Some classics have desirable attributes, but negative features can offset them. This 1981 DMC DeLorean fits into that mold. It has a long ownership history and only 36,000 miles on its odometer. The fact that it is an early example featuring the external fuel filler flaps adds to its desirability, making it seem like a real winner. However, the first owner ordered this classic with the optional automatic transaxle, blunting the car’s already modest performance. The seller has listed the DeLorean here on Facebook Marketplace in Evansville, Indiana, for $48,000.
Many people have speculated that John DeLorean’s company would have succeeded if its product had met the price, build quality, and performance expectations that were touted before its first cars hit showroom floors. I tend to disagree for a couple of reasons. The original car’s development cycle was long by industry standards, and the company had no second model on the drawing board when the axe fell. As a result, it would have been forced to soldier on for at least four more years as a “one-trick pony” before offering potential customers an alternative. Even if the company had dodged the bullets that caused its demise, Colin Chapman’s death robbed it of its engineering mastermind, and filling those shoes would have been challenging. Under those circumstances, the collapse was almost inevitable. Our featured DeLorean is an early model, as shown by its ribbed hood and external fuel filler flap. Both features disappeared in 1981 as the car evolved, replaced by a flat hood with the filler hidden beneath. It looks tidy, although the exterior stainless steel appears patchy in the listing images. That may not be a real problem, because the DeLorean is known for being difficult to photograph in direct light. There are no visible dings or dents, and the bumpers and wheels look excellent. The great unknown is rust, which can be an issue if the epoxy coating on the backbone chassis is damaged. The seller doesn’t mention any problems, but an in-person inspection is needed to confirm this survivor is rock-solid.
People who believe the DeLorean could have succeeded point out that the car would have been far better if John DeLorean’s original mechanical vision had been realized. He envisioned a mid-engine design using Mazda’s fuel-injected Wankel rotary. That is conceivable, but obstacles would still have remained. The drivetrain layout would have provided far better weight distribution, vastly improving handling. However, the rotary’s low-end torque delivery may have been an issue, forcing drivers to work the motor hard to extract sports-car performance. Still, since the rotary weighed significantly less than the 2.85-liter PRV V8 that eventually powered these classics, it may have been better. Would it have been enough for the car to survive? I’m not convinced, but stranger things have happened in the automotive world. This DeLorean features the standard V6, producing 130hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque. A five-speed manual transaxle was standard, but the first owner chose the optional three-speed automatic. The power and torque figures are modest, and the transaxle choice makes this a city or open-road cruiser, not a car that will light up the local drag strip. The seller supplies no information regarding how it runs or drives, but I would expect any DeLorean in this price range to be turnkey.
There’s no other way to say this: The DeLorean was expensive when new. The sticker price was far higher than the originally planned $12,000, so John DeLorean made sure the interiors were loaded with creature comforts. They included leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a rear defogger, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. This car features an aftermarket stereo. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The leather trim is in good condition, and the only wear is the almost inevitable deterioration on the outer carpet edges. However, it isn’t severe and is comfortably acceptable for a vehicle of this caliber. The wheel has a leather seam separation that will require specialist attention, though I suspect a saddler could address it relatively cheaply. Beyond that, the interior looks pretty good.
Some cars overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, defying the odds to become desirable years after production ended. The DMC DeLorean is one such car. At its release, it was overhyped, overpriced, underpowered, and the build quality bordered on gruesome. It could easily have faded into obscurity as an almost unknown, forgotten failure. However, the motion picture industry brought the DeLorean back into public consciousness in the mid-1980s, and these classics now command impressive prices. This one features the distinctive hood and fuel filler that boost its desirability, though the self-shifter hurts its cause. The seller’s price aligns with market expectations, and while it isn’t cheap, I think it will find a home with someone who wants a relatively relaxed driving experience. Do you agree?
Just take it for a test drive and then go back in time and its yours discounted..
If I could take it back to the 70’s I would give everything I have for that little trip!
I didn’t see a flux capacitor on this one!
It’s a shame the interior options for this most ’80s of cars didn’t include velour in a choice of blue or burgundy.
Such a dissapointing car. Mid engine V8 and it would be a legend today, even without that stupid movie. All it is now, is a good looking car with cool doors (if they still work), but also cramped, low HP, crummy handling, and poor vision to the outside world.
Compare that to a Mustang of the day. A small fraction of the asking price, plus on the cusp of greatness in HP improvements. Handled better, more comfortable, need I go on?
An ’81 Mustang??? Please!
The DeLorean is an established legend because the movie wasn’t that stupid, (As often, the sequels were a bit thin…).
My wife now drives her dad’s DeLorean, which he bought new in CA. We live in a mountainous region and enjoy driving around with well enough power and sufficiently agile handling even without power steering.
Of course, age will soon make poor vision and cramped access a bit less fun…
Typical.
Everyone has an opinion about something they probably haven’t even touched or sat in.
Mere specs don’t tell the entire story, movie or not.
Come On Back To The Future Was A Great Fun Movie!
True, I have never driven one, but a guy at work owned one in the early 90s. I sat in it, rode in it, and heard all of his complaints about it after he had it a few months. Is that close enough?
In the handling department it had a reputation that above 120km/h (80m/h) its aerodynamics were forcing its nose to lift, destabilising the car.
These piles of crap are nowhere near desirable imo. Worthless garbage that everyone is enamored with because of a mediocre movie
As you say: IMO…
i would never pay what these are selling for. they were a P O S when new and still are. what a stupid movie as well. shame they can’t go back and not build these soda cans with doors.
I remember back in1982 I bought a 1981 Delorean brand new. The dealer I bought it from was Goldsmith Cadillac in Jamaica NY. The salesman told me I didn’t want the fuel filler flap right in front of my line of vision because it would “flap” around and would be distracting. Well that was the salesman saying that. Don’t know if that was true.
They changed mid-production to a concealed fuel filler cap so one needs to open the hood to refuel.
The first hood are the most sought after by collectors nowadays.
I test drove one of these DeLoreans, in 1987, and then bought a 5.0 New Mercury Capri instead.
Good choice, from a reliability, driveability, and economic stand point. You can never go wrong choosing Mamma Ford.
And what’s that Capri worth today? Most of these negative comments are from people who never owned one. I had 8 and loved them, especially the last with its supercharged Chevy engine.
I still think someone needs to dump the body on a Tesla and park it next to their Cybertruck.
Beautiful machine. Too bad they were so underpowered, although the manual shifter could help wake them up a bit. This one seems like a nice low mileage example. I love the way these things look, if only they had more power.
How do these things hold this kind of value?
You can get a exceptionally nice, genuine sports car for this kind of money.
1) The car in very unusual
2) JZD’s story is incredible
3) the movie was cool
That’s a cocktail recipe for lasting success!
Interestingly, the Bricklin story is not too far from DeLorean’s but some ingredients are missing and the car’s value will never catch up.
As an owner (well: husband therof!) and a career automotive engineer, I agree that the car has flaws but you cannot reason a collector’s preferences and bias!
Darn: just missed that Cord 812 Sportsman…
Why buy a Fiero when you can get a DeLorean, that’s almost as good, for 20X the price?
I can’t imagine someone actually buying one of these, either when new or now. Perhaps a cash flush museum? I looked up problematic in the dictionary and there was a picture of one just like this one. Maybe the same car…..
Never had a problem with mine. Bought it new in 1982, sold it 8 years later. 10,000 miles. Raced my Dad’s 1974 L48 Corvette, we were neck and neck. Of course that’s not saying much. Speedo went up to 85 back then. Lost no money, bought a 928 to replace it. Now that was quality.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA ~ I would love to have one. Any problems could be overcome with an engine swap.
Sold for over 70K…I rest my case!