1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Highlights
- One of the best we have seen
- Very low mileage
- Only previous owner from new
- Single owner for over 40 years
- Recommissioned in 2022 by PJ Grady DeLorean specialists
- Huge & fascinating history file
- Will be sold with 12 months MOT despite being exempt
- Registered as an Historic Vehicle with DVLA
The Appeal
If there is anything more eye-catching than a DeLorean then it must be a timewarp DeLorean with tiny mileage and history dating back to day one.
This early DMC-12 has covered 32,000 miles from new in the hands of two registered keepers. The vendor bought it from the renowned Beverley Hills Car Club in July 2022 and imported it to the UK. On arrival it was comprehensively recommissioned by Chris Nicholson at P J Grady, the UK DeLorean specialists.
This is an exceptional, low mileage example of one of motoring’s most fascinating cars. It is amongst the best we have seen. With extensive history - including letters from John Z himself - it is a collector-quality car ready for an enthusiastic buyer. It will be sold with 12 months MOT.
The History and Paperwork
- Arizona Certificate of Title shows the car was first registered there in June 1981
- DeLorean and time-travel enthusiasts will note the car was factory-built in July 1981
- Vendor advises one previous lady owner who kept the car in Arizona and Texas
- Correspondence between USA owner and factory recording early experiences
- These letters include one from John Z DeLorean addressing the owner’s concerns
- Original DMC owner handbooks, leaflets paperwork including safety recalls, all immaculate
- Extensive history file includes the original bill of sale and service book
- Vendor acquired the car in July 2022 from Beverly Hills Car Club with invoice included
- Five pages of parts list totalling $5,347 for purchases from DMC in September 2020
- Recommissioned on arrival in UK by Chris Nicholson of PJ Grady including new fuel lines, dash and weather seals
- DVLA records show the car first registered in the UK on 1st August 2022 with one keeper
- VIN records confirm this as an early 1981 car, number 1,743 of the production run
- Vendor confirms the displayed mileage of 32,221 is correct
- Questionnaire return for Popular Mechanics DeLorean buyers guide
- Vendor advises that the car will be sold with a 12 month MOT
- Car is registered as a Historic Vehicle with DVLA so is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Private registration will not be included
The story of the DeLorean is a fascinating and well-told one. The individual history of this car certainly builds on the allure. Its chassis plate shows it was built in July 1981, car number 1,743 of the production run. Perhaps typically for a car famed for its time-travel, its Arizona Certificate of Title shows it was first road registered a month earlier.
We understand that the car had just one lady owner until July 2022, during which time it lived in the dry climates of Arizona and Texas and was used very sparingly. It appears that this first owner was a typical DeLorean buyer, experiencing a range of problems in the car’s early life that are documented in lengthy typewritten letters to and from the firm. These are carefully preserved in the history file.
Restoration work appears to have been undertaken in September 2020 when a five-page list of parts was purchased from DMC at a cost above $5,000. The car was then sold to the current keeper in July 2022 by the well-known Beverly Hills Car Club.
The seller registered the car in the UK as a Historic Vehicle in August 2022 and commissioned Chris Nicholson of highly regarded DeLorean specialist P J Grady to recommission it. Said to be running perfectly and in similarly excellent condition - which a quick scan of the photographs will confirm - the car will be sold with the reassurance of a full 12 months MOT.
The Condition
- Factory standard car in superb, unmodified condition
- Vendor advises that the stainless steel has been recently refurbished
- Dent and scratch-free panels
- Very small scuff to rear bumper that is likely an easy repair
- Otherwise the exterior is unmarked and pleasingly factory correct
- Refurbished multi-spoke alloys with correct Cooper Cobra tyres
- Underside is close to perfect and reflects the caring owner
- Grey leather interior totally factory standard, including radio
- Cabin virtually unmarked, only very light discolouration to carpet around belts to note
- Fitted with DMC over mats
- Switchgear well kept with nothing missing and no marks
DeLorean’s incredible stainless steel supercar has achieved what few four-wheeled vehicles do: iconic status. Lauded in film, music and writing, its cultural reach shows no sign of abating.
To realise why you just have to look at it. If the gullwing doors don’t pull you in then the stainless steel style surely will. This excellent example is a very good advertisement for the car’s appeal, its unmarked exterior and interior reflecting its very low miles. We’re not surprised that the owner says this was the best DMC-12 he could find - he reached out to Beverly Hills to find it.
On the outside the panels and wheels have been refurbished while inside the grey leather interior is close to immaculate. The latter is quite an achievement on a car known for its fragile trim and indicates the low mileage as well as renovation work in 2020 and 2022. It is pleasingly standard throughout the cabin, with well-kept switchgear and an original radio.
The Mechanics
- 2,849cc V6 ‘Douvrin’ PRV engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Said to run perfectly and smoothly
- Extensive history file with regular maintenance and servicing
- Restoration work recorded in September 2020
- Further recommissioning work in 2022 by PJ Grady
- Will be sold with 12 months MOT
The last-minute involvement of Lotus’ Colin Chapman imbued the DMC-12 with a setup similar to the Lotus Esprit. This gave it good handling, a fact often overlooked by the fuss made about the car’s looks and compelling backstory. The 2.8litre PRV engine was relatively low power compared to European sports cars but more than a match for contemporary American coupes.
The manual gearbox on this car allows the driver to exploit the potential of that chassis. We are told the car runs perfectly, with a smooth engine and good handling. Likely that reflects the low mileage as well as the extensive restoration work carried out in 2020 and more recently by PJ Grady.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1981
- Make DeLorean
- Model DMC 12
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 32,211 Miles
- Engine size 2849
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bishop's Stortford
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
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