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1981 DeLorean DMC-12, 8,000 Original Miles - $695 (Elmhurst)
Route 82 near Roosevelt Road
1981
Delorean DMC-12
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8,451 Original Miles From New
Manufactured in September of 1981
Three Owners from New
This 1981 DeLorean is an example of the first (and arguably one of the best) years of the all to brief DMC-12 model run and represents an era of automobiles that will never be seen again…
The condition of this car is highly original and very well preserved. The car shows very few signs of age and shows 8,451 original miles on the odometer. It has had three owners from new having been purchased new by the first owner in California in 1981.
The documentation includes the original window sticker, the DeLorean Motor Company Warranty, original owner’s manual, the previous titles and registrations, and various period DeLorean advertisements.
BODY:
This DeLorean still is completely original and has the correct and original stainless-steel finish applied. All of the body panels are ripple and dent free and have never had any sort of body or accident damage.
The finish is in extremely nice overall condition and retains its original finish, obviously the result of the car being garage kept and well cared for all of its life.
The glass and seals are in very nice condition and there are no leaks evident.
INTERIOR:
The interior is trimmed in the original black leather. The seating areas are in beautiful original condition, as are the door panels, dashboard, and console. The carpet is also in beautiful original condition, and has not been damaged by any effects of sun, spills or rodent damage.
All of the accessories are in working order. The dashboard includes a speedometer and tachometer as well as a radio, fuel gauge, ammeter, and oil pressure and water temperature gauges.
The electric windows are in perfect working condition. The electric window motors have been replaced with updated motors and re-installed. The door locks also work as well. The trunk area appears in time capsule preserved condition, the trunk carpet is in perfect condition, and the spare tire, wheel, and trunk accessories are all present and in place.
The gullwing doors are also in perfect working order.
UNDERCARRIAGE:
The underside of the car is in line with an 8,000 mile car and is very well preserved. Every factory mark is still on the car.
ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, and MECHANICALS:
All of the mechanical aspects of the car have been inspected and repaired, if necessary. The motor is original to the car, with all numbers and codes matching, and the transmission is the optional 5-speed manual, which was one of the only options available on the DeLorean.
All of the engine, transmission, and differential fluids have been changed, all belts have been replaced, the cooling system flushed out, and a new battery installed. The fuel system has also been completely cleaned and updated, including the injectors, and there are no issues with starting and running the vehicle.
All of the brakes have also been rebuilt, and the brake hoses replaced.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT:
The engine bay is completely original, with all components in operational condition. Every detail of the engine compartment is well preserved. There is some minor wear to certain painted surfaces that has occurred due to age, but overall, it is very presentable.
TIRES AND WHEELS:
The tires are BF Goodrich Radial T/A s, and are in very nice condition. There is virtually no wear evident, and they are the correct size and type for the DeLorean.
The aluminum wheels are in flawless original condition and have with no wear or storage scars evident.
OVERALL DRIVING IMPRESSIONS:
This DeLorean runs as any 8,000 mile car should – It’s brand new! The 2.8-Liter V-6 powerplant runs and accelerates smoothly and very quickly and the 5-speed manual transmission shifts as it should.
The car runs and drives with no issues. Again, the car has had all of the necessary service recently performed including oil change, tune up, installation of new battery and brakes, and gearbox and differential service, and needs absolutely nothing to drive, show, and enjoy. All of the mechanical aspects of the car work as they should.
PLEASE NOTE:
This 1981 DeLorean still retains all of its original components and is the most well-preserved low mileage example I have seen. This means the engine, transmission, rear end, etc. are original to the car. All of the numbers, markings, etc., are correct. Any replacement part used (such as the fuel pump) has been an N.O.S or exact original reproduction part purchased from DMC Motors in Crystal Lake, Illinois. It is an original and very special car that, as evidenced by the low mileage, has been driven very sparingly during the last 44 years…
There is absolutely nothing that needs to be done to this car to drive it occasionally and enjoy it as a showpiece. If the new owner decides to drive it in vintage events or on a regular basis, you can be confident that the Delorean will run like it should.
Thanks for your interest!