This 1981 DeLorean DMC12 comes with an interesting history and some unusual (for a DeLorean) modifications. The one you might notice right off the bat is the lowered stance it sports (which, I might add, is a HUGE improvement over the stock ride height), one of several tweaks made by former owner Bob Glidden of NHRA fame. While a little bit like the famous Seinfeld episode featuring Jon Voight’s car, this DMC12 here on eBay looks like a smart buy regardless of former ownership.
The seller is asking $19,900 or best offer for the car, which also features a custom exhaust from Cosworth, also installed during Glidden’s ownership. Combined with having the preferred manual transmission, the DeLorean is a unique offering in a sea of typically over-preserved cars that have lived in bubbles all of their lives. This is a DMC12 you can drive without feeling guilty.
The aluminum pedal pads are another typical sign of an owner that enjoyed easy modifications, and the DeLorean also sports an aftermarket radio and custom kill switch behind the passenger seat. The lowered stance is not due to performance springs or coilovers, but rather achieved by cutting the original springs. These mods are not going to be to the purist’s liking.
And to that I say, oh well! There’s tons of these cars in time-warp condition, and the sad thing is that they weren’t great drivers when new – so you’re basically mothballing an interesting car to look at that’s no fun to drive in anger. To me, a car like this should be moderately enjoyable to hustle, and the tweaks made during Glidden’s ownership should up the fun factor a bit.
Love the lowered chassis. It compliments the body perfectly and takes away the off road vehicle look. Purists need not apply. Just bring soap, water, and a vacuum cleaner.
and a brillo pad!
Nice but what about the 59 El Camino next to it??
The El Camino would be a much better choice.
I believe it’s a ’60 El Camino and yes a far more interesting vehicle.
I agree. Screw the delorean–they’re junk to begin with. Give me the `60 El Camino. At least it has value!
1960
Add my vote to that sentiment.
The DeLorean has way more miles on it than any I recall seeing. I’m thinking that Glidden would have found it to be a snoozer to drive, considering what his work vehicles were!
This seems to be a ton of money for a non-runner.
I am surprised the owner did not clean this up in order to sell it. Many will not like the modifications, but they would take a closer look if it were clean.
Not interested. I want the washable version.
Buy the DeLorean, then travel back in time to 1960 and buy the ElCo brand new for $3000. Then travel back to 2019 and sell the DeLorean.
So how are you going to get the Camino back to our time, tow it? Trying to hide it for 59 years is not going to work well unless you buy a property and wall it up behind a brink facade. Then, you will have to to pay taxes on that property for 59 years, and to protect it from bad people. Can’t leave it sit alone unattended for 59 years. Going to be a lot of miles on that Flux Capacitor, you got that much plutonium?. Going to go back each and every week for 59 years to mow that lawn and keep up appearances? Seems like a lot of hassle, maybe it would be easier to go back 500 years and buy gold from the Spaniards and come back to now and sell at profit, then you could buy a nice restored El Camino, and only one trip involved. Gosh, you really need to think this through.
I knew someone would take a sh*+ on that comment.
That sounds way too complicated. Just trailer the El Camino behind the DeLorean.
Easy peazy.
Sounds like a plan, count me in.
This is not Bob’s car. His son Rusty has confirmed this.
I wish I could just drive one of these and find out for myself if they are as lousy as everyone says. Maybe if so I wouldn’t continue to want one. I’ve never had access to driving one and I can’t see myself spending this kind of money on one either. The lowered stance looks great.
Having owned one for ten years I will tell you they are not lousy once sorted. Just be ready for really stupid time travel comments everywhere you go…and online
Well, it’s tough when the car was a joke to begin with.
Sold for 19.9 K with a piece of lumber holding the door up.
Everyone seems to assume that these cars sell.
In a lot of cases its schill bidding and or online guys who do not honor their bids.
So… I doubt it sold
It’s Bob Glidden the Podiatrist’s car.
Rex, you have probably never even sat in one. I’m sure you are the type that believes that no cars of any significance were built after 1973. Your kind will be the death of the hobby.
@JohnU
Just curious, as I’m someone who’s always wanted one of these, in your opinion after owing one of these for ten years, do you think they are worth $20-30k As far as smiles per dollar go?
These are the ultimate car show car. You can park next to a new Ferrari or a 1960s muscle car and the DeLorean gets ALL the attention.
It is a fun drive although not terribly fast. Having owned mine for 10years I certainly bought it when the values were low. Would I pay more than $25,000 for one? Honestly I would say that is about the max.
I am the hobby, and 1971 is my cutoff.
I hit the nail on the head ;)
Thanks for the insight JohnU!