John Z. DeLorean promised us a gull-winged, steel-skinned sports car. After an inordinately long development path beset by decisions that conflicted with ease of manufacturing, he delivered two out of three, producing a futuristic “sporty” two-seat tourer. Problems were legion. A mid-mounted Wankel rotary was in the original plans – but the engine maker went bust. Cycling through alternate options absorbed considerable time and eventually required a re-design so a French V6 could be rear-mounted. Meanwhile, DeLorean had purchased the rights to elastic reservoir molding technology, intending to use ERM to craft a chassis. The technology proved completely unsuitable for almost anything. Mounting stainless panels on the GRP body challenged DeLorean’s Northern Ireland factory workforce. The gullwing doors were incompatible with the body’s ability to support their weight. Eventually, the DeLorean arrived in the US costing over twice as much as planned. Only 9000 were made during 1981 and 1982, with many of these trickling out of the factory into 1983. Here on eBay is one of these, a 1981 DeLorean bid to $40,000, reserve met. Travel up the mountains in Eagle, Idaho to retrieve it.

About that engine. DeLorean finally chose the 2.85 liter V6 developed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo to power his car. The engine made about 130 hp overseas, but closer to 120 once equipped with a catalytic converter for US import. Buyers could opt for either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic – this one is an automatic. Performance wasn’t anything to write home about, with a zero to sixty time hovering at 10 seconds (less for the manual, more for the auto) and a top speed as tested by Car and Driver of 117 mph. Both these numbers are worse than factory claims. Several driving videos are included in the listing, and the seller mentions a new starter, upgraded exhaust system, and new braided fuel/radiator hoses. The speedometer is new but the cable is broken.

DeLorean offered two interior colors – grey or black. The side bolsters were criticized for not allowing one’s rear to settle comfortably into the seat, and the problem seems evident from this photo. The glove box needs a spring to work properly, and the dash is damaged from storage in the sun, thus the “rug”. That odd white cylinder behind the driver’s seat is a nod to the car of Back to the Future: it’s a Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor. I think it’s gonna be a few years before we have those for real. On the other hand, the stereo is new, and repair receipts are available.

A few dents mar the stainless steel panels, and the seller mentions regraining the stainless here and there. A weekend, your favorite beverage, some tunes, and a selection of sandpaper can finish the job. The Giorgetto Giugiaro design is not everyone’s cup of tea but we can see echoes of the fabulous BMW M1 in its lines. It’s certainly attractive enough to cause prices to surge in the last few years. In fact, the current bid might be light, even for an automatic. Here’s a comparable example that sold for $47k a couple of months ago. Is this car on your bucket list?