Whenever I have written about a DMC DeLorean, I have typically avoided references to Back to the Future. However, that is unavoidable this time, because this 1981 example is a stunning, faithful recreation of the car featured in the movie franchise. The attention to detail is outstanding, with the new owner even receiving a Flux Capacitor. It isn’t a practical daily driver, but should the new owner rock up to a Cars & Coffee, they will be undoubtedly surrounded by admirers wishing to take a close look. Its creator, Bob’s Prop Shop, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is sending this gem to a new home. They have listed the DeLorean here on eBay, and frantic bidding has pushed the price beyond the reserve to $104,100.
Choosing a DeLorean for Back to the Future may have seemed strange, but it made sense on several levels. Doc Brown’s character stated that he wanted to create a time machine using something exotic and that stainless steel had the best electrical properties for his project. However, the reasons were very different for the movie’s producers. They could have selected almost anything exotic, but the potential costs would have been high. The DeLorean Motor Company had collapsed only a few years before, and with fears about parts supply high, you could buy a used DeLorean for about a buck fifty. That made it a cheap alternative, which eventually led to these cars developing a strong following in the classic world. The seller’s images indicate they commenced their conversion with a strong candidate. The photos reveal a couple of small cosmetic imperfections, but considering the adventures endured by the movie version, it is very acceptable. The seller doesn’t mention frame rust, and if this beauty has spent its life in its current location, that shouldn’t be a concern. The glass looks clear, and the distinctive alloy wheels are in good condition. The additions are faithful to the movie franchise, including the “Mr. Fusion” system Doc Brown added at the end of the first film. The additional exterior lights work, ensuring that this DeLorean makes a bold statement at night.
Bob’s Prop Shop has extensive experience with the Back to the Future franchise, and this is the 53rd DeLorean to receive its treatment. Previous cars have been displayed at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood. Therefore, it is unsurprising that they perform such stellar work. They commenced this build with a car featuring an excellent interior. The leather trim is in good condition, with no cosmetic flaws. It retains its factory features, like air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and cruise control. The additions conceal a Bluetooth stereo, and with a remote control, the buyer can blast out the Back to the Future movie soundtrack. Compare this interior with movie screenshots, and you soon learn how faithful this build is. It features the correct time circuits, gauges, switches, and the legendary Flux Capacitor. Don’t think these are mere non-operational props, because an enormous on-board battery allows the new owner to program the time circuits and operate the Flux Capacitor. The appropriate sound effects accompany each function. One sunvisor features Christopher Lloyd’s autograph, giving this beauty the Doc Brown seal of approval. The seller includes this YouTube video of the DeLorean in action, providing clear insight into how incredible this recreation is.
It may feature dramatic changes on the inside and the outside, but beneath the skin, this classic is almost pure DeLorean. The seller states that DMC California always maintained it, and with a few mechanical tweaks, its 2.8-liter V6 produces more than the 130hp it delivered from the factory. It features a five-speed manual transaxle, along with power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller indicates that the engine sounds great, exhaling through a custom exhaust, and that the vehicle runs and drives exceptionally well. It is a turnkey proposition, ready for action. The movie-prop additions will reduce outright performance, although it is worth noting that this DeLorean is more about looks than destroying the opposition at the lights.
I saw the original Back to the Future movie upon its cinematic release, subsequently buying the VHS cassette and the three-movie DVD box set. However, one aspect of the original has always puzzled me. When Marty arrives at the Twin Pines Mall, we see Doc Brown’s van, and no humans. Doc Brown is focused on secrecy during his experiment, which is apparently why Marty is the only person present. Marty finds Doc’s dog, Einstein, and the van’s tailgate suddenly lowers. The DeLorean emerges through a cloud of fog, with Doc behind the wheel. That makes sense, except for one thing. The DeLorean is a neat fit inside the van, virtually touching either side. However, that doesn’t leave room to open the gullwing door to get inside, so how did Doc Brown do it? Did he push the DeLorean from the van, climb aboard, drive back in, and remotely close the tailgate? Or, did he travel to the Mall in the DeLorean in the back of the van, with another person driving? I accept that it is a fantasy movie and that we shouldn’t be too logical, but it has always intrigued me.
You must admire Bob’s Prop Shop because it has done a sterling job of recreating the automotive star from the Back to the Future movie franchise. That begs the question of how you could place a precise value on any classic of this type. The simple answer is that you can’t. However, we have seen a couple of previous examples, and scouring the market for previous successful sales suggests that the action may be far from over. The fact that this car has already attracted 46 bids and that over 220 people have placed it on their Watch List indicates that people like what they see. It might be worth monitoring the listing, even if you aren’t interested in joining the action. I suspect it could get pretty frantic in the final hours. Do you agree?
The door only requires 11″ of clearance to open. Assuming Doc was skinny enough to squeeze by the car he would have room to get in. I’ve trailered lots of them and that was never an issue.