Is a low mile DeLorean DMC-12 worth much if it is a project car? Here we have such a dilemma. This 1981 DeLorean is listed for sale here on eBay for $25,000. The car is located in Sacramento, California and has just 26k miles on the odometer. However, the condition of the car leaves much to be desired. To the uninitiated, a “project” DeLorean is a daunting prospect. To the enthusiast, however, this specific car—which recently surfaced on eBay may be worth a second look. What sets this example apart isn’t just the low 25,695 miles on the odometer; it’s the life it led before it went into hibernation. Originally owned by Anheuser-Busch and later utilized as a giveaway prize through Universal Studios, this isn’t just another barn find—it’s a piece of promotional Americana.
All DeLorean’s featured a 2.85-liter SOHC V6 engine that generated 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque, manufactured by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo and installed at the DeLorean facility. I recently spoke a long time DeLorean owner. He bought his example in 1986 for $6,000 and has kept it all these years. His primarily comment on the car was that it gets lots of attention but it is pathetically slow. This car is apparently being sold by a dealer or on consignment and there is no information on its ability to start and run. A closer inspection shows extensive damage to the front of the car.
The pictures of this car are not well lighted and there are no pictures of the whole car. Stepping inside is a journey back to 1981. The grey interior, a hallmark of the early production run, is noted as being in well-preserved condition. For a project car, this is not a bad start. While mechanical components like the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) 2.8L V6 can be rebuilt or even swapped for more modern power, original interior trim pieces are increasingly difficult to source. The fact that the cabin remains intact suggests this car was stored with care, shielded from the California sun that usually turns 80s plastics into dust.
There are a few pictures of the front end. Where do you get new fenders or a hood much less the grill for this car. Although commonly referred to as the DMC-12, this designation was based on the original target price of $12,000, whereas the final MSRP was set at $25,000 which ironically is the same price it is currently listed for. Would you part this car out or try and restore it?
A high price for a parts car.
The history bring no added value to this extremely over priced “project” car with MANY unknown potential major structural and mechanical issues!
There sre probably more parts available for the DMC-12 than many other cars. So sourcing a hood, fenders etc. should be no big issue. What I don’t know is if buying those parts would put this project underwater from the start.
Yep, these have better parts support than most. Check out the videos of DMC’s parts stash. It’s impressive!
Back in the late 80s my buddy had one with a Lotus motor. The car came with a certificate stating it was only the 12th car made overseas, and shipped to America. That being said, the cops weren’t very fond of him. One night they pull him over saying they got a report that he had a gun in the car, and after a brief search they impounded the car. They destroyed the interior. Razor cut all the soft material, smashed everything that could be broken with a hammer, and bent all framing with crowbars. He got the car back and offered it to me for 1000 bucks. You couldn’t even install new parts in the car because everything was bent. Beyond sad, and past cruelty…
They were all built in Northern Ireland so who provided the certificate ? Margaret Thatcher ?
Or was it the 12th built with a Lotus engine ?
They’re horribly hot inside and not nice to drive so I’d say this example is worth 5 -10k.
12th built with lotus motor.
Have you driven one Mark? Also, air conditioning was standard. Why do you think they aren’t nice to drive?
As Jesse said, A/C was standard. I drove my buddy’s Delorean and it was actually a fun car even though it was underpowered.
@Joe – you said that it was underpowered but what were you comparing to? It seems like people just rehash a couple old road tests so I’m curious to know.
I don’t think any DMC12 left the factory with a Lotus engine…
Car was sent to Lotus.
I wonder if there may have been some misunderstanding or miscommunication somewhere along the way about Lotus’ involvement in these cars.
Lotus did engineer the steel backbone chassis and suspension after initial plans for a molded composite chassis fell through, and they did use a Renault-sourced transaxle like the Lotus Europa and Esprit, but I’ve never seen or even heard of any Deloreans with a “Lotus engine” before now.
not getting the whole craziness going on with these.1 sold last week for 150k. you can have these ss tin cans
The VRP engine had oil problems getting to the overhead cam shafts , I had a volvo with that engine & had the camshafts replaced twice under warranty.
@Jesse Mortensen ~ I compare it to other cars I have owned or driven which include my present car, a ’62 Impala SS 409 4 spd. I have also owned a ’64 Impala SS 327/300 4 spd, a ’69 Road Runner, and a few other healthy cars. The Delorean was, as I said, a fun car but under powered.