37-Years-Owned 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 5-Speed

Description

The 1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12 was the only production model built by the short-lived DeLorean Motor Company, founded by former General Motors executive John Z. DeLorean. Featuring brushed stainless steel body panels, gullwing doors, and a rear-mounted V6 engine, it stood apart from nearly everything else on the road at the time.

Two years after production ended, the car's appearance in the Back to the Future films cemented its place in both automotive and pop culture history.

This first-year example, under its current ownership for 37 years, is powered by a 2.9L V6 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes gullwing doors with gas-assisted struts, staggered turbine-style alloy wheels, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, gray leather upholstery, high-back bucket seats, power windows, and an AM/FM radio paired with a power antenna.

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is now offered with manufacturer’s literature, owner’s manual, period DeLorean-branded Stainless Steel Car Care Kit, car cover, clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, and a clean New York title in the owner’s name.

Highlights

• Under current ownership since 1989

• Brushed stainless steel body panels

• Gray leather upholstery

• 2.9L PRV V6 engine

• 5-speed manual transmission

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

• 14/15” DMC turbine-style alloy wheels

• Gullwing doors with gas-assisted struts

• High-back bucket seats

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Power windows and power-adjustable mirrors

• Air conditioning system

• Craig AM/FM radio

Service

The seller reports that the following items have been replaced:

• Distributor wires

• Fuel pump, baffle, and accumulator

• Alternator and miscellaneous electrical parts

• Both taillight boards

• Rebuilt brake calipers and replacement pads

• Clutch master cylinder and slave cylinder

• Hood, door, and trunk struts

• Belts

• Headliner

• Both window switches

Known Imperfections

• Some blemishes on stainless steel body consistent with age

• Some rust on upper door hinge/torsion bar mount area ‌

• Some wear on driver’s seat leather

• Crack in engine compartment louvers

• Oil seepage around oil pan

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which begins in October 1989, shows registration history in New York.

From the seller: "This DeLorean just passed New York State inspection on August 28th, 2026, with no issues. I've always serviced it to ensure road worthiness. This is a great example of an all-original 1981 DeLorean."

Included Items

• Replacement oil pan gasket and various spare parts

• Carpeted DMC floor mats

• Manufacturer’s literature

• Owner’s manual and tech manuals

• Wiring diagram

• Temporary spare tire, jack, and lug wrench

• DeLorean-branded Stainless Steel Car Care Kit

• Multiple keys

• Car cover

Additional Information

The seller states, “I have owned car since 1989, and I believe I am the third owner. The car runs well, and it has always been maintained and garaged. It is in mostly original condition except for the stainless-steel letters in the rear bumper. It has its original radio. Carpets are in great shape.

“Included in the sale are all tech manuals, wiring diagrams, original sales brochures and associated documents as shown in the photos, as well as some new water and vacuum hoses and gasket sets that I had never installed.

“Over the years the injectors have been sent out for cleaning. The distributor wires have been replaced. The fuel pump, baffle, and fuel accumulator have been replaced, along with some minor electrical parts. Last year all four brake calipers were rebuilt and work well.”