Vehicle Description
It may be best known now for transporting its occupants back to the
future, but even for those with no intention of navigating the
space/time continuum, this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 also represents a
unique chapter in automotive history, with its distinctive
construction and signature gull-wing doors. There aren't all that
many of its kind left after all these years and this specimen,
having logged an unusually low 24,233 miles in its 37-year life
span, is likely as sharp as any you're likely to come across. This
one also has the added benefit of having gone through DMC's own
pre-purchase restoration in 2015 (15 page receipt to prove it) in
Humble, Texas. It's very clean!
Just as was originally intended, the stainless-steel body panels of
this DeLorean carry no paint. They look impressively smooth and
straight, which is certainly a good thing. While traditionally clad
cars have the advantage of paint to obscure any body filler that
might have been used to smooth out any damage, there's no such
luxury here. Even with its structure fully exposed, this low-slung
sports car, often viewed on television yet rarely encountered in
person, is in very good shape, down to its clear headlights and
taillights and the contrasting front and rear bumpers and
distinctive louvres sitting over the rear windshield. The signature
gull-wings are actually an improvement over its predecessors'
previous attempts at the configuration, with torsion bars that were
actually developed by Grumman Aerospace and gas-charged struts to
hold them securely in their raised position.
Inside the doors sits an interior that's done a great job of
defying time. Its leather surfaces have the look of a recent
restoration - you won't find any creasing or discoloration on the
contoured bucket seats and the center console that sits between
them is also in very good condition. There's a surprising amount of
room inside - the car's namesake stood 6'4" and made sure drivers
of his stature could ride comfortably. While the DeLorean's
unpainted stainless-steel exterior might give it an air of
eccentricity, there's plenty of functionality on display inside.
The instrumentation is logically laid out in its cluster and sits
behind a crystal-clear lens, the low-profile shifter is within easy
reach, as are all switches and controls, which appear to function
just as intended, while a well-fitted, custom CD player has been
added to the mix just above them. This iconic sports car left the
factory with air conditioning already installed and all of its
original components are still intact. Raise the front hood and
you'll find some welcome storage space, lined by fresh carpeting
and the optional luggage rack that was meant to sit atop the rear
louvers.
The original all-aluminum 2.8 liter V8 sits under the rear hatch in
a very clean, well assorted engine bay, featuring enhanced power
that comes via a Stage 2 performance upgrade from DMC, while a
5-speed manual transmission sits just behind. The engineering
features on hand serve as proof that the DeLorean was about more
than just its signature appearance - its four-wheel independent
suspension combines with a low profile and precise rack and pinion
steering to provide very nimble handling and power disc brakes are
at all four corners to bring this lightweight sports car (it comes
in at well under 3,000 lbs. in factory trim) to a quick stop. This
unique ride is sure to turn heads as it cruises on its set of stock
DMC wheels - 14" in front and 15" in back - outfitted with Kumho
tires. A look below at the straight undercarriage will confirm that
the DeLorean's revolutionary structure has served it well over the
years.
Chances to put a true automotive icon in your garage don't come
along frequently, let alone those sporting the unusually clean
appearance and strong running condition of this DeLorean. Call
today!