This 1981 Delorean DMC-12 is a low miles, early production, 2-owner
example with a clean Carfax of the car made famous by the Back to
the Future movies that has been gorgeously preserved and extremely
well-maintained! Few cars in automotive history are as instantly
recognizable-or as culturally significant-as the 1981 DeLorean
DMC-12. The legacy of its creator, John Z. DeLorean, bridges two
generations of car enthusiasts. To seasoned muscle-car fans,
DeLorean is best remembered as the visionary executive behind the
Pontiac GTO, often credited as America's first true muscle car. To
younger enthusiasts, his name is forever tied to the
stainless-steel DeLorean DMC-12, made legendary by its starring
role as the time machine in the Back to the Future film franchise.
Behind the fame lies one of the most remarkable stories in
automotive history. By the early 1970s, John DeLorean had risen to
Vice President of GM's Domestic Car and Truck Group, but his
rebellious, forward-thinking nature led him to leave General Motors
and form the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). His ambitious goal was
to build a revolutionary sports car designed for longevity, safety,
and futuristic appeal. Development of the DMC-12 progressed
quickly, with early prototypes completed by the mid-1970s.
Production challenges, however, plagued the company from the
outset. After struggling to secure a manufacturing facility,
DeLorean ultimately established production in Northern Ireland in
1978, supported by substantial loans and tax incentives from the
British government in an effort to stimulate economic growth in the
region. Power came from a 2.85-liter Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV)
V6, a reliable but modestly powered engine that limited outright
performance. Despite delays and setbacks, customer deliveries
finally began in 1981. Although the DeLorean's performance fell
short of expectations, its brushed stainless-steel body panels,
gullwing doors, and Giugiaro-inspired design made it unlike
anything else on the road. Financial difficulties ultimately forced
DMC into receivership after a short production run, and while John
DeLorean's legal troubles brought a dramatic end to the company,
the car itself would soon achieve immortality. Today, the 1981
DeLorean DMC-12 stands as one of the most iconic collector cars of
the modern era-a futuristic design that transcended its short
production life to become a true automotive legend. This particular
Delorean comes to us from a Southern-based collector who stewarded
the low-mileage car for the better part of the last decade and who
purchased the iconic gullwing adorned car from its original
Southern-based owner. Powering this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is its
original rear-mounted 2.85-liter dual overhead cam V6, equipped
with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection and rated at
approximately 130 horsepower when new. The DOHC V6 exhales through
a dual exhaust system, producing a distinctive, throaty tone that
complements the DeLorean's futuristic character. Power is delivered
through an Automatic transmission, providing a comfortable and easy
driving experience that true enthusiasts appreciate. This DeLorean
is well equipped with desirable driver-friendly features and
creature comforts. Power steering makes low-speed maneuvering and
parking effortless, while four-wheel power disc brakes deliver
confident stopping performance and improved reliability. Factory
air conditioning allows for comfortable cruising, even on warm
summer days. The DMC-12 rides on radial tires mounted to
original-style 4-lug cast aluminum finned wheels, maintaining a
correct, stock appearance with a smooth and stable ride. The iconic
brushed stainless-steel body panels are in excellent condition,
complemented by well-preserved rear window louvers, exterior trim,
painted bumpers, and the signature gullwing doors, which open and
close properly and complete the unmistakable DeLorean profile.
Inside, the cockpit of this 1981 DeLorean presents beautifully. The
black leather bucket seats and center console are in excellent
condition, while the padded dash, door panels, carpeting, and
steering wheel retain a clean, factory-correct appearance. Notably,
the black leather interior along with the front-mounted accessible
fuel door, evidences this car is an earlier production example.
Additional comfort and convenience features include a tilt and
telescoping steering column, power windows, and dual adjustable
exterior mirrors. Entertainment is provided by a period-correct
AM/FM/Cassette stereo, and the instrument cluster features an
85-MPH speedometer, 8,000-RPM tachometer, temperature gauge, volt
gauge, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, and indicator lights-giving
the driver a complete and authentic 1980s sports-car experience.
Whether you're planning on showing this Delorean at the local car
show or charity event, or you're planning on driving and enjoying
this beauty, or you want to do a little bit of both, this 1981
Delorean DMC-12 would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a
call today at 763-428-7337!
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.