Time Machine: 1982 DMC DeLorean Custom

Have you ever dreamed of arriving at a Cars & Coffee in a classic that effortlessly draws crowds of young and old alike? This 1982 DMC DeLorean could be a strong contender because it is a stunning recreation of the vehicle that starred in the iconic Back to The Future movie franchise. Everything is there, from the Mr Fusion power generator to the iconic flux capacitor. The attention to detail is impressive, and the bidding history on the seller’s auction suggests plenty of people can see themselves behind the wheel.

I typically try to avoid references to the movie car when writing about a DeLorean, but this 1982 example makes that goal impossible. Somebody has taken a lot of time and effort to recreate that 1980s icon, and you can be sure the process wasn’t cheap. Hidden below the Hollywood tinsel is a standard vehicle that is in pretty decent condition. The seller states that the frame is powdercoated, which is good news. These cars left the factory with an epoxy coating, which often deteriorates with age. That leaves them prone to rust, but this classic avoided that fate. The panels are in good order, and there are no issues with the glass or wheels. The two most distinctive features are the stainless steel exterior and the gullwing doors, with the latter bringing us to a point to ponder. When Marty first sees the car in the movie, Doc Brown is reversing it out of the enclosed trailer behind the truck. If you watch the scene, the trailer is barely wide enough to accommodate the DeLorean, with the mirrors almost touching the outer walls. That begs the question of how Doc climbed into the car in the first place if he couldn’t raise the doors. Did he roll it out, climb aboard, drive back into the trailer, and emerge as Marty arrived for dramatic effect? Or did somebody else drive the truck, with Doc riding in the back? That has always left me scratching my head.

This DeLorean’s interior received its Back to The Future treatment, with the time circuits, displays, and flux capacitor all in their rightful places. The Gray leather looks clean, with only slight wear and stretching. There is no crumbling plastic and no evidence of abuse. It is worth noting that it would be unrealistic to expect pristine trim because the vehicle in the movie showed wear and tear. Therefore, the presentation of this car appears pretty accurate. The vehicle retains creature comforts like air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, and the rear defogger. As per the movie car, the radio/cassette player is relocated to allow room for the time circuits.

This classic is standard DeLorean fare below the surface, meaning the buyer receives a 2.8-liter rear-mounted V6 producing 130hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a five-speed manual transaxle, which is something for potential buyers to celebrate. The company offered an optional three-speed automatic that would leave the car struggling to hit the 88mph required for time travel. However, with this car capable of covering the ¼-mile in 17.1 seconds, its performance figures weren’t considered impressive when it was new. The seller provides plenty of information about this DeLorean’s mechanical specifications, but none on its overall health. The listing suggests it is a turnkey vehicle that is ready to hit the road and stop traffic wherever it goes.

The seller listed this 1982 DMC DeLorean Time Machine here on eBay in St. Louis, Missouri. Fifty-four bids have pushed the price to $41,000, which is below the reserve. People want this car, and they are willing to pay a pretty penny for the privilege. That begs the question of how high the price will climb, and that is difficult to answer. I found one that changed owners for $101,000 and another where the bidding stalled at $91,000. Do you think this DeLorean will reach that level, or is a lower figure more likely?