No article featuring a 1981 DMC DeLorean would be complete without a photo of the car with its distinctive gullwing doors in the raised position. They are one of the car’s defining characteristics, making it surprising that the seller only supplies one in their listing. They have invested a significant sum in recent work, making it a turnkey proposition for a new owner. The DeLorean is listed here on eBay in Troy, Michigan. The seller set a BIN of $50,000, but there is the option to make an offer.

The DeLorean story reads like a Greek tragedy, with bad business practices, unrealistic expectations, rushed development, and criminal activities conspiring to destroy one man’s dream of producing a volume-selling sports car. The car never emerged in the numbers envisaged by John DeLorean. While the vehicle spent decades in the automotive wilderness, they have developed a strong following among a new generation of enthusiasts. This classic is a tidy survivor that has some cosmetic issues. The photo above reveals slight damage to the driver’s door and rear quarter panel, which can be problematic. Most cars with such damage are easily repaired, but the brushed stainless steel panels on these are more challenging. I’m unsure what the best approach would be, but it may require specialist attention. The remaining steel looks okay, and the underside shot confirms this classic is rust-free and structurally sound. The seller has spent around $12,000 on this classic in the last three years, replacing items like the door struts and the side marker lens trims, and converting those and the taillights to LED operation. That is the tip of the iceberg because most of that cash is hidden below the surface.

This DeLorean retains its original 2.8-liter V6, producing a modest 130hp. The company offered an optional three-speed automatic transmission, but thankfully, this car’s original owner selected the five-speed manual. Performance wasn’t dazzling, with the journey down the ¼-mile taking a leisurely 17.5 seconds. That made it significantly slower than an entry-level Corvette, and that is despite the fact the DeLorean cost buyers considerably more. This beauty is in excellent mechanical health, courtesy of a recent cash injection. The replaced parts list is extensive and almost worthy of its own book. Virtually every suspension component is new, as are the master cylinder, starter, coil, and most hoses and belts. Rebuilt items include the water pump, the entire fuel system, axles, and CV joints. There is a collection of additional parts included with a classic that runs and drives perfectly. The winning bidder could fly in and drive this baby home.

Buyers ordering a new DeLorean could choose from Gray or Black interior trim, with this car’s original owner selecting the latter. Its overall condition is respectable for a vehicle of this vintage, with only minor deterioration on the seat leather. This might respond to professional attention, but replacement covers are available if that isn’t the case. The remaining upholstered surfaces look clean, as does the carpet. This aspect of the DeLorean didn’t escape the seller’s attention, with the interior receiving a Continental Bluetooth stereo, a new glass dome light and cover, a new rear defroster switch, and the air conditioning was upgraded to R134a refrigerant. It retains its factory standard features, like power windows, power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel.

Describing any classic as affordable when the asking price is $50,000 stretches credibility, but recent sales results suggest the price for this 1981 DMC DeLorean is close to the mark. The minor panel damage will negatively impact its worth because most enthusiasts would be unwilling to tackle the problem in a home workshop. The seller may need to compromise by accepting a reasonable offer, with the buyer using the balance between that and the BIN figure to seek professional repairs. However, the issues don’t require urgent attention. That means this classic is ready to provide immediate enjoyment. Would you consider pursuing it further?