Stainless steel body panels and gullwing doors leave no doubt that this classic is a DMC DeLorean. Millions of words have been written about these cars, their creators, and the corporate collapse due to mismanagement. However, a vehicle that could easily have faded into the pages of history is now more popular than ever. This 1981 DeLorean is an exceptional vehicle, with its odometer showing 3,800 original miles. Its condition is hard to fault, and the auction action confirms people like what they see. The seller has listed this sports car here on eBay in Irvine, California. Bidding sits at $46,100, which is below the reserve.

Giorgetto Giugiaro has designed some of the most stunning and iconic cars in automotive history, ranging from the Lotus Esprit to the original Volkswagen Golf. He wielded his pen to create the DeLorean, an unquestioningly elegant vehicle. The surprising thing about the DeLorean is that it has aged remarkably well because many vehicles from this era now look pretty tired and outdated. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1981, and like almost all of its siblings, its exterior is clad in brushed stainless steel. The look this provided didn’t receive universal praise, with the company offering a fully-painted option for those who craved exclusivity. However, only a handful of buyers spent the additional money for that service. The drawback of the brushed finish is that panel imperfections are impossible to hide with a dash of Bondo and a quick coat of paint. That isn’t an issue because this car’s panels appear perfect. The stainless is consistent across the vehicle, with no bumps or blemishes. The urethane bumpers exhibit the typical color mismatch that is an accepted part of aging, and the unique wheels are spotless. The seller doesn’t mention hidden rust, and if the frame’s epoxy coating is intact, it shouldn’t be a problem. The originality of this classic extends to the trunk, where the new owner will find the ultra-rare Stainless Steel Care Kit.

There are probably few cars in automotive history representing a greater triumph of style over substance than the DeLorean. Its creators planned a mid-engine layout with several preferred powerplants, but a lack of time and money led to a major compromise. Legendary Lotus designer Colin Chapman adapted a 2.8-liter PRV (Peugeot/Renault/Volvo) V6 as a rear-engine configuration that sent its power to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle. There were a few sticking points because the car was notoriously tail-heavy, and the V6 only produced 130hp and 153 ft/lbs of torque. The DeLorean may have looked like a Ferrari beater, but the reality proved otherwise. The ¼-mile journey took 17.1 seconds, although the sleek body allowed the car to nudge 130mph. However, this DeLorean has a claim to exclusivity that is not necessarily good news. Its first owner craved a more relaxing driving experience, ticking the box for the rare optional three-speed automatic transmission. If the DeLorean was slow in manual form, its progress was almost glacial with the self-shifter. The ¼-mile ET ballooned to 18.2 seconds, while the top speed fell to 124mph. This car is mechanically original and comes with a documented history. It has a genuine 3,800 miles on the clock and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The DeLorean’s performance may have been lackluster, but its interior was well-appointed in a 1981 context. Buyers received air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, leather trim, a rear defogger, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player. This classic’s interior is well preserved, with no signs of abuse or aftermarket additions. The seats and carpet show none of the outer edge wear that often plagues these classics, with the seller stating it retains the distinctive new car smell. There is slight stretching on the driver’s seat, but that is a typical DeLorean feature.

The 1981 DMC DeLorean promised much, but the most significant thing it delivered was a spectacular company collapse. Had its creators had more time and money at their disposal for development, it may have been a sales success. These cars don’t appeal to everyone, although they have been one of the star performers in the classic market during the last year. The automatic transmission will negatively impact the potential value, but the overall condition, originality, and odometer reading will compensate. I would be surprised if it didn’t top $50,000 before the hammer falls, and I won’t rule out a significantly higher figure. I’m sure that if John DeLorean were with us today, he would raise a wry smile at the fact that a car that failed to sell when new and cost him everything is now incredibly desirable. Automotive history is a funny old thing.