1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

It may be best known now for transporting its occupants back to the future, but even for those with no intention of navigating the space/time continuum, this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 also represents a unique chapter in automotive history, with its distinctive construction and signature gull-wing doors. There aren't all that many of its kind left after all these years and this specimen, having logged an unusually low 24,233 miles in its 37-year life span, is likely as sharp as any you're likely to come across. This one also has the added benefit of having gone through DMC's own pre-purchase restoration in 2015 (15 page receipt to prove it) in Humble, Texas. It's very clean!

Just as was originally intended, the stainless-steel body panels of this DeLorean carry no paint. They look impressively smooth and straight, which is certainly a good thing. While traditionally clad cars have the advantage of paint to obscure any body filler that might have been used to smooth out any damage, there's no such luxury here. Even with its structure fully exposed, this low-slung sports car, often viewed on television yet rarely encountered in person, is in very good shape, down to its clear headlights and taillights and the contrasting front and rear bumpers and distinctive louvres sitting over the rear windshield. The signature gull-wings are actually an improvement over its predecessors' previous attempts at the configuration, with torsion bars that were actually developed by Grumman Aerospace and gas-charged struts to hold them securely in their raised position.

Inside the doors sits an interior that's done a great job of defying time. Its leather surfaces have the look of a recent restoration - you won't find any creasing or discoloration on the contoured bucket seats and the center console that sits between them is also in very good condition. There's a surprising amount of room inside - the car's namesake stood 6'4" and made sure drivers of his stature could ride comfortably. While the DeLorean's unpainted stainless-steel exterior might give it an air of eccentricity, there's plenty of functionality on display inside. The instrumentation is logically laid out in its cluster and sits behind a crystal-clear lens, the low-profile shifter is within easy reach, as are all switches and controls, which appear to function just as intended, while a well-fitted, custom CD player has been added to the mix just above them. This iconic sports car left the factory with air conditioning already installed and all of its original components are still intact. Raise the front hood and you'll find some welcome storage space, lined by fresh carpeting and the optional luggage rack that was meant to sit atop the rear louvers.

The original all-aluminum 2.8 liter V8 sits under the rear hatch in a very clean, well assorted engine bay, featuring enhanced power that comes via a Stage 2 performance upgrade from DMC, while a 5-speed manual transmission sits just behind. The engineering features on hand serve as proof that the DeLorean was about more than just its signature appearance - its four-wheel independent suspension combines with a low profile and precise rack and pinion steering to provide very nimble handling and power disc brakes are at all four corners to bring this lightweight sports car (it comes in at well under 3,000 lbs. in factory trim) to a quick stop. This unique ride is sure to turn heads as it cruises on its set of stock DMC wheels - 14" in front and 15" in back - outfitted with Kumho tires. A look below at the straight undercarriage will confirm that the DeLorean's revolutionary structure has served it well over the years.

Chances to put a true automotive icon in your garage don't come along frequently, let alone those sporting the unusually clean appearance and strong running condition of this DeLorean. Call today!