Vehicle Description
1981 DeLorean DMC-12
John Zachary DeLorean was indisputably a brilliant engineer. A
flamboyant, aggressive business executive who burst out of the
staid yes-men culture of the 1950s. He would prove to be an early
model of the modern American visionary-think Jobs, Bezos,
Zuckerberg-who discarded convention in pursuit of a singular
vision. In his case, that meant trying to create the greatest
sports car the world had ever seen. He also was accused of being a
thief, a fraud, an embezzler and a brazen con man who fooled
everyone he ever did business with, from celebrities to
superpowers, bilking them out of millions of dollars in the
process. DeLorean's longtime attorney and staunch personal advocate
Howard Weitzman told the Los Angeles Times after the carmaker's
death in 2005 that "John DeLorean had one of the most warped views
of right and wrong" he had ever come across.
For consignment, a car from a visionary GM executive who attained
rock star status, and failed to conform to the corporate norms, so
he set out on his own, and created the DeLorean Motorcar Company,
which operated in Belfast, Ireland, and produced his visionary
stainless steel car with the gull wing doors. Here we have an
example which is a rare find, as there were a mere 9,000 produced,
and even less (approximately 6,000) sold. This is also an even
rarer 3 speed automatic version with a mere 600 produced. Low
mileage, and a piece of history even though some of the story is
somewhat shady.
Exterior
This aero wedge shaped car is fabricated out of all stainless
steel. It will never rust, just dull a bit, but then you get out
the Brillo pad. A rectangular snout with dual square headlights
flanking a simple black grille, all within a neoprene crash bumper,
and the fun starts. All fabricated and artfully shaped stainless
steel mixes with black trimmings around the windows rockers and
side beltline trimmings. With Ferrari-like lines it retains a low
center of gravity and with the 14 inch for the front and 15 inch
for the rear turbine style wheels has a futuristic look, (Or should
I say back to the futuristic look!?). The gull wing doors are a
very unique feature and actually create a very quiet interior ride
due to their sealing mechanism in the down position. On back a wide
stance is accentuated by a long sloping rear glass, covered with
wide louvers for protection from the sun. The rear panel houses the
running lights, brake lights, reverse lights, turn signals, and
looks like a 1980's computer grid one usually sees showing up in a
campy Sci Fi movie. These high tech grids are hovering just above a
black embossed DELOREAN badged rear rubber bumper.
Interior
The futuristic gull winged doors inside are covered in charcoal
gray leather and offer up a very simplistic design. The subway
styled stand up hangers are the door pulls aiding the seated driver
to reach the actual door. Inside are "spacey" high back buckets,
also in charcoal leather. These flank a center console with a
storage area, numerous toggles, and the automatic shifter. This
console rises to the dash where we see temp and airflow controls,
and a Clarion aftermarket AM/FM/CD player stereo. A rectangular
"bump up" provides a clear view of the gauge cluster, and an
original leather covered steering wheel is fronting the dash. Dark
gray carpet covers the floors, and is mostly clean and stain free.
Pushing the seat backs forward, reveals a carpeted storage space
which remains nicely preserved. Way back is the engine bay, yes
it's a rear engine car.
Drivetrain
2.8 liters of V6 power which is a PRV engine (Peugeot, Renault,
Volvo) with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. An original 3 speed
automatic transmission is attached, with a 3.44 axle configuration.
All is looking good under the rear deck. Also noted the 3 speed
automatic was a rare option with only 600 produced with this
automatic transmission.
Undercarriage
Underneath we note a mix of fiberglass and stainless for the
undercarriage, and plenty of ground effects to cover most of the
undercarriage. All rust free, we see MacPherson Strut suspension in
the back, and upfront independent coil springs. Power disc brakes
are all around.
Drive-Ability
This car started right up and drove well on the test track. Not
particularly known for its power, it had good acceleration, decent
handling and was a pleasurable drive. All seemed to be functioning
well at the time of this drive.
Bathed in stainless steel, and eventually cocaine, used as a scheme
by Delorean to try to help save his company, we now have a unique
vision from an automotive visionary, who actually came up with the
concept of the Pontiac Firebird. A sporty looker, gull wing doors
and gray sporty leather interior, you are ready to go back in
time... Await the lightning! Noted are plenty of new add ons,
maintenance records, factory service manuals and restoration
paperwork that are available for anyone's perusal upon request.
Along with a detailed ownership record dating back to 1999 the
paper trail is impeccable. Add in some much needed upgrades of
factory parts and we're all set to go Back To The Future!!!!
VIN DECODE
SCEDT26T8BD005129
SCE-World Manufacturer
D-Delorean
T-DMC-12
2-2 Door Coupe
6-2.8L PRV V6
T-Manual Belts
8-Check Digit
B-1981
D-Dunmurry Assy Plant
005129-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
