John Z. DeLorean promised us a gull-winged, steel-skinned sports car. After an inordinately long development path beset by decisions that conflicted with ease of manufacturing, he delivered two out of three, producing a futuristic “sporty” two-seat tourer. Problems were legion. A mid-mounted Wankel rotary was in the original plans – but the engine maker went bust. Cycling through alternate options absorbed considerable time and eventually required a re-design so a French V6 could be rear-mounted. Meanwhile, DeLorean had purchased the rights to elastic reservoir molding technology, intending to use ERM to craft a chassis. The technology proved completely unsuitable for almost anything. Mounting stainless panels on the GRP body challenged DeLorean’s Northern Ireland factory workforce. The gullwing doors were incompatible with the body’s ability to support their weight. Eventually, the DeLorean arrived in the US costing over twice as much as planned. Only 9000 were made during 1981 and 1982, with many of these trickling out of the factory into 1983. Here on eBay is one of these, a 1981 DeLorean bid to $40,000, reserve met. Travel up the mountains in Eagle, Idaho to retrieve it.
About that engine. DeLorean finally chose the 2.85 liter V6 developed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo to power his car. The engine made about 130 hp overseas, but closer to 120 once equipped with a catalytic converter for US import. Buyers could opt for either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic – this one is an automatic. Performance wasn’t anything to write home about, with a zero to sixty time hovering at 10 seconds (less for the manual, more for the auto) and a top speed as tested by Car and Driver of 117 mph. Both these numbers are worse than factory claims. Several driving videos are included in the listing, and the seller mentions a new starter, upgraded exhaust system, and new braided fuel/radiator hoses. The speedometer is new but the cable is broken.
DeLorean offered two interior colors – grey or black. The side bolsters were criticized for not allowing one’s rear to settle comfortably into the seat, and the problem seems evident from this photo. The glove box needs a spring to work properly, and the dash is damaged from storage in the sun, thus the “rug”. That odd white cylinder behind the driver’s seat is a nod to the car of Back to the Future: it’s a Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor. I think it’s gonna be a few years before we have those for real. On the other hand, the stereo is new, and repair receipts are available.
A few dents mar the stainless steel panels, and the seller mentions regraining the stainless here and there. A weekend, your favorite beverage, some tunes, and a selection of sandpaper can finish the job. The Giorgetto Giugiaro design is not everyone’s cup of tea but we can see echoes of the fabulous BMW M1 in its lines. It’s certainly attractive enough to cause prices to surge in the last few years. In fact, the current bid might be light, even for an automatic. Here’s a comparable example that sold for $47k a couple of months ago. Is this car on your bucket list?
Why oh why didn’t he put America muscle in the back? Considering his working career.
And I’m an Aussie, lol
I don’t like the after market steering wheel and radio!
Yes cool, but a automatic. Less than a day to go.
I still think it’s a $12,000 car if new.
I agree 100%..
While nowhere near as ugly as the Pontiac Aztek, it’s still one of those designs that makes you ask “Someone actually signed off on this?”
Somebody’s dream turned into a nightmare. The PRV engine was started up as a v8! Due to the fuel crisis, it was shortened to v6. Faulty engineering plagued manufacturing in Northern Ireland. It is hard to believe that Lotus was involved but only partly. Too many design flaws that will follow future owners! Not for Me!
SOLD for $41,600.
Alex from Legit Street Cars has a beautiful example of one of these. It’s arguably the best one going around. Check out his channel on YouTube – it’s listed as Legit Street Cars. He did a series of videos recently showing the restoration and make-over he performed. Well worth the time to have a look if you like these cars. He does go into the trouble areas which can be a nightmare. The two major items are the engine valley area and rust in the chassis which is next to impossible to repair.
I remember when DeLoreans first came out. Everyone was so excited and thought they would be American super cars. Then the performance numbers came out and it was so disappointing. They’re selling for a lot of money now, but I can’t really figure out why. At that price point, I can think of about 30 cars I’d rather buy.
The “Back to the Future” movie drives the sale. Even today!
The only reason it was produced in Northern Ireland was “Grants” from UK, unemployment was high at that time.
It should have been assembled and developed by Lotus, they have skilled labor and engineers. Not so much in NI.