1981 DeLorean DMC-12

1981 is a pretty vintage year in our opinion here at The Coolector – not least because it was the time that gave rise to this awesome looking 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 which can be added to your own car collection from the RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction. It has a guide price between $90-120k so it’s not going to come cheap but it goes without saying that the DeLorean is one of the most iconic and immediately recognisable vehicles in the world and any car enthusiast serious about their collection surely needs one in their lineup.

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 from RM Sotheby’s is a real time capsule, two-owner example with a mere 174 miles on the clock from new at time of cataloguing for the Arizona auction. It was originally sold new through Tomsic Oldsmobile & Cadillac Inc. in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and it comes equipped with the desirable five-speed manual transmission. It is also accompanied by its pre-delivery inspection form, window sticker, dealership rolodex card, copy of sales invoice, copy of first title, owner’s manual in pouch, promotional pamphlet, rare DeLorean roof rack (still sealed in the factory box), and the original Goodyear NCT HR60 radial tires on the side.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Manufactured in Northern Ireland, the DMC-12 DeLorean was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. It boasts a truly iconic design aesthetic with distinctive gull-wing doors and outer body panels of brushed stainless steel that give a sleek, futuristic feel – even now. The chassis and suspension were predominantly based upon the Lotus Esprit while the powerplant was a PRV 173-cubic-inch. V-6. The DeLorean DMC-12 was built from 1981 to 1983, during which time it is estimated some 9,000 examples were made so you’ll be in pretty exclusive company if you own one.

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 from RM Sotheby’s (guide price $90-120k) left the factory in November of 1981 with a Gray interior and a five-speed manual transmission. It was shipped to the United States aboard the Orange Ace that was headed for the Wilmington, Delaware port of entry. It was then transported via truck to official DeLorean dealer, Tomsic Oldsmobile & Cadillac Inc. in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. The new sports car would remain at Tomsic’s dealership until it was purchased by Mr. Vaughn Crile on 4 November 1982 for $13,034, less than half the MSRP, likely a direct result of DeLorean’s personal legal troubles and the company filing for bankruptcy a week earlier.

The interior is completed in an understated grey and it boasts bucket seats, power windows, air-conditioning, and factory radio with cassette. Still accompanied by the original set of Goodyear NCT HR60 radial tires, it currently rides on DMC-recommended modern Falken ZE912 tires mounted on the factory wheels. Additionally, the DeLorean is accompanied by its pre-delivery inspection form, window sticker, dealership rolodex card, copy of sales invoice, copy of first title, bill of sale between the first and second owner, owner’s manual in pouch, promotional pamphlet, DMC Technical Information Manual, and the rare DeLorean roof rack still sealed in the factory box.

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