1981 DMC DeLorean DMC-12 Automatic

Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars

Eekstraat 2, 8375HN Oldemarkt, NL

Phone: 0625351515

Website: http://www.carrosso.com

Email: [email protected]

See below for information in English.

DeLorean DMC-12 - October 1981 - Automatic

Very original condition.

Air conditioning.

Solid and original chassis.

German-registered.

Many invoices available.

Original delivery document available.

Dry ice blasting recently performed.

HISTORY AND DOCUMENTATION

The DeLorean DMC-12 is arguably the most legendary car ever made, with an illustrious history. Developed by John DeLorean, it is an iconic style symbol of the 1980s, featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries. The brand produced cars from January 1981 until mid-1983. This example, with chassis number ending in 5318, was built in October 1981, making it an early model.

Thanks to the original delivery document, we have uncovered extensive history and details about this car. It was delivered on January 4, 1982, in Temple City, California, making it one of the very first units. The original price was $28,825. The first owner kept the car for approximately 15 years, and it remained in California until at least 1997.

Currently, the car is registered with a German license plate but can be registered elsewhere. Since 2023, many parts have been replaced, with invoices available for most. In 2026, dry-ice cleaning was performed. The car is in good, very original condition.

Included with the car:

- Extensive maintenance documentation

- Original delivery document

- Original registration papers

- Tool kit

- Spare tire

- Two keys

- General DeLorean history

EXTERIOR

The exterior is in good and very original condition. The body is made of stainless steel, making it rust-free. The plastic front and rear bumpers are in good condition. The rear bumper features stainless steel DeLorean lettering and white turn signals. The original 14" and 15" alloy wheels are in good condition, fitted with nearly new Yokohama tires.

INTERIOR

The interior is also in good and original condition. The original light gray leather upholstery is well-preserved. The original radio-cassette player remains installed. The front glove compartment is in good condition.

TECHNICAL

The chassis is exceptionally pristine, original, and rust-free (see extensive photos, including underside shots). The car has been well-maintained and is in excellent technical condition, offering great handling. Major maintenance was performed in 2023 at 12,295 miles, with over €8,000 invested since then. Everything has been dry-ice cleaned and is ready to drive.

GENERAL

The DeLorean is famous worldwide thanks to the 1985 film "Back to the Future," where it serves as a time machine. Many books and series have also been produced about John DeLorean, the flamboyant owner of the brand, and the origins of the DMC-12.

John DeLorean was a successful engineer and businessman, who rose to vice president at General Motors, the world’s largest automaker. In 1973, he left GM to pursue his dream of creating a unique, affordable sports car that was ahead of its time and durable.

The design was created by the Italian firm Giugiaro, with engineering by Colin Chaplin, founder of Lotus. The car features a wide, low, futuristic body made of stainless steel, gull-wing doors, and a mid-mounted engine. It is powered by a 2.8-liter 6-cylinder aluminum engine sourced from Renault, Peugeot, and Volvo.