1981 DeLorean DMC12 – Auction Car of the Week

Despite its monumental failure (from a commercial perspective at least) we bloody love the DeLorean DMC12. But would we be as enamoured if we hadn’t grown up in the ’80s and witnessed this madcap creation lighting up the tarmac (quite literally) and travelling through time in the Back to the Future trilogy of blockbuster movies? Perhaps not, but those were formative years for us and along with other icons of the screen at the time (we’re looking at you K.I.T.T.) we were in love.

The history of the DMC12, as well as the man behind its conception – Mr John DeLorean – is well documented. You can read our Editor Chris Pollitt’s excellent feature here if you’re one of the few that are still in the dark when it comes to this infamously legendary car, but suffice to say the story is a tumultuous but incredibly interesting one. Thankfully the DeLorean DMC12 has transcended both its troubled past as well as its movie star credentials and today it represents an appreciating classic that remains one of the most recognisable cars ever to put rubber to road. So if you’re as much of a fan as we are then boy do we have the car for you currently available via the Car & Classic Auctions platform.

This 1981 DeLorean DMC12 is patiently awaiting your bids and is listed with no reserve. Yep, the potential for a bargain is real and you could very well be only the second ever owner of this totally original and unmolested example with a mere 27,000 miles on the clock. Purchased by the vendor as a brand spanker in ’81 from a Mercedes-Benz dealership in America the car was registered and driven in Connecticut before making like a tree and heading to Italy in ’91. At this point it was promptly left to its own devices, and the elements, then later ensconced in a garage until being recently excised. The car is now up for grabs, being advertised as a running and driving example.

Having said that this DMC12 has been lying dormant for over thirty years and as such will require some recommissioning before it can be called road-ready. The fact that it does start, move and stop of its own volition is a huge positive though and although the automatic gearbox is reluctant to go into reverse things could be a hell of a lot worse, mechanically speaking. Whilst this is very much an unrestored example the brushed stainless steel bodywork nevertheless presents well overall. Yes, there are some areas that will require attention and the plastics are beginning to delaminate and warp in places but there is nothing of any major concern or anything that would put us off.

Similarly, the interior has seen better days thanks in part to having been stored outside for a time but don’t forget, this is an original spec car that hasn’t been given the Back to the Future treatment and so is a great base from which to restore. The harsh Italian sun can be a cruel mistress and there is some damage and bleaching to various parts in the cabin, including a cracked dash, but this is an untouched interior and everything is present and correct as it was from the factory. The grey leather seats are in excellent condition with no notable wear or damage. In fact, the lack of any real wear and tear is commensurate with the car’s exceptionally low mileage, corroborating the figures and what issues there are could easily be rectified.

The future isn’t written. It can be changed. Anyone can make their future whatever they want it to be and this car could very easily be a part of yours. This is an opportunity to own a fantastically original example of one of the most iconic cars of all time, a trait that will forever be ingrained as part and parcel of what the DeLorean DMC12 is. Did we mention it’s a no reserve listing? Go on, you know you want to.