Highlights
- Well kept car which has just benefitted from a full mechanical overhaul
- USA car imported in 2010
- Factory standard car with manual box
- Fresh MOT without advisories, tax & ULEZ exempt
The Appeal
Whether you’re here for the movie, the drugs, the backstory or simply the astonishing looks, let's all take a moment to breathe. Because here we have surely one of the most breath-taking cars to be placed on four wheels: the Delorean DMC-12.
Few cars have been built where the simple act of Being A Car takes such a backseat. So while we’re all familiar with all the legend, perhaps its worth remembering that this was a car engineered by Lotus. It is much more than a stunning static object: it handles surprisingly well too.
This 1981 car was imported to the UK some years ago and has had just three owners since. It is in very good condition, thanks in part to a recent £4,000 mechanical refresh which results in an especially well kept engine bay. Now MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt by year, this is a great example of a car whose incredible appeal, just like its stainless steel bodywork, rightly shows no signs of dimming.
The History and Paperwork
- DVLA records indicate first registered in the UK on 30th September 2010
- Chassis and DVLA records confirm this is a ‘B’ code 1981 car
- It was built towards the end of 1981 production
- Three registered keepers since arriving in the UK
- Always garaged by the vendor
- Now MOT exempt by year which also includes tax and ULEZ
- Fresh MOT valid until 4th February 2025 with no advisories
- Very good MOT history with no advisories on recent tests
Recent £3,890 mechanical overhaul including:
- New brake pads
- Front clutch kit
- New anti roll bar
- Front bushes replaced
- New cooling fan with aluminium cowling
- New starter motor
- Re-wired the car
- New temperature sensor
- New fuel pump
- Ignition leads
- Clutch slave cylinder and friction plate
- Steering rack assembly
- Distributor Vacuum Advance Unit
- Spark plugs
- Replaced Aircon compressor
The Condition
- Well kept, factory standard car with original stainless steel bodywork
- Exterior trim and fittings complete and factory correct
- New Hella headlamps fitted
- Gullwing doors work correctly and hold on pistons
- Exterior shows the usual signs of ageing, but presents in largely good condition
- There are minor chips and imperfections to the bumpers as photographed
- Completely original interior with honest signs of wear
- Philips radio cassette system needs connecting
- Dashboard presentable with only light cracks as shown in photographs
The DMC-12’s styling is as arresting today as it definitely was the day the first car rolled off the line at Dunmurray. No doubt the stainless steel finish is a major contributor to the effect, along with those gullwing doors, but it is also one of Giugiaro’s best designs.
This car is pleasingly factory standard with well-kept bodywork and exterior trimmings, including those appealing multi-spoke alloys which are narrower on the front than the back. Inside the grey leather cabin is highly original, right down to the 1980s Philips radio cassette, and well-kept. Since the DMC-12 has a reputation for flimsy interiors, it is a welcome find inside this car. Only light cracking to the dash top detracts but it is not significant.
The Mechanics
- 2.8litre ‘PRV Douvrin’ V6 engine
- 5spd manual gearbox
- Very well kept engine bay
- We are told the car starts and runs well
Colin Chapman was called in late in the DMC-12’s development to engineer the chassis and as a result it closely mirrors that in the contemporary Esprit. This imbues the car with good handling, being particularly bereft of roll, and decent steering.
Unlike the Esprit the DMC-12 uses the proven PRV ‘Douvrin’ V6 engine from the Renault Alpine GTA. Although an automatic gearbox was available, the DMC-12 was marketed as a sports car so most buyers - 67% in fact - opted for the 5spd manual. This is one of this car’s appealing features, enabling buyers to exploit what many often overlook about these cars - they are proper drivers’ wheels.
Close to £4,000 has recently been expended across the car’s mechanical to improve its drivability and this work is detailed above. The vendor tells us that it runs and drives as it should and is a good, honest example.
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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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