1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Manual

Highlights

• Very well presented car with desirable manual box
• Extensive restoration including over £7,000 in parts alone
• Stainless steel panels professionally re-grained by model expert Chris Nicholson
• Mechanical upgrades, including cooling system, fuel system, and electrical components
• Includes new leather seats (worth £500) ready to be fitted

The Appeal

Few cars come freighted with myth, magic and expectation as a DeLorean DMC-12. It’s a shape as familiar as fish and chips. And yet, despite all that, catching sight of one remains utterly arresting.

Here is your chance to actually own one. It’s a very good one, thanks to the extensive investment of its single UK keeper since he acquired it in 2021. Over £7,000 has been spent on parts, including mechanicals and running gear. You can see the full details below. More big numbers have been invested via model specialist Chris Nicholson at PJ Grady, including regraining the panels. The car even comes with £500 worth of new leather seat facings that are ready to fit.

The trick when buying a classic is to capitalise on the previous keeper’s hard work. Here is just such an opportunity. That it is also one of classic motoring’s true icons surely cements the deal.

The vendor says:

“This is a turn key, ready to drive car and will turn heads anywhere you go! Be prepared to spend a little longer at the petrol pump when filling her up as the car attracts a lot of attention!”

History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1981
• Imported to the UK in 2019 via DeLorean Europe based in the Netherlands
• First UK registered April 2021
• Single UK keeper since arrival
• Purchased as a running project car and subsequently restored by the current owner
• Now exempt from MOT requirements under the UK's 40-year exemption rule
• Last MOT was a pass with advisories that we are told have since been completed
• Extensive documentation for parts purchased from UK DeLorean parts supplier, DeLoreanGo
• Over £7k in parts purchased from DeloreanGo
• List of work since arriving in UK detailed below
• Bodywork repaired and regrained by PJ Grady, Delorean specialists
• V5C in current keeper’s name
• Owners Club magazines as shown
• Various invoices for parts as shown
• New leather seat facings as shown worth reported £500
• 2 keys
• Workshop manual shown

Key work done/parts replaced advised by seller:

• Boxed in lower front control arms (new springs, shocks, rubbers)
• Upgraded coolant fans + fan fail manual override switch
• Freshly powder-coated wheels, new lug nuts/valve caps
• Steering rack
• Clutch master & slave
• Fuel sender
• Fuel accumulator
• Fuel lines
• Fuel filter
• Fuel distributor
• Injectors / HT leads / Spark plugs / rubbers and clips
• Warm Up Regulator
• Idle speed motor
• Vacuum lines
• Upgraded alternator
• Upgraded Stainless steel coolant bottle + self bleeder kit
• Reversing sensor
• Wiper blades
• UK Headlight conversion kit installed
• UK Fog light installed
• Door key barrels
• Headliner
• Door Seals
• Catalytic convertor Bypass pipe
• Rock screen
• Gas struts
• Tachometer
• Control Pressure Regulator
• Instrument Cluster Printed Circuit
• 02 sensor
• Air Filter
• Temp Sensor
• Thermistor
• Oil Pressure sender
• Steering column bushing
• Water Pump thermostat switch
• Euro Style Licence Plate Bezel
• Automatic antenna
• ECU
• Hot water valve
• Aftermarket Convex side mirrors
• After market floor mats

The Condition

• Very well kept DMC-12 with rare side stripes as shown
• Factory standard car with stainless steel bodywork professionally repaired and re-grained
• Minor bodywork points to note in photos, including slight flaking to rear bumper
• Wheels freshly powder-coated with new lug nuts and valve caps
• Matching Nankang tyres fitted as shown
• Black leather interior appears in good original condition
• New leather seat covers included (worth £500), ready to be fitted
• Door seals have been replaced and a new headliner installed
• Upgraded with aftermarket convex side mirrors
• Aftermarket floor mats fitted
• UK headlight conversion kit and fog light installed
• The vendor states the frame is in very good condition

The Mechanics

• 2,849cc V6 PRV V6 engine
• 5-speed manual transmission
• Reported to be in good running order and performing well on the road
• Extensive list of improvements since 2021, as detailed above and summarised below
• Boxed in lower front control arms with new springs, shocks and rubbers
• Upgraded coolant fans with a manual override switch
• New steering rack installed
• Clutch master and slave cylinders replaced
• Comprehensive fuel system overhaul including new sender, accumulator, lines, filter, distributor and injectors
• Upgraded alternator fitted
• Upgraded stainless steel coolant bottle with self-bleeder kit
• New ECU installed
• Catalytic converter bypass pipe fitted
• Handbrake reported to require attention as it's not functioning fully
• Minor oil leak noted from the oil pan gasket, with no evidence of front or rear main seal leaks

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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