successful early use ofmechanical fuel
injection by Bosch. It has a trans-axle setup, rearwheel drive and
fully independent suspension.While the car appears to be of stamped
metal panels likeconventional cars, it is actually a composite car
with a FRP(Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) core covered by stainless
steelpanels. The 304 stainless steel costs about four times that
ofconventional steel. No factory cars were ever painted, but about
4were gold plated for a special American Express promotion. Eventhe
Craig WS450 cassette/radio was state of the art at the time.There
was only one production model of DeLorean automobile theDMC-12 by
company designation. That was part of DeLoreansplan for
anethicalcar that would be fun to drive, safe to operate,and long
lasting. Fewer than 10,000 DeLoreans were built and soldfrom 1981
to 1983.This DeLoreanThe car was purchased from one of the original
investors ofDeLorean Motor Company. He was a beloved local
physician whomostly drove it from his home to a nearby golf
course.Exterior/BodyThe original stainless steel is properly
grained and in excellentcondition. The front and rear fascia's were
removed, stripped andrefinished in original color. The windscreen
was replaced due to arock chip. Inner and outer door seals were
replaced. Windowmotors were replaced and switches refurbished or
replaced. Doorand bonnet struts were replaced and torsion bars
adjusted. Doorsopen and close smoothly, latch, lock and fit
properly. Electric doorlocks work properly. Headlight and tail
light assemblies wereremoved and refurbished.The gull-wing door
hinges, cryo-twist bars and T-panel assemblyare all original, rust
free and properly secured. Inner and outerdoor seals were changed
during renovation.InteriorThe dash was removed and refinished in
original color. Theinstrument binnacle was recovered. All
instruments were removedand cleaned. All are in proper working
order. Dash and side panelradio speakers were replaced. The
automatic antenna wasreplaced. Carpets are original and show some
wear, but still verypresentable. Headliners were recovered. Door
panels are in greatcondition. Seats were recovered in
leather.ElectricalNo butchered electrical box on this DeLorean.
Some weakcomponents were replaced, fuse box and fan fuse wiring
replaced,but it is largely original/unmolested. The incandescent
lamps in thedoor frames were replaced with LEDs to avoid battery
drain whendoors stay open at shows. A Pioneer radio with
Bluetoothtelephone interface is hidden in the console.Wheels, tires
and brakesThe original wheels were refinished by DMC/Houston
(internationalheadquarters for DeLorean parts). Original wheels are
paintedsilver, but these wheels were painted charcoal and then
machinedto produce a glossy finish. Thespare tire, jack and wrench
are properly installed in the bonnetarea.The brake pads, calipers,
brake lines and front rotors werechanged. The car stops firmly and
straight.Engine and TransmissionThe engine is original and has not
been rebuilt (only 32,000 miles).The Bosch fuel injection system is
original, but has been cleanedand adjusted. The original fuel pump
has been upgraded with theGM-style pump from DMC-Houston. A modern
inertia type safetyswitch is installed. The engine runs and
accelerates smoothly with no smoking,pinging, or other signs of
malfunction.The transmission is original - an automatic three speed
unit fromRenault. The only service has been oil change. It pulls
and shiftsproperly. The transmissions electron circuit board
(controller) hasbeen refurbished. The axle seals and boots were
changed. Thetransaxle weeps oil slightly at the seam.The
air-conditioner system was internally cleaned and adjusted,the
condenser replaced. The system was dried and charged withR134A. The
Heater hoses were changed and the control valvereplaced. Heat/cold
both work properly. The AC system on theDeLorean is not its
strongest suite, but this one works well.Frame/UnderbodyThe frame
has had little work. DeLorean frames are epoxy coatedand prone to
chips and rust. This frame has been repainted inplaces and is in
overall good condition. The suspension is originalwith new shocks
and repainted coil springs. Lower ball joints werechanged. The FRP
tub, which constitutes most of the underbodyis in great condition.
We appreciate our customers here at Valleyside Automotive Company
and we never charge dealer fees. Our quality inventory low prices
and stellar customer service is second to none.Low prices great
quality high options and honest service are what set Valleyside
apart from other dealerships. Our inventory is what you would
expect from a large franchise dealer while our prices are much
lower and we do not charge dealer fees which will save you
thousands. Come on in today and experience the Valleyside
difference! Call or visit today. Shop 24/7 at
www.valleysideauto.com.Located at 12541 Memorial Parkway SE
Huntsville AL 35803. See you soon!
