1981 DeLorean DMC-12

There aren't many cars as striking as the DeLorean DMC-12. The nose and tail panels are in good shape with no marks. The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint. The stainless steel bodywork is free of any discernible corrosion, and we didn’t spot any significant ripples or dents. The panel gaps are acceptable with nothing that looks too untoward. The gullwing door opens without problems, providing a good seal. The passenger side door needs a little guidance to open fully. The front luggage lid and rear louvred lid also open without issues, but the rear engine cover will not support its own weight. The underside is clean, the chassis and engine cradle are solid, and the floor pan has a few scuffs but overall is in good shape. The engine bay and sills are present positively. The fibreglass wheel wells are in good shape, with the occasional crack, but this appears to be nothing more than a cosmetic issue. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves. The dashboard is smartly presented. We saw a small mark in front of the binnacle, but otherwise it is free of damage. The leather padding is clean, only showing typical age-related creases. The centre console is free of scuffs, although the black heater control panel and some switches shows minor signs of age. All of the functions and controls are said to work, including both electric windows, although the air conditioning will need re-gassing. The cabin trim, door cards and headlining are well-mounted and in good condition. The DeLorean utilises the hardy PRV V6 engine, and while it's known for its durability, it wasn’t particularly performance-oriented; however, this car has seen its catalytic converter emission gear removed, which helps the car produce a useful ~158 bhp: 21% more power than the original US-Spec power unit. Carl took us for a spin in the car, driving along some of the picturesque back roads of Worcestershire. The car felt lively and pulled well with no unwanted engine noises; the cabin was well insulated and without significant noises from the wheels. The car has a stainless steel free-flow exhaust, which made the experience far more sporting than expected; the steering tightness and controlled ride added to the feel. Carl has told us that there have been no problems with its cooling or oil pressure. The car was left running for periods of time, and it idles evenly and starts up without problems when warm. It has been consistently stored in a heated garage since 2012, and we didn’t spot any evidence of historic fluid leaks. The glass, lights and lenses are in good condition, with decent seals. The trim is in good order, with no significant marks. The bumpers are flush to the body, and aside from mild age-related marks, they display positively. Carl has added black-textured accent stripes to the car, which we feel adds to the visual aesthetics of the car. They have been well applied and are in good shape. The 15” alloys present well with no rim damage, although there are surface corrosion spots between the spokes. The car is fitted with Pirelli P600 tyres with the front showing a spec of 195/60 and 235/60 to the rear. The offside tyres date from 2007, but both the nearside tyres are likely to be over 25 years old. While they all have good tread, there are signs of age and the nearside rear shows sidewall cracks. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the Delorean and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition. The leather seats are free of significant marks or scuffs, only showing age-related creasing and minor bolster wear, but are well above the exceptions of a car of this age. The carpets are clean and damp-free, and the front luggage area is tidy. The engine fires up without any hesitancy, sounding even and free of rattles or unwanted noises. It idles smoothly with no undulations. The exhaust remained free of fumes, and we didn’t see any lingering dashboard warning lights. The engine presentation is tidy, with evidence that it has seen regular maintenance. All of the hoses and ancillaries look good. Carl has notified us that the car has recently been serviced and will supply the invoice shortly. The 5-speed manual gearbox has a positive action, with no reported problems with the changes. Carl is happy with the clutch and told us it has a good bite point. The car comes with its jack and wheel brace, and an owner's wallet with a reproduction handbook & window sticker is also included. This car is chassis number 6457, with a November 1981 build date. It was delivered to California when new and imported into the UK in February 1990 with a documented 6,519 miles; but was not registered for UK roads until 1998. Its fourth owner restored the car in 2008, including a chassis strip down followed by galvanising and powder-coating. At the same time, it also received new suspension bushes, new lower front springs, Spax shocks, a new fuel pump, a new radiator, and a stainless steel coolant header tank. Carl bought the car in 2012 and has not needed to do much other than replace the steering rack in 2021, address a few cosmetic items, and the usual mechanical maintenance. It has been regularly checked over by a trusted mechanic. The car has recently been serviced. It comes with a folder of invoices since 2002 and past MOT certificates since 1997. There are 3 keys, and it is Road Tax and MOT exempt. We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check. We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming. If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house. The car rides well with no notable flaws; it absorbs the road without negative feedback and is free of any knocks or thuds. The car brakes confidently, and we didn’t hear any squeals or notice any judders when it slowed down. The steering wheel and gear lever are in line with the positive condition of the interior, being free of significant marks.