1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

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, with such luminaries as Sammy Davis Jr., Kenny Rogers, and Patrick Swayze buying one. 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. 

The glove box of this well-maintained and updated 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 has been signed by Christopher Lloyd, who portrayed Doc Brown on the Back to the Future trilogy. 

Highlights 

• First-year 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 showing 35,130 original miles 

• Glove box autographed by Christopher Lloyd 

• 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  

• Three-speed automatic transmission 

• Major service and repair work under current ownership: 

  • Resealed engine and transaxle (engine out service) 

  • Cooling system rebuilt with aluminum radiator and silicone hoses 

  • Fuel system rebuilt with new injectors, lines, and Control Pressure Regulator 

  • Braking system rebuilt with new rotors, pads, and stainless-steel brake lines 

  • A/C system rebuilt with new compressor, component parts, and R134a conversion 

  • Binnacle (dash) restoration and LED lighting (all gauges are working) 

  • Door lock system rebuilt with keyless entry added 

  • New power window regulators 

  • New DeLorean Go stainless steel high-flow exhaust system 

  • New alternator and electrical system service   

Features 

• Louvered rear engine cover 

• Fiberglass underbody 

• Alpine AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• Air conditioning 

• Power windows 

• Tilt and telescoping steering wheel 

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

• Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires: 195/60R14 front, 225/60R15 rear 

Known Imperfections 

• Leather on seats is worn; driver’s seat has splits 

• Driver’s door panel bezel is cracked and loose 

• Headliner has some stains in the center 

• Radio does not function 

• Left rear rim has been repaired 

• Missing paint on passenger side drop-down window frame 

• Car requires a couple of start attempts when cold 

• Battery cover is cracked 

Included 

• Owner’s manual and original paperwork in a DeLorean sealable pouch 

• 2 sets of keys with keyless entry remotes 

• Original DMC Stainless Steel Blending scuff pads for exterior surface  

• Spare temporary tire 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 in Illinois, Ohio, and Arizona. The abbreviated report begins on 7 March 1984 in Oblong, Illinois. The car has been with its Arizona owner since late 2019, and he has driven it approximately 4,000 miles. 

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: Frank Malefors Phone: 602.488.7888 email: fmalefors@hagerty.com