This stainless steel icon is instantly recognizable—and this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is a sharp example with just 28,528 miles on the clock and a recent $10,000+ in maintenance to back it up. Offered by DeLorean Midwest, a long-time specialist shop in Crystal Lake, Illinois, it features the classic brushed silver exterior, grey interior, and automatic transmission. See it here on eBay.
This particular DeLorean has undergone significant work to bring it to reliable, driver-quality condition. The entire fuel system was overhauled, with a rebuilt distributor, fuel pressure regulator, new pump, and fresh injectors. The cooling system wasn’t neglected either, it received a new radiator, water pump, belts, and a full flush. Even the intake manifold was pulled for cleaning, and the valley between the heads has been detailed.
Cosmetically, it presents well for its age, with only a few minor dings on the stainless panels. The interior is described as clean overall, though the binnacle and left-side armrest extension could use attention. The frame is solid with only some surface rust and loose epoxy—typical of these cars and far better than many examples out there. The critical roof box area behind the torsion bar looks clean, which is good news for structural integrity.
The car does still need new tires before any real highway cruising, but it’s reported to drive fine and is ready for testing and transport. DeLorean Midwest is even offering help with enclosed shipping and logistics, including their own carrier within 500 miles.
With its documented work, low mileage, and professional presentation, this DMC-12 could be a strong choice for someone looking to get into DeLorean ownership without diving into a full restoration. It’s being sold with a low starting price and reserve, so final value will be up to the bidders.
Would you drive this DeLorean into the future—or keep it preserved as a collector’s showpiece?
All I can say is, if it wasn’t for “Back To The Future” (an over-rated stupid movie if ever there was one, especially 3) Deloreans would have been relegated to the scrap heap of automotive history decades ago.
oops double-posted….it would be nice if BF had a way to allow posters to delete their posts
All fixed. Just don’t click the submit button not than once.
Thankfully the movie audiences didn’t share your feelings about the movie(s) and we are left with three great movies. Many thanks to Director Robert Zemeckis, Producer Bob Gale and the many others who brought these stories to the screen.
Would the Deloreans have the same desirability if the movies were never made or if they had used some other car for the time machine – no one will ever know in spite of all the speculation.
Personally I am glad they decided to use the Delorean since I can’t see Doc Brown or Marty McFly in any other car – will leave the rest to history and return to my hoverboard plans.
$10,000 in restoration work wouldn’t go very far on a DeLorean. (On tours of the museum where I volunteer people asked me why the DeLorean looks so new. I explain it was only driven from time to time.)
A automatic……………..yawn.
Even with the manual it is still……………yawn.
Flux capacitor available at a small additional fee.
That Delorean joke has been about as overused as the pencil in the glovebox on the “Jon Voight” Chrysler LaBarons.
The seller should have thrown a flux capicitor in – their cheap enough.
https://www.amazon.com/Capacitor-Replica-Nightstand-Essentials-Collectibles/dp/B09NF2X9YT
A stainless steel car is timeless. We all love our stainless steel re-fridges I always thought they were cool but a better engine probably made the car a success. I dont think there was a good engine options in 1981. Henry Ford made a few stainless steel bodies for promotion. I saw the 36 sedan at a business expo. I think another was 58 Thunderbird I forgot the other two.
Everybody loves stainless steel vehicles. These, the Cybertruck – LOL!