1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

There's just too much to say about the futuristic DeLorean DMC 12: a fascinating history of triumph and folklore or a distinctive pop-culture Movie star icon? Can it be both? I'd argue yes, and this ultra-clean early example shows just 17,573 original miles and comes with a very desirable 5-speed gearbox, so there's a good possibility that it is more than just a footnote in history, it's an automotive Superstar.

The look is as stunning today as it was in 1982, and there aren't many cars more recognizable. For that you can probably thank the "Back to the Future" movies, but that why these cars are special. Instead, let's focus on the sleek stainless steel body, which was a great idea that eliminated the possibility of corrosion and made the cars look as expensive as they were. The downside of stainless is that it's impossible to straighten, especially when it's naked, so you can see at a glance that this DMC-12 has never been hit or wrecked and the panels are as crisp as the day they popped out of the press. With low mileage, it has always been a hobby vehicle, never a daily driver (they never were), and as a result has enjoyed the past three decades in comfortable climate-controlled environments that were ideal for preserving its condition. The gullwing doors fit well, the front and rear body caps aren't faded or cracked, and even the rubber bumpers and chin spoiler appear to be unaffected by the passage of time. There are lower-mileage cars, but not many that are this well-preserved.

The interior is just as futuristic and dramatic as the bodywork, and would you really expect otherwise? Handsome gray leather buckets look like they belong on a movie set, but are actually quite comfortable and easy to climb into, even with the tall sills. They show a little wear commensurate with age and mileage, and the softer, high-quality glove leather used in the DeLorean was more susceptible to age than the heavily processed stuff we're used to. Instrumentation is quite complete with large analog gauges in a very '80s pod atop the dash, and the center stack houses the AM/FM/cassette stereo and A/C controls in a logical fashion. Almost everything was standard in these cars, including power windows and locks, a tilt/telescope wheel, and a rear defroster. The critical feature, however, is the clutch pedal and 5-speed shifter, which transforms the DeLorean from ho-hum to a truly fun driver's car.

Open the rear hatch and you'll find the Renault-designed OHC V6 powerplant, which many will agree has gotten a reputation over the years, again thanks to "Back to the Future." It's not fast, but the car does have a competent feel and running it through the gears makes it an entertaining drive. This one has extensive service records that show thousands of dollars in new parts and labor to make sure it runs and drives like it should, a very uncommon feature among low-mileage DMC-12s. It's very nicely detailed with all the correct decals and fittings under the hood and you'll note that the A/C has been upgraded to R134a refrigerant, so this is definitely not intended to be garage art. It's extremely clean underneath, befitting its low-mileage status, and even the original aluminum wheels look fresh and crisp with 195/60/14 front and 235/60/15 rear tires, one of the first production cars to offer staggered sizes.

Heavily documented with an original window sticker, bill of sale, invoice, receipts, and manuals, this is the rare DeLorean that's not only well-preserved, but also well-maintained. Call today!