We have seen many 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 cars placed on the market over the past 5 years. This one is located north of San Francisco in Sonoma. It is claimed to be an original 42,000 mile car. The seller is asking $45,000 and the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is listed here on Craigslist. At first glance, the car looks clean. However, there are a few items that stick out when examining the pictures provided. The car is said to run well and many of the pictures show the car in storage. Many believe the “Back to the Future” movie saved this car from obscurity. Nevertheless, it remains a popular and iconic sports car that attracts attention everywhere it goes.
Many potential buyers were disappointed with the DeLorean’s acceleration and power upon its release. The DeLorean came with a 2.85-liter SOHC V6 engine producing 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque, built by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo and installed at the DeLorean plant. Although referred to as the DMC-12, this was only a pre-production designation based on the target price of $12,000, while the final MSRP was $25,000. The engine looks dusty and original. Pictures of the undercarriage indicate that the car is leaking fluids, probably oil or transmission fluid.
Two interior colors were available in 1981 for this car: black and silver. This car has the silver interior. The silver interior is reported to be in good condition, but the upper dashboard is cracked and in this picture, it is covered by a dash pad. One bright spot is that this car has the 5-speed manual transmission. The asking price seems high considering the front passenger fender has a sizeable dent. The seller states in the ad that the car comes with a spare hood, fender and bumper parts. Most buyers might ask why have these parts not been installed if they are needed to bring the car up to its original condition.
The average price for low mileage cars Deloreans on BaT is around $50,000. As stated the seller is asking $45,000. I am not sure this counts as low mileage and with the need to replace or repair the dash and fender, maybe somewhere in the $30k range is more realistic. Regardless, it is an original car and some buyers are looking for unmolested originals. Total production for these cars was about 9,600 units.
I don’t think a paintless dent repair person can get that dent gone. They might get it better. Some of the cracks look like they are wavy. At one point in time these could be had for $15,000. Times have changed. The 5 speed is a plus. I bought a lottery ticket. Maybe I will win and buy this car.
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Ever wonder why we see so many of these for sale? Maybe it is because they are such a horrible car, in so many ways. People get caught up in the hype and buy one, ,just to find out that after the initial thrill is gone, they are stuck with an awful car that is hard to get comfortable in, has poor visibility, ,not very good handling, and very under powered. So, they try to flip it to the next dreamer and hopefully not loose their shirt.
I have spent some time in one of these. In original specs it is a pleasant touring car. But pushed to its limit it is no fun. Changing a clutch on one of these is about the same difficulty factor as a mid ’90s Ford Escort. (US/Mazda edition) But even with regular non-agressive use I was amazed at the failure rate of parts. Brake caliper, wiper motor, shifter linkage, etc. One customer sent his somewhere to have the “BACK TO THE FUTURE” conversion. Now it drives like an overloaded truck! Not to mentionthe electrical nightmares. You can see this car at the Harrahs Auto Museum in Reno. Looks cool, that’s it.
John DeLorean should have stayed in the business he knew best. Cocaine.
Interesting points of view as I have mixed feelings about these.Last month one was parked next to my 66 VW single cab at the Pre Stage in Marin County ( an anti Cars and Coffee monthly).That car got so much attention even from some kids who had never even seen the movie.I chatted with the owner…who uses it as his daily driver!! His position was..it was comfortable and capable as a cruiser ( he wished he had a stick) had exotic looks that did not cost him a $$$ and he said his was reliable.Made me think and he was having a good time with a really good looking cars..
For that money it should have the flux capacitor, too.