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5-Speed Equipped: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Survivor!

This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is a stunning, all original example of what is probably, one of the most iconic cars on the road. Having only three owners since new, this time machine has clocked in 18,928 miles, hopefully not going faster than 88. The title is clear and a VIN is listed. At the time of writing, the bid price is at $25,655 with no reserve. The car is located in Reno, Nevada, and you can find it here on eBay.

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

The car does run and drive under its own power. Specifically, a 2.85 liter V6 engine that was a combination of European parts. A Bosch Jetronic fuel injector feeds the cylinders, and the air conditioner is said to blow cold, which is a must-have in one of these! This car is equipped with what is claimed to be a rare 5-speed manual transmission. It has four wheel independent suspension and four wheel power assist disc brakes.

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

The seller does note a few flaws about the car. One is that the back-up/reverse lights are not working, along with the dome light inside the car. The fuel gauge is not working and there are some cracks on the driver side seat near the shoulder area. There is also a small paint blemish on the front bumper. However, considering the age, this car is looking and functioning quite well, even if it can’t travel through time.

1981 DeLorean DMC-12

A perk of this purchase is that it comes with a life size photo of the Back to the Future DeLorean. You’ll most likely want to hang that on the wall in your garage, which would probably be the only space for it. The original window sticker, for $26,175, is included with the car as well. If it were the original owner selling it, they would almost recoup all the initial purchase price. That is something I think we all wish we could do with our vehicles.

Comments

  1. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Wonder if it comes with a working Flux capacitor??

    What say you, Doc?
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  2. Avatar art

    Great looking automobile, then and now.
    Love it.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar MFerrell

    Cool video of a guy who stuck a Chevy LS in one:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7f9eZCQc4M

    Like 4
  4. Avatar JohnU

    5spd is not rare

    Like 5
    • Avatar James

      John is right. About 70% of production (9000 cars) was manual.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar Russell Casey

    I like it. Electrical issues “should” not be an issue to fix. Parts are available.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Andrew Franks

    They have always been interesting cars. I’m not sure about any of them, but they are unique, and worth preserving. The latest iteration of DeLorean is in Dallas Texas I think, and that’s where the car would go first for a stem to stern look/fix. Then drive it home and enjoy.

    Like 0
    • Avatar James

      Actually it’s in Houston – and has been since 1988.

      Like 1
      • Avatar BJ

        Aren’t these being made under license in Sth. America now, reckon I heard about it a while back, someone bought the rights along with a lot of the tooling, etc. from Delorean ???

        Like 0
  7. Avatar Bob McK

    Love these cars. Almost bought one when they were new. It seems like a lot of wear inside the car for only 18K miles. Best of luck to the new owner. I am green with envy.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Frank Y

    I think me and Einstein, and Biff Will work on getting The local auto parts store to get a Flux capacitor so we can finish our DeLorean.
    At least no rust worries.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar stillrunners

    Really -a stick most ordered ? Learn suppthin every day !

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Frank Sumatra

    How do you get a paint scratch on a stainless steel car? I like it and I also did not know so many 5-speeds were made.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Brad T.

      The bumpers aren’t stainless, they’re plastic and often painted!

      Like 0
  11. Avatar Del

    If your Barn is full of over-priced Vettes then this should be your next addition.😁

    Like 1

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