22k-Mile 1982 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 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 be seen with, with such luminaries as Sammy Davis Jr., Kenny Rogers, and Patrick Swayze all owning one. An estimated 8,975 of them 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 sky rocketed — three years after production ended. 

Highlights 

• 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 showing 21,801 miles, believed original  

• Brushed stainless steel exterior over gray leather interior  

• Powered by 2.85-liter V6 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection rated at 130 hp 

• Three-speed automatic transmission   

• Counter-balanced gullwing doors    

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report    

Features 

• Power steering, disc brakes, and windows 

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• DMC-branded AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• 85 mph speedometer and 8000 rpm tachometer 

• Rack-and-pinion steering   

• Four-wheel independent suspension 

• Dual electric remote side view mirrors 

• Gray-finished turbine-style cast light alloy wheels (14-inch front, 15-inch rear) 

• Starfire RS-C 2.0 195/60R14 tires in front, Goodyear Eagle GT II P235/60R15 tires in rear 

Known Imperfections 

• Scuffs on wheels 

• Light wear with some cracking on back/shoulder portion of driver’s seat 

• Light corrosion on rear of driver’s door well 

• Some staining on floor mats 

• Inside dome light does not work 

• Engine needs to warm up for about 7-10 mins before idling properly

• CARFAX notes a mileage discrepancy, likely from a date entry error.

Included 

• DMC floor mats 

• Various belts, fuses, and relay switches 

• New rubber for brake and gas pedals  

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report for this all-original 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 begins on 11 December 1998 in Alexandria, Virginia (12,658 miles). Prior to the consignor’s ownership, which began in October 2021, the DeLorean’s longtime owner was his stepfather, who was a mechanic and “was meticulous in its upkeep.”