One of the defining characteristics of the DeLorean is its brushed stainless steel finish. If the panels are straight, they can look stunning. The weakness is that if the vehicle receives any form of panel damage, it’s impossible to disguise. This 1981 example doesn’t have that issue. It wears a combination of black and gold paint, which helps to disguise any panel problems. It has recently come onto the market and has been listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Flanders, New Jersey, and spirited bidding has pushed the price along to $16,600. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.

While most DeLoreans were delivered with the brushed finish, occasionally, buyers were seeking something different. A tiny number left the factory with a painted finish, but dealerships painted some at the buyer’s request. That is the case with this car, and the combination of black and gold has dramatically changed the vehicle’s appearance. The fact that the original wheels also received color-coding was smart and gives the car an integrated look. The paint has a few marks and scars, but it generally holds a respectable shine. The panels also have some minor dings, but addressing these should not be difficult. One of the weak points in any DeLorean presentation is the color difference between the stainless panels and the urethane sections on the nose and rear. That isn’t an issue here, as they have also been finished in black. The owner says that there is no visible rust, which isn’t any real surprise when you consider the materials used in the body. It would be well worth the effort to check the vehicle’s underside because that’s where problems are more likely to rear their ugly head. The frame was epoxy-coated at the factory, and if the coating has remained intact, things should be sweet. If the epoxy has come away for any reason, then rust can then become an issue. The glass appears to be in good condition, and the distinctive gullwing doors operate as they should.

DeLorean owners were often disappointed by the performance of their purchase, and it’s easy to see why. John DeLorean had envisaged the car fitted with various engines, and the original intent was for it to be a high-performance mid-engine sports car. The harsh reality was that none of these plans came to fruition, and the DMC eventually went to market with a 2,849cc rear-mounted V6 that produced 130hp. At 3,243lbs, the vehicle was relatively heavy when that power was taken into account, That meant that in 5-speed form, the DeLorean struggled through the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds. Sadly, this one is the rarer automatic version, and being a 3-speed, its performance figures are even slower. However, it does appear to be in good mechanical condition and is ready to be driven and enjoyed. All of the brake calipers have been fitted with new seals, and the fluids have been flushed. The vehicle’s servicing is up-to-date, and the owner says that the engine sounds strong and healthy. The transmission also shifts smoothly, so the open road is just waiting for this classic.

In a 1981 context, buyers of a DeLorean didn’t really want for anything. They received leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a leather-bound tilt/reach wheel, a rear window defogger, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The interior of this DeLorean is tidy, but it shows some of the wear and issues common in these cars. The leather on the seats is worn around the edges, and the rear of the driver’s seat sports a split. Some of the plastic is looking discolored, and the original radio/cassette player is missing. The A/C also doesn’t function, with the compressor currently disconnected. However, parts to address these issues are surprisingly easy to find, and apart from the air conditioning, everything works as it should.

The DMC DeLorean could easily be described as a triumph of style over substance. If John DeLorean’s original dream had been realized, then this would have been a car that would have possessed legendary levels of luxury and performance. Its failings were all due to a lack of development time and a budget that was anything but adequate. The DeLorean remained unloved for years, but today, they have become something of a cult collectible. Nice examples can comfortably sell for $45,000, while $60,000 is not out of the question for the right car. I don’t think that this car will threaten those figures, and I am not convinced that the custom paint will add anything to the value. However, a standard DeLorean will always attract plenty of attention, so this car could potentially increase that significantly. That might make it worth considering if the reserve hasn’t been set too high.