1981 DeLorean DMC-12

This 1981 Delorean DMC-12 is a well-maintained, low-mileage example of the car made famous by the Back to the Future movies! John DeLoreans most famous contribution to automobile history is likely going to depend on who you ask, whether that person is an old-timer or young whippersnapper. Most old-time motorheads would likely attribute the first muscle car, the GTO, to John DeLorean and his team of engineers at the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors. Younger folk are more likely to think of Delorean with respect to his namesake company, Delorean Motor Co., and its only model, the DMC-12. Young folks know the DeLorean DMC-12 from its starring role in the Back to the Future movie franchise as the futuristic time-machine activated when the car reached 88 miles-per-hour. However, what many young people are unaware of was the nearly unbelievable story behind the DeLorean Motor Company and the lackluster performance of the DMC-12, both with regards to its performance on the track and its sales. By the early 70s, John DeLorean had worked his way up the GM corporate ladder to VP of Domestic Car and Truck group but, always a renegade and maverick, he left GM and started his own company, the John Z. DeLorean Corporation and its subsidiary DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), with the stated goal to build a car with a useful life of more than just a few years. DMC had a non-running prototype in July of 1975 and a running prototype by October 1976; however, production issues seemed to doom the company from the start. First, DeLorean struggled to locate an adequate production facility before ultimately finding a facility in Northern Ireland in 1978 due to a deal Mr. DeLorean made with the British Government. In exchange for building his cars in the Irish factory (which was hoped to generate jobs and economic growth for impoverished Belfast residents), the British Government gave DMC substantial tax breaks and loaned the company millions of dollars. The next challenge that plagued DeLorean was their inability to source an adequate engine and running gear, eventually settling on a famously underpowered 2.85 Liter V6 sourced from Peugeot-Renault-Volvo. Although Mr. DeLorean was an accomplished and established figure in the automotive world that had substantial financial backing, he struggled to get his namesake car into production with the false promise that hed deliver cars in 1979. Ultimately, the first Deloreans were sold in 1981 but with their underpowered drivetrains and idiosyncratic features the cars were deemed a flop after merely 2 years of production. DeLoreans downfall was spectacular, culminating in the British government placing the company into receivership and Mr. DeLorean facing criminal charges for fraud and drug trafficking. While the charges against DeLorean were eventually dropped, he was never able to repeat his success at GM but his namesake car, with its futuristic design, would become an icon. This particular DMC-12 comes to us from a collector who was an excellent steward of the car. Powering this Delorean is a rear-mounted 2.85 Liter dual overhead cam V6 engine fed by a Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system that was said to have produced 130 horsepower when new. Exhaust exits the DOHC V6 via a dual exhaust setup that produces a nice throaty sound out the rear tailpipes. The 2.85L V6 is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission that makes this DMC-12 an absolute blast to drive. This Delorean DMC-12 comes loaded with creature comforts! Whether youre at the local drive-in or car show, power steering makes squeezing into tight parking spaces a total breeze. 4-wheel Power Disc brakes are another desirable item on this Delorean since it improves stopping power and reliability. Also coming on this 1981 Delorean is air conditioning so that you can stay cool while cruising even on the hottest summer days. Riding on a set of raised letter radial tires mounted on 4-lug cast light-alloy finned wheels, this Delorean maintains a nice stock look and fantastic ride. The softly-brushed stainless steel exterior is in wonderful condition as are the rear-mounted louvers, exterior trim, and painted bumpers. With two gull-wing doors are in wonderful condition and complete the exterior look of the car. The interior on this Delorean looks great! The gray leather bucket seats and center console are in fantastic condition. The padded dash, door panels, carpeting and steering wheel are in terrific shape as well and all appear to be in their stock configuration. The cockpit on this Delorean DMC-12 is also loaded with great options! A tilting and telescoping steering column makes getting in and out of the drivers seat much easier and improves the drivers comfort while in the car. Dual outside adjustable mirrors and power windows are also a welcome addition to this 80s classic. Youll be able to listen to all of your tunes while cruising in this Delorean DMC12 since it comes with an AM/FM/Cassette entertainment system. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 85MPH speedometer, 8,000 RPM tachometer, temperature gauge, volt gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge, along with several indicator lights. Whether youre buying your first classic car or youre adding to your existing collection, this 1981 Delorean DMC-12 would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call at 763-428-7337!