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21,000 Original Miles: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

This low mileage 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is selling at no reserve in a quick five-day auction, and it presents quite well. Given it has just 21,000 original miles, you would certainly expect a car to look this good, but not every DeLorean that was kept under wraps has survived to this level. The seller describes a vehicle that was seemingly kept up quite well and always treated like a collector’s item, supposedly never seeing any inclement weather. The exterior pops like few of these cars ever seem to, so someone has spent some time detailing the stainless steel exterior to make it as eye-catching as possible. Find it here on eBay where bidding has reached $36,500.

The DMC-12 also stands out for the thick black stripe wrapping around the sides and the back, a detail I can’t recall seeing on very many of these. The turbine wheels, a DeLorean hallmark, are ridiculously clean, and further support the high level of attention to detail on display here. Basically, as you read the listing, it sure seems like there are no apparent flaws to report, with the seller detailing how everything works as it should, from the gullwing doors to the gauges to the horn. The bodywork doesn’t appear to have any issues, nor does the exterior trim, which all looks to be deep black and lustrous.

The interior shows no tears, looking as a 21K mile car should. The automatic transmission is a downer and some cars do suffer from sloppy shifting issues, but the seller claims this one slides into each gear without issue. The dash and center console are in good order, aside from what looks like some stress-related creases going down the sides of the transmission tunnel. The carpeting looks to be stain-free, and the door rubbers look robust. The seller doesn’t detail whether this DeLorean has simply survived with all of these features intact, or if components like the vulnerable door mechanisms have been replaced. The air conditioning is inoperable.

The engine bay is clean and said to be leak- and smoke-free, but the drivetrain was never a high point of these. In fact, with the automatic transmission, I would qualify this as a cruiser and not the sort of car you want to hustle. The allure of the DeLorean has always escaped me aside from the appearance factor and how it looks in your garage; driving them is no great shakes unless you go down the slippery slope of modifications. The seller confirms there are no aftermarket modifications on the car, so this is one to buy purely as a collector’s item. Would you spend close to $40K on a DeLorean like this?

Comments

  1. Avatar Gary

    These used to be almost give away items. Stupid movie, really distorted the values.

    Like 7
    • Avatar CJinSD

      It took a LONG time for the movies to drive the values up. A friend of mine sold one within the last seven years for less than a quarter what they bring now. When was the last “Back to the Future” movie released? I’m thinking modern monetary policy caused the values to explode, or the purchasing power of the dollar to evaporate. There seems to be a closer correlation.

      Like 2
      • Avatar jnard90 Member

        Plus, the movies are awesome.

        Like 7
      • Avatar Gary

        OR, perhaps there is a small percentage of the population that has so much money, they care not what they pay for things.

        Like 10
    • Avatar Jim Dandy

      Sour puss! Greatest movie of all time with a hot mamma that wanted even more heat. Wonder if she is still turning some motors?

      Like 5
  2. Avatar Howie Mueler

    $43,100 now, and its a automatic.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar Frank

    Great car for the Northeast. A friend of mine had one Volvo engine Renault transmission. He would wip the ca down with Windex. No power, too bad Delorean did stick the a GM something engine/transmission in the car instead.

    Reminds of the Bricklin which was a Junk.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Kurt Member

    And no flux capacitor.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Richardd Adams

      Pity about the lack of the flux capacitor Kurt.
      It was what made it manage to get to 88 mph.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar PRA4SNW

    SOLD for $43,100.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Ended: Sep 22, 2021 , 4:30PM
    Winning bid:US $43,100.00
    [ 91 bids ]

    Located in:Las Vegas, Nevada

    Like 0

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