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 22,738 miles in its life span, is
likely as sharp as any you're likely to come across.
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 body-filler that might
have been used to smooth out any damage, there is 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 louvers
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 luxury - 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. This iconic sports car left the factory with air
conditioning already installed and all of its original components
are still intact.
The all-aluminum 2.8-liter V6 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 an
automatic transmission sits just behind. The Stage 2 upgrade
includes a performance camshaft, ported and polished cylinder
heads, reworked intake and exhaust, and a ECU tune. The base
horsepower was around 130 but with this upgrade, it gets closer to
195 horsepower. 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 Hankook tires. A look below at the
straight undercarriage will confirm that the DeLorean's
revolutionary structure has served it well over the years.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• 2.8-Liter V6 Engine
• Automatic Transmission
• Low Vin Number
• 22,738 Believed Actual Miles
• Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
• Air Conditioning
• Stage 2 Performance Package
• Leather Bucket Seats
• Gull Wing Doors
• Stainless Steel Body
• AM/FM/Dolby Cassette Radio
• Power Windows
• Iconic 1980's Design
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 Stage 2 1981
DeLorean DMC-12. Call today!
Vehicle Details
1981 Delorean DMC-12
Listing ID:CC-1999812
Price:$94,995
Location:Concord, North Carolina
Year:1981
Make:DeLorean
Model:DMC-12
Exterior Color:Stainless
Interior Color:Gray
Transmission:Automatic
Odometer:22738
Stock Number:9518-CHA
VIN:SCEDT26T1BD006848
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