1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. This special offering is once again a presentation of the unique, with American Muscle, British class, heavy post war iron, and race cars from multiple platforms all on offer. These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE. 

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Conceived by ex-General Motors executive John Z. DeLorean, engineered in part by Lotus, and styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean DMC-12 had the makings of a truly exotic sports car when it first appeared as a prototype in 1976. Although its proposed mid-mounted Wankel rotary engine and full Elastic Reservoir Molding chassis hadn’t materialized when the DMC-12 began rolling off the assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1981, Giugiaro’s wedge-shaped sculpture, finished in novel stainless steel, looked decades into the future.  

Early reviews of DeLorean’s creation were positive, with Car and Driver praising the DMC-12's handling, comfortable interior, and well-behaved PRV V6 engine: “Most important, the DeLorean passes the critical enthusiast's test: It's fun to drive.”  

The DeLorean quickly became the car to own, and an estimated 8,975 were produced before DeLorean infamously went bankrupt in a flash of controversy and legal troubles. Then along came the first of the Back to the Future movies in 1985, and the DMC-12's popularity skyrocketed — three years after production ended. 

This example is one of approximately 6,700 DMC-12 models produced in the iconic coupe’s inaugural year. The car shows only 27,955 original miles, but it will require some mechanical and cosmetic work to return it to its former glory.  

Highlights 

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection 

• First-year 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 showing 27,955 original miles 

• Brushed stainless steel body panels and gullwing doors (with gas strut assist)  

• Gray leather upholstery  

• Powered by a 2.85-liter PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine rated at 130 hp 

• Five-speed manual transmission 

 Features 

• Dual AM/FM/CD stereo with USB and AUX 

• Air conditioning  

• Power windows  

• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel  

• 85 mph speedometer and 8,000 rpm tachometer 

• 14-inch front and 15-inch rear alloy wheels  

• Ironman GR906 195/60R14 tires in front, Cooper Cobra Radial G/T 235/60R15 in rear 

 Known Imperfections 

• Both gullwing doors' pneumatic lift supports require repair (won't stay open) 

• Headliner has separated on both doors 

• Windshield is cracked 

• Stainless steel exterior requires buffing 

• Dark smudge on front fender above signal light 

• Engine has modified induction and fuel delivery system 

• Engine runs less than optimal and will require attention 

Included 

• Spare temp tire

• Jack

• Tools

• Key 

• Workshop manual

Ownership History 

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, one of many collector cars that make up the ever-evolving Rocket City Collection, is offered from an established Alabama car enthusiast who enjoys the pursuit and trade of great cars in equal measure to the curation of the same. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096‬ email: rpotts@hagerty.com