1982 DeLorean DMC-12

Highlights

• Previously kept in Arizona which has preserved the car immensely well
• Extensive mechanical refurbishment including electric power steering, new steering rack, brakes and fuel system components
• Interior retrimmed by DeLorean specialist PJ Grady in 2024
• Apt private registration plate 'DMC 92V' included in the sale
• Electric power steering fitted
• Comprehensive history file with invoices and original workshop manual

The Appeal

Few cars are as instantly recognisable as the DeLorean DMC-12. With its brushed stainless steel body panels, gullwing doors and rear-mounted V6, it was already a remarkable machine before the Back to the Future trilogy cemented its place in popular culture forever. Today, well-sorted examples are increasingly sought after, and finding one that has been properly sorted for regular use is no small thing.

This 1982 DMC-12 benefits from having spent much of its life in the dry heat of Arizona before being imported to the UK in 2021 on the advice of the UK DeLorean Club. Since arriving, it has been the subject of considerable mechanical investment: electric power steering was fitted in 2023, the fuel system has been comprehensively renewed, and the brakes, steering rack, front shock absorbers and anti-roll bar have all received attention. In 2024, the interior was entrusted to DeLorean specialist PJ Grady for retrimming where necessary, and the air conditioning has been overhauled with a new evaporator and modern refrigerant gas.

The result is a DeLorean that runs reliably and can be driven with confidence. A rare thing indeed. It has been used at multiple Sporting Bears charity events, and in March 2026, it completed over 600 miles across a weekend at the NEC without missing a beat. The car comes with an extensive file of invoices, a history from its time in Arizona, and the original workshop manual and parts list, rounding off a very appealing package for anyone seeking a usable and well-maintained example of this iconic machine.

History and Paperwork

• Imported from the USA in 2021 and now registered on UK plates
• Private registration plate 'DMC 92V' included in the sale
• The odometer has been replaced; the reading of 11,728 miles does not reflect the car's true mileage
• MOT/road tax exempt
• Extensive file of invoices documenting work carried out during current ownership
• History file from the car's time in Arizona included
• Original workshop manual and parts list included

The Condition

• Body described by the vendor as in very good condition, with only a very small mark on the left-hand rear wing
• Interior described as generally in good condition with various areas reconditioned
• Seats re-Connolised, now showing some patina from regular use
• New lighting fitted to conform to UK regulations
• New door struts fitted and doors readjusted
• Air conditioning overhauled with new evaporator and modern gas; reported to be working well
• Nankang tyres fitted
• Doc Brown outfit is included in the sale as is the number plate
• The vendor describes the car as suitable for daily use

The use of unpainted brushed stainless steel gave the Delorean a truly unique appearance. Back to the Future connections aside, it's an undeniably good-looking car, with sharp lines typical of the era and a set of striking gull-wing doors.
As the photographs attest, this example presents very well for its age and has clearly been well-preserved by its years spent in the arid US State of Arizona. As noted above, various jobs were completed upon import, including those that ensured car would comply with UK registration requirements. There are a few minor signs of wear, including a small mark on the left-hand rear wing and some kerb marks to the alloy wheels, but Delorean continues to look exceedingly smart.

The Mechanics

• 2.85-litre PRV V6 engine
• Three-speed automatic transmission
• Electric power steering fitted in 2023
• New steering rack fitted
• Anti-roll bar refitted
• New front shock absorbers fitted
• New brake callipers and rubber brake hoses fitted
• New fuel accumulator, fuel pump and hoses fitted
• New fuel pipes fitted in the engine bay
• Volvo fuel head fitted
• Fuel regulator overhauled
• New fuel injectors fitted
• Gearchange computer and solenoids updated
• Volvo air mass regulator fitted
• The vendor describes the car as very reliable and easy to drive
• Engine temperature reported as very stable, having never overheated during current ownership
• The vendor describes the mechanical condition as very good following considerable expenditure

The above list shows this to be a very well-sorted Delorean, and that's rare, because many buy these cars to look at rather than drive. The vendor has evidently lavished a great deal of care upon the car, replacing perishable items and carrying out sympathetic upgrades such as electric power steering in the name of usability. We're assured that it drives very well, ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.
BEFORE YOU BUY

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