Highlights
- Very well kept example
- Just 52,249 miles indicated
- Private registration worth £6,500 included
- Stunning Giugiaro design
- Gull-wing doors
The Appeal
If you’re going to make a sports coupé, why not do it with a little style? That’s certainly what John DeLorean did when he formed the DeLorean Motor Company and hired Giugiaro of Italdesign to pen the DMC-12. From its unusual stainless steel construction to the stunning gull-wing doors and, sadly, the absolutely bonkers tale of the firm’s collapse after just two years of production, everything about the DeLorean is intriguing and unusual.
There’s also the small matter of a little indie film by one Bob Zemeckis that has kept the DeLorean in the public’s consciousness for the last few decades. What was it now? “Back To The…” something or other. Anyway, time is running away from us and we need to explain why you should be so interested in this car.
With just over 52,000 miles on the clock, it’s seen well below average use, is presented in excellent overall condition and really does wear its years very lightly. Having been cherished for the last few years by a collector, it’s now ready to move on to a new owner. Whether you plan to take it over hill, down valley or somewhere without roads, it’s sure to be a fantastic adventure.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in December 1981 (the first year of production)
- First registered in the USA in January 1982
- Owned by a serviceman from Camp Murray – the Camp’s access badge is still present in the windscreen
- First registered in the UK in November 2017
- Purchased by Outrams of North Shields as a display car
- Acquired by the vendor in July 2020
- 52,249 miles indicated
- SORN since November 2022
- Please note: this vehicle does not currently have an MOT
- Complete with the cherished registration ‘FUT112E’ – for which the vendor paid £6,500
- US Washington State Title included
- Current V5C present and correct
- Some invoices for maintenance and servicing
- Large, original DMC handbook and maintenance manual included
- Plutonium and Van Halen tape not included
The Interior
- Smart grey leather upholstery
- Electric windows and door mirrors
- Air conditioning
- Muse sound system with USB, Aux and MicroSD connections
- DeLorean crushed velvet seat covers included
Upholstery in the DMC-12 is the standard, soft grey leather. The seats feature a soft ruching to the backs and here they look to be in excellent condition, with light signs of wear commensurate with the car’s mileage. Certainly, we didn’t see any damage or tearing.
The light grey carpets also appears to be in very fine fettle, with no threading, staining or obvious wear. Clearly, the interior has been well treated and kept in good order over the years by its owners.
With a none-more-80s angular dash design, there’s certainly no mistaking the cabin of the DeLorean for anything else. We couldn’t see any cracks or warping to the plastics, and all of the controls and switchgear present very well for a 40 year old car. There’s a little wear to the steering wheel rim, and the electric window controls on the centre console show some signs of use, but no more than you’d expect. Generally, it’s all remarkably well preserved.
One of the aspects of the car that may surprise those not familiar with them is the practicality. Beyond the front seats is a generous and useful luggage shelf, complete with elasticated cargo net. Perfect for retaining your hoverboard and guitar. Under the bonnet there’s a shallow but still useful storage area too.
We are informed by the vendor that everything works as it should in the cabin, with no faults or issues reported. Although we note a distinct lack of time circuit controls. They must be hidden somewhere.
The Exterior
- Brushed stainless steel finish
- Gull-wing doors function as they should
- Orignal, factory specification alloys
- Complete with movie-correct, California style ‘OUTATIME’ number plates for show use
- Branded DeLorean car cover included
Until you’re close up to one, you don’t realise how low and wide the DMC-12 really is. From every angle it’s a striking and captivating machine. Helped in no small measure by that unusual brushed stainless steel finish. Of course, it means that corrosion of the body isn’t really an issue, and the need to pamper and polish paintwork is eliminated.
The panels all look to be in very good order. All of the lines are clean and straight, and we couldn’t see any dents or damage. Similarly, the external trim is in excellent condition, with no damage, cracking or marking apparent to the rear louvres or the the front and rear plastic trim sections. The stylish light lenses all show well, being clear and clean, while the glass elements all look to be in a good state too.
The car is sitting on its factory wheels – a smart set of 15-inch multi-spoke alloys. Some kerbing is evident on the wheels, and a light restoration would bring them back to their very best, but overall they’re in good order. They’re shod in a matched set of Falken tyres, which look to have good tread levels too.
Underneath the car presents very well, looking to be clean and straight, with no damage or significant corrosion we could see.
The Mechanics
- 2.8-litre naturally aspirated V6
- Five-speed manual transmission
That rear-mounted V6 delivers 130hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. It may not have the power to take you back in time, but it certainly has the character and tactility to keep you coming back for more.
We’re told by the vendor that the car starts first time and runs beautifully. In fact, they tell us that it “purrs” and they report no mechanical issues whatsoever.
Popping the rear engine cover, you’re greeted by a lovely, clean and tidy engine bay. We didn’t see any evidence of oil leaks, overheating issues or any other problems.
At the time of writing, we’re unsure as to the availability of Mr Fusion upgrades.
Summary
It may not be the last word in outright performance, but nothing stops traffic or draws crowds like a DeLorean.
A car that engenders enormous goodwill, this is a very handsome example that is sure to provide its next owner with many years of joyous motoring. Just be wary of venturing too close to 88mph…
A car that engenders enormous goodwill, this is a very handsome example that is sure to provide its next owner with many years of joyous motoring. Just be wary of venturing too close to 88mph…
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This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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