28-Years-Owned 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

The DMC-12 was the only production model ever released by the short-lived DeLorean Motor Company, founded by former General Motors executive John Z. DeLorean, and it arrived with a combination of features unlike anything else on the road — brushed stainless steel body panels, gullwing doors, and a rear-mounted V6 engine. Its starring role in the "Back to the Future" franchise ensured it a permanent place in automotive and popular culture, and clean examples have become increasingly sought-after by collectors who appreciate its singular character.

This DeLorean has been with its seller for nearly 30 years. Power comes from a 2.9L PRV V6 rated at 130 horsepower driving the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller reports a refurbishment ten years ago covering rust remediation, cooling system components, fuel lines, radiator, front-end panels, and wheels, with more recent maintenance including an oil change in May 2025 and a brake master cylinder replacement in 2024.

Modifications include an aftermarket exhaust, Eibach suspension components, an aero kit, two-tone upholstery, and a JVC head unit. The air conditioning compressor has been removed.

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is now offered with DeLorean-related literature, service records, an accident-free Carfax Vehicle History Report, and a clean Maryland title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• First-year DeLorean DMC-12

• 28 years under current ownership

• Refurbished approximately 10 years ago

• Two-tone upholstery with embroidered headrests

• Accident-free CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Factory Equipment

• 2.9L PRV V6 engine

• 3-speed automatic transmission

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

• Power-assisted steering

• 14/15” turbine-style alloy wheels

• Brushed stainless steel body panels

• Gullwing doors with gas-assisted struts

• Power-adjustable mirrors

• Fold down rear seat

• Power windows

Modifications

• Aftermarket aero kit

• Aftermarket exhaust system

• Eibach suspension components

• Two-tone upholstery

• JVC head unit

• Tinted windows

Servicing & Documentation

• May 2025: Oil and filter change

• 2024: Brake master cylinder replaced

• Approximately 10 years ago: Refurbishment including rust remediation, coolant hoses, fuel lines, fuel pump, radiator, front-end panels, wheel restoration, and bumper repaint

Known Imperfections

• Tires with 2012 date codes

• Odometer previously inoperative, since repaired

• Air conditioning system components removed

• Cracked weather sipping around windshield and doors

• Right side window motor requires replacement

• Wear on the steering wheel

• The included accident-free CARFAX Vehicle History Report history report shows the following (see report for full details):

  • Reporting gaps

  • A 252,315 mileage entry in 2014, which may be a clerical error

Ownership History

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 was acquired by the seller in April 1998. The seller reports adding approximately 10,000 miles during their ownership.

Included items

• DeLorean-related literature

• Service records

Additional Information

From the seller, “I've owned my Delorean since 1998, it was my first car. I did a body off the frame restoration 10 years ago, and the car is in good shape!”