Aug 9, 2024  •  For Sale  •  17 Comments

1,468 Mile 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 5-Speed

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If you are going to sell a car, this seller’s ad for this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is an example of putting your best foot forward. This car is for sale on eBay and the seller does a great job posting lots of pictures and a thorough description of the car. Of course, when you are asking $84,900 for a car, you should probably put your best foot forward. Many people think that if it wasn’t for the “Back to the Future” movie that this car would be a forgotten part of history. Regardless, it is not forgotten and a popular and iconic sports car that gets attention wherever it goes.

Many enthusiasts were disappointed with the performance of these cars when they were introduced and refer to the DeLorean as a DMC-12 even though there was only one model. The DMC-12 designation was derived from the internal pre-production designation, but the DeLorean sales and marketing materials never used DMC-12 for the production model. The DMC-12 designation was based on the target list price of $12,000. The final MSRP was $25,000. All DeLoreans were equipped from the factory with a 2.85 liter SOHC V6 engine that was rated at 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. The engines were built by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo and installed in the DeLorean plant, where the cars were produced.

To my knowledge there were two interior colors that were available – black and silver. This car was bought at Tate Cadillac in Pomona, California when new. The silver interior is said to be in great shape and the overall condition is said to be impeccable. The car has been prepared for sale by flushing the fuel system and taking care of several maintenance items. The car is said to drive like new and the 5 speed manual transmission shifts great.

According to PRA4SNW who is a member and posts a lot here on Barn Finds, the average price for these low mileage cars on BaT is around $50,000. This car is listed here on eBay with less than 2 days in the auction. The car is currently bid to $20,700 and has a Buy It Now Price of $84,900. Total production for these cars was about 9,600 units. This car seems to be close to perfect and is represented as an collector grade car. It is located in Corte Madera, California.

Comments

  1. Jeff
    Aug 9, 2024 at 8:25pm

    Marty its about your kids. This car is helping them with funding to getting a college degree upon sale.

    Its a beautiful Delorean and best of luck on sale !

    Like 7
  2. Howie
    Aug 9, 2024 at 10:16pm

    Cool car with low miles, but not $85k cool.

    Like 10
  3. Harry
    Aug 10, 2024 at 4:24am

    A car with absolutely no guts at all.
    The idea was solid but execution was horrible. The whole idea of a steel body killed any performance. Fiberglass doesn’t rust either just saying. I certainly wouldn’t pay any where near what there asking. Obviously a nice unrestored car. But the car is worth what someone is willing to pay. Good luck to the seller and buyer.

    Like 5
    • Melton Mooney
      Aug 12, 2024 at 10:37am

      Towards the end of Back to the Future, it takes 1 minute and 32 seconds for the DeLorean to go from 0 to 88 mph, so at least that part of the movie is factual.

      Like 0
  4. Jon Calderon
    Aug 10, 2024 at 5:42am

    Could have built a car as impressive as a Renault Alpine A110, but sadly it didn’t happen..

    Like 1
  5. Timothy Oneill
    Aug 10, 2024 at 9:25am

    one listed today -8/10/2024 9:00 – Ocala Fl craigslist for free says ran last year but does not start?????

    Like 2
    • Ronald Amon
      Aug 10, 2024 at 10:21am

      Craigslist now shows “This posting has been flagged for removal. [?]” whatever that means.

      Like 1
  6. Steve
    Aug 10, 2024 at 9:36am

    Buy It Now Price of $84,900?

    Dream on, snowflake.

    Like 3
    • Old Man
      Aug 10, 2024 at 9:37am

      Perhaps in 20 years.

      Like 2
  7. Ronald Amon
    Aug 10, 2024 at 10:26am

    How is it seller doesn’t know actual mileage when he lists it at “an approximately 1,400 mile?”

    Like 1
  8. Mark
    Aug 10, 2024 at 10:39am

    I grew up in PA, where they use a lot of road salt, which destroys a car. The idea of a stainless steel car was appealing. Unfortunately, the “Back to the Future” movies ruined my ambition for ever owning one. The only thing that people would think of when they saw it was some stupid remark about George McFly or “88 miles an hour”.

    Like 0
  9. Wademo
    Aug 10, 2024 at 12:47pm

    If these would have been built with a decent powerplant , I’ll bet they would be 100% more respected. Back To The Future did their reputation a HUGE favor, otherwise everybody’s memories of these would be really dismal.

    Like 3
  10. Johan
    Aug 10, 2024 at 5:46pm

    After all that work, he chose a French built engine. Absolute garbage….

    Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember
    Aug 10, 2024 at 6:16pm

    Thanks for the shout out, Bruce.

    At the low bids that it is getting on EBay, this one looks to be destined for Bring A Trailer too. Not sure why that site attracts all of the big spenders. I stopped spending any time on there years ago and use it only for looking up what people are spending on cars.

    Like 0
  12. Frank
    Aug 10, 2024 at 6:48pm

    Only 1400 miles. I guess this has only been driven from time to time.

    Like 3
    • JOHN B CUNNINGHAM
      Aug 12, 2024 at 6:35am

      Frank – Perfect!!!!!

      Like 0
    • rico
      Aug 13, 2024 at 12:20pm

      I see what you did there ….. nicely done!

      Like 0

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