Flux Capacitor Included: 1982 DMC DeLorean

I have been privileged to write about several examples of the DMC DeLorean, and I generally try to avoid references to the Back to the Future movie franchise. This is challenging because it is an easy association and a well-worn path. However, that is unavoidable with this 1982 example. The seller has sunk significant time and money into this classic to create a fitting tribute that appears to need nothing. The attention to detail is admirable, with the car even producing the correct sound effects to complete the illusion. It requires a new home and an owner who is not fazed by the idea of meeting their own parents when they were teenagers! It is listed here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. The admission price will never be cheap for a creation of this caliber, with the seller setting a BIN of $165,000.

The story of the DeLorean Motor Company is a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, with its product representing a triumph of style over substance. The seller doesn’t provide information on this car’s pre-conversion history, but it would be fair to assume they commenced their build with a candidate featuring strong bones. The brushed stainless panels can be prone to damage, but the lack of apparent issues in this area is a good start. The seller doesn’t mention frame issues, and if the original epoxy coating is intact, the dry climate should ensure no problems in that area. This conversion isn’t a backyard or DIY undertaking because the seller handed the car to the legendary Bob’s Prop Shop to perform the build. This business has a long and successful relationship with NBC/Universal, creating the replica the studio displays at its Universal Orlando Theme Park. The work was completed to a high standard, with all the accurately fabricated pieces attached firmly. Hence, the car is unlikely to accidentally shed items like its Mr Fusion on the move. The lights and other props work as they should, and a fog machine attached to the vehicle’s rear helps to complete the illusion.

If the DeLorean’s exterior doesn’t grab your attention, the interior is sure to. It features every item and accessory per the original movie vehicle, including the correct Dymo labels and switches. The Flux Capacitor nestles happily between the seats, with the time display easily within the driver’s reach. The attention to detail is impressive because its creator incorporated a Lithium battery system so that the accessories will work for hours with the car on display. However, there is also a plug-in system so the vehicle can be left in a working state for many days without issue. The recreated Flux Capacitor utilizes the latest high-intensity LED technology to ensure it glows exactly as the original component. This feast isn’t merely visual because a complex audio system guarantees that every button makes the correct noise when pressed, and even good old Mr Fusion issues the proper noise when opened. An integrated stereo system plays the movie soundtrack on demand, and the interior issues the right tones and noises when the doors open or the car hits the required 88mph. No time machine would be complete without the endorsement of Doc Brown, with this car featuring actor Christopher Lloyd’s autograph on the sunvisor. Also included are a Certificate of Authenticity and a Letter of Endorsement for display purposes. It appears that nothing has been missed on this recreation.

This classic is an accurate recreation of the movie star, meaning it remains mechanically unmodified. The new owner receives a car powered by the 2.8-liter V6, which sends 130hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. This classic would have originally covered the ¼-mile in 17.5 seconds, but the added weight means the new owner can expect that figure to blow out. The drivetrain was the DeLorean’s greatest failing…if you ignore the company’s woeful quality control and body panels that many didn’t warm to. Its creator’s original plans called for a mid-mounted Ford V6 or Wankel rotary powerplant, but the reengineering required meant that the car couldn’t be brought to market in the required time frame if that path had been pursued. A turbocharged version was under development, but the doors slammed shut when DeLorean succumbed to bankruptcy. The seller states that this beauty is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.

It is possible that the DMC DeLorean could have faded into obscurity had it not been for its starring role in the Back to the Future movie franchise. Those who have seen the series will remember Marty McFly’s astonished tone when he realizes that Doc Brown created a time machine from a DeLorean. It may have seemed odd at the time, but other candidates would have been more left-field. Can you imagine him saying, “You created a time machine…out of a Ford Pinto?” The DeLorean was undoubtedly the right choice, and this faithful recreation, although not cheap, is beautifully executed. The buyer’s target market will be limited due to the BIN price, but can you imagine someone buying it and rocking up to a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel? It would create a sensation and almost justifies the price for the sheer shock factor. I know I’d enjoy it.