1981 DeLorean DMC-12

The Broad Strokes

Frequent visitors of CarCorralAuction.com may recognize this DeLorean DMC-12 as it has served as the photo guideline car since day one.  The cherished car has been in the collection of a friend of ours since 2018 and is in strikingly original condition with just over 22,000 miles.  Wanting to drive it more than just stare at it, the car received important upgrades specific to DeLoreans to improve reliability.  Some upgrade highlights include: 

Cooling System:

• New radiator
• All new hoses and clamps, including those running through the frame
• New fans and fan switches
• New thermostat

Electrical System:

• New fuse box and fuses
• New LED lighting inside and out, including the engine compartment and trunk
• Seller notes: The courtesy lights above the rearview mirror and above the package shelf work but are funky. Seller keeps them in the “off” position.
• Three of the four headlights are original
• The battery is fitted with a cutoff switch

Fuel System:

• Fuel tank was completely cleaned out
• Aftermarket GM fuel pump was installed
• Every fuel line and filter replaced

Brake System:

• New rotors, pads, calipers
• New lines were installed.

It has been well preserved and cared for its entire life.  The seller believes he is the fourth owner, the car said to have been first sold in Missouri, then to an owner in Ohio, then to an owner in Pennsylvania where he acquired it.  The car has just over 22,000 miles, proving that it’s a drivable car, and has had the upgrades and enhancements done to ensure it’s reliable and enjoyable.

While it can be a fossil sitting in the garage, it is a spectacular example of a rare car, a special moment in automotive history, and the seller enjoys taking it to shows and events to share it.  He is in hopes the next custodian will continue to improve on it and share it by taking it to shows.

The Engine and Transmission

The 2.85L Renault-sourced V-6 and 5-speed manual transmission are believed to be original.  The engine starts and idles fine, it pulls well and smoothly.  The seller notes that that transmission is okay, but needs some work.  The original clutch and various components in and around the transmission could use adjusting and replacing.  But, normal driving presents no real issues except shifting into 3^rd gear, which requires some finesse.  The seller normally avoids 3^rd to circumvent any issues.  There is a small oil leak, but the seller is uncertain of its origin. 

The Body

The DeLorean retains its original, unfinished, brushed stainless steel bodywork, with headlight and taillight surrounds finished in the factory-applied silver-grey paint.  The glass is in excellent condition all around.  The black trim is in excellent condition all around, the side moldings are still somewhat pliable.  The louvers are mint and feature struts that are around 5 years old.  The seller notes that the bonnet has a small dimple and some roughness, as if the previous owner attempted to erase the dimple with sandpaper.  It’s not highly obvious, but it is a flaw.  The T-bar roof has slight ripples at the rear, virtually unnoticeable, but they are there.  The passenger door has a slight crease.  Otherwise, the body is exceptionally well presented with good gaps.  The weatherstripping is in good to excellent condition except between the T-bar and the doors.  The door seals appear to have been rotated from their original position.

The Chassis

The original staggered front and rear wheels present very well and are held in place by stronger, single-piece lug nuts.  The original two-piece units are in mint condition and will come with the car along with two sets of valve stem caps closely resembling the originals.  The car sits on four Hankook tires, the spare is original, and the original rear Goodyear NCTs are included in the sale.  Also included in the sale is a second set of front and rear wheels in near mint condition.

The undercarriage is very clean, no major rust or corrosion, the frame is fine.  The original mufflers retain the asbestos shields, which should be removed and boxed for preservation.  The suspension could use a refreshing as it is riding on the original shocks, springs, bushings, and so on.  The steering column bushing was replaced.  The car drives beautifully with the typical heavy steering and braking input DeLoreans are known for.  

The Interior

The original interior appears beautifully.  The seller notes that the leather is slightly shrunken and creased, a common issue with original DeLorean leather seat covers by Bridge of Weir.  However, the leather is still very presentable.  Everything else inside is in very good condition, although the door panels have flattened out, again, another common DeLorean malady that is easily fixed.  The seller notes the right-hand door panel vent and door handle surround is broken and requires care when pulling the lever to open the door.  The door struts were replaced in the summer of 2024 at the same time the doors were adjusted and aligned.  The power mirrors work well.  New grey Cocomat floor mats have been installed and complement the interior beautifully.  The factory carpeting is perfect.

The dashboard and console remain supple and soft.  The clock in the console keeps time.  The seller notes that the power window switches work, but the windows do not move and the power locks do not work well.  The original Craig-brand AM/FM/Cass stereo head unit remains in place, in original condition, and works fine (cassette has actually never been used by the seller, so it’s unknown if it works).  The speakers could use replacing, but the radio sounds good.  The power antenna located in the left rear louver works fine.

The entire air conditioning system has been serviced including new hoses throughout, condenser, clamps, etc and it blows very cold.  The key buzzer works but has been unplugged as a right turn causes the left door to move just enough to make the buzzer buzz.  

Other Stuff of Interest

The car is complete with a number of collectibles including die cast, magazines, several copies of “DeLorean World,” the owner’s valet, various original marketing pieces, several books, a second set of wheels, the original rear NCT tires, two front license plate brackets, two inside rearview mirrors, and a number of original parts.  A common joke around the seller’s family is that anyone who buys this car has an instant DeLorean collection 

Jim’s Take: 

Many DeLoreans are popping up with very low miles and selling in the $100,000 neighborhood.  While interesting to have such an original car, those cars are useless unless the buyer invests a lot of money and time into making them drivable.  This car is not that.  This car presents very closely to new, but is set up to be driven and enjoyed.