Much has been written about the DeLorean Motor Company and one of the greatest collapses in automotive history. There was no single factor that led to the company’s demise. It was simply the victim of a perfect storm of circumstances that included a rushed design, poor planning, bad management, an inexperienced workforce, and rising prices. These classics languished largely forgotten and unloved for years, but the success of a certain movie franchise reawakened interest in a classic that was built in limited numbers. This 1981 example presents well, with the seller stating that it could function as a daily driver following extensive work by a specialist organization. Whether a new owner chooses that path or reserves it for weekend fun remains to be seen. The DeLorean is listed here on eBay in Tallmadge, Ohio. Bidding sits below the reserve at $45,100, but history demonstrates that the situation could change anytime.

The failure of the DeLorean Motor Company left many owners worried about accessing parts and spares, which is one reason these cars failed to perform initially in the classic market. However, specialized organizations like DeLorean Industries of Tallmadge emerged to fill the void. That company has weaved its magic over our feature car, and they didn’t restrict their attention to its appearance. However, they did make changes to the exterior that enhance its looks. The brushed stainless panels are spotless, with no bumps or marks requiring attention. The underside shots confirm the frame retains its original epoxy coat, meaning rust is not an issue. Refreshing the wheels included fitting new Black center caps, and the gullwing doors received new struts to remain open as the designer intended. The glass is spotless, and the recessed DeLorean lettering in the back bumper was fitted with classy brushed stainless lettering.

One weak point of any DeLorean is its interior because trim and plastic are known for deteriorating with age. This car is one of the nicest I have seen, resulting from spending plenty of time and money. The seats feature new Black leather covers, while the list of replaced parts also includes the carpet and headliner. The B-Pillars feature new DeLorean Industry covers with integrated speakers for the updated stereo, while the remaining interior components look excellent. This classic hasn’t lost any of its original features, meaning the new owner receives upgraded air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

John DeLorean envisaged the car bearing his name to be powered by a mid-mounted Wankel rotary of Ford V6 engine, but neither came to fruition. Legendary Formula One designer Colin Chapman assessed the design, concluding that the company didn’t have the time, budget, or expertise to consider that path. Therefore, DeLorean sourced a 2.8-liter PRV (Peugeot/Renault/Volvo) V6, rear-mounting it in the best Porsche tradition. It sent 130hp and 152 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. The specifications meant the DeLorean wasn’t fast, but progress became almost glacial if the original owner selected the optional three-speed automatic. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with our feature car, and DeLorean Industries has waved a magic wand over the car to ensure it is mechanically healthy. The fuel system received significant upgrades, as did the cooling system, brakes, and suspension. Many parts, like the exhaust, pipes, and radiator catch tank, were replaced with stainless steel components. The upgraded suspension adds adjustability that was unavailable when this car was new, allowing the buyer to “tune” the handling to their taste. The seller indicates the result justified the effort. This DeLorean runs and dives perfectly, with the seller suggesting it would function as an effective and practical daily driver.

This 1981 DMC DeLorean isn’t showroom fresh, but the changes made both externally and below the skin should provide an enjoyable driving experience. Could it function as a daily driver? These cars aren’t heavy on fuel, which is a factor to consider. However, they aren’t as user-friendly as a modern passenger car or an SUV. Therefore, I doubt that will be its fate. It is also worth remembering that with values climbing, its long-term investment potential means that the new owner will probably be unwilling to leave it to the mercy of careless drivers in car parks while they attend work or undertake their regular shopping duties. Finding a pristine, unmolested DeLorean would typically be the goal for most buyers, but this one could be better. That is why I believe it deserves a close look.