John DeLorean developed a well-earned reputation for being the driving force behind some of America’s most desirable high-performance production cars. Sadly, this gift didn’t extend to the only car to actually bear his name. The DMC DeLorean looked stunning, but was a triumph of style over substance. It lacked the performance buyers expected from a vehicle of this type, and the build quality was appalling. However, time heals all wounds, and any cars that survive today have typically had the bugs ironed out. Our featured DeLorean is one of the last to leave the line, and presents impressively as a genuine survivor. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Kissimmee, Florida. Although the listing statistics look healthy, a mere three bids have pushed the price to $1,150. Unsurprisingly, that figure is below the reserve.
Mention the name John DeLorean and the thoughts of many will turn to the Pontiac GTO. DeLorean was the brainchild behind what is widely regarded as the father of the muscle car segment, but the man behind the machine left the General Motors fold to found his own car company. Utilizing a design penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and a lot of money that wasn’t his, he opened a factory in Dunmurry, Ireland, to produce a stainless steel sports car. The result was nothing if not distinctive, especially when the gullwing doors were raised. Our feature car is one of the last produced, with its VIN confirming it is a 1983 model. It presents extremely well, with no dings or dents. That is an important consideration, because with the exterior finished in brushed stainless, eliminating panel imperfections is a major hurdle. However, this car’s new owner faces no such challenges. The doors appear to remain raised without assistance, which is good news considering the troublesome reputation that they have developed. The glass is in good condition, and the wheels are spotless. If the epoxy coating on the frame is intact and there are no rust issues around the body mounts, this DeLorean could be a winner.
Much has been written about the 2.8-liter V6 powering the DeLorean. Developed as a joint venture between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, it first broke cover in 1974. Its creators used it, in various forms, to power such diverse vehicles as the Renault 25, the Volvo 2-Series, and even the Citroën XM. It wasn’t DeLorean’s first choice, though after negotiations with other manufacturers failed, it was basically the only option left. DeLorean envisaged a mid-engine design, but with time running short and the budget non-existent, DeLorean contracted Colin Chapman to hurriedly, or horribly, if we’re going to be cruel, reengineer the vehicle as a rear-engined offering. The V6 develops 130hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque, which isn’t much for a car tipping the scales at 2,700 lbs. Let’s just say that the competition at Ferrari probably wasn’t quaking in its boots. Most buyers selected the five-speed manual transaxle, but this Deorean features the less desirable three-speed automatic. However, it runs and drives well, and with only 41,000 miles on the clock, it should provide years of reliable motoring for its new owner.
The seller supplies only one pretty poor interior shot, but it generally paints a positive picture. Trimmed in Gray leather, there is no evidence of significant wear or other problems. It appears that someone has replaced the original radio/cassette player with a modern stereo, and the replica Flux Capacitor is a tongue-in-cheek touch. The reality was that by the time the DeLorean reached production, the sticker price was far beyond the original projections. Therefore, it is only right that every car left the factory equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt/reach wheel, a rear defogger, and a power antenna.
The DMC DeLorean is a case of what could have been. The company was developing a turbocharged version when it went bankrupt, and forced induction could have been enough to deliver the performance that buyers rightly expected. These cars spent years in the automotive wilderness, but they now enjoy a strong following in the classic world. The one factor harming this car’s potential is the automatic transmission, which isn’t popular among enthusiasts. However, with values climbing consistently, there is no reason why the bidding couldn’t top $50,000. Would you pay that much for a self-shifter, or would you focus on the five-speed version?
I remember that a friend of mine father bought one new, my 1966 VW bug seemed faster than his Dad’s Delorean. I mean it was a cool car and it got attention but that was about it. I do remember that it had a lot of issues when new too.
You say the build quality was poor, well a Bricklin had zero build quality.
And yet the Bricklin is STILL more appealing than these stainless steel things.
IYO.
The seller recently listed it on eBay with an opening bid of $54,950, with no reserve. I’d expect the reserve wasn’t close to that number.
Steve R
Just think what these would have been with a true mid engine body and a decent engine. Delorean should have found a way. Even an emmisions legal SMC in those days would have had 200 HP and tons of pull. Then as the years went by, nothing but up.
In 1995 I finished putting a supercharged Chevy 4.3 V6 in one. That thing was a 300hp beast. I once twisted off the trans input shaft. I sold it in 2004, bought it back in 2015, and sold it again. Others have put LS and similar V8s in them. So there are ways to make them perform.
the market has been flooded with these the last 6 months.
The issue for regular servicing in todays service world is the fuel injection & of course parts there-of. Those of us that can/could maintain/diagnose are not of the mind or dead. Volvo used that lump until 87 ??
I’d gladly buy this for the stainless steel scrap value. John DeLorean did himself and the dealers that signed up no favors by bringing forth this freak show. I know dealers who wanted to take Ole John out behind the body shop for a lesson in life.
They attract attention but are for show only.
agreed, rear mid? better (this is true rear) or frnt mid are so much better. Even w/low powered mills. Just keep the revs up & enjoy, no?
Thought them odd (never any paint) with the stainless but still had some style. Didnt like the gul-wings but became accustom. Now? I find them less inspiring. The man? Same. You’d think a guy who developed a car (w/all the difficulties of late 70s/’81) would havea more dynamic personality. Still Kudos! to him for the success.
I worked at a Ford dealership that sold Deloreans, we couldn’t give them away, until John got busted, I sold three in one day. They had $250.00 flats on them. I made $750.00 that day!
I say tread carefully on this one, take care of the money exchange in person, add says he they have a lien on the car and title won’t be released until that is paid.
God, i wish these POS’s would disappear
I seem to see no shortage of these up for sale lately.
That’s because the sellers are doubling their investment or more. Of the 8 I had between ’86 and 2015, all but one cost me $3-10k. All were sold for $15-31k. If the current sellers bought them right they are making book now. A fun and spectator-popular car was also a good investment. And all these negative comments are from non-owners.
Did I say it was negative? I’m just stating what I’ve been seeing.
I wasn’t referring to your comment, but 5 or so preceding ones. And all the negative ones every time a DeLorean is listed. Owners, for the most part, are very loyal and happy with them. I, too, noticed how many are hitting the market, hence my observation. Circumstances change, which is why I no longer have one. But I sure enjoyed them when I did.