1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Hatchback

6 - Cyl.

Manual

scedt26t3bd002638

Gasoline

You are bidding on a very nice, low-mileage example of an early DeLorean DMC-12. The vehicle has been owned by my family for almost its entire existence, and has always been kept in a heated garage. However, it has been driven very little in recent years, which means that the buyer should expect to do additional tune-up work once the car gets back on the road. This car has always gotten lots of attention, and has occasionally drawn small crowds. This is a complete car with a great body! The total mileage is just 10,559, although due to a misunderstanding on the part of an estate lawyer, I indicated to the NJ title agency that it was 15,000 miles, so the title has a higher mileage than the odometer. I inherited it last year, but with my family saying that they would rather own a convertible, it sounds like they won't enjoy it as much as a DeLorean enthusiast. The car runs, drives, and shifts well, although it feels a little bit rough, as if a period of use would be required to make sure all of the old fluids and fuels are recirculated and flushed. Although the last inspection sticker is from 1991, I did drive it briefly in a parking lot, and around a few city blocks, with no issues. As far as I can tell, all of the engine seals are in good order, and not leaking. There are a few flaws and issues that I noticed, however, which I have tried to document with the collection of pictures. In no particular order, the doors need mechanical and upholstering maintenance. The headliners had come loose from the glue holding them in place, and will need to be replaced. Also, as is common with older examples, the struts supporting the door no longer support its weight, and need to be replaced. There may be replacement struts available with the car, and will be included if we can locate them. Further, at least one of the cutout windows has gone off track, but this may be a simple fix if the buyer is already taking the door apart to fix the headliners. The doors move just fine along their hinges, and close smoothly and tightly. When running the car recently, I noticed that the oil pressure gauge indicates high (top of range) and the fuel gauge is possibly not registering at all. Also, there is a slight power drain, which might be coming from the headlight switch, which doesn't always seem to connect properly, and may need to be replaced. I didn't check to see if the cassette player works, but it is the original Jensen model. The car has a newish battery, and newer tires, recently replaced. These have been replaced since the long storage period. The engine bay is clean, although not detailed. There is some modest corrosion on one of the coolant parts, which I would guess is the thermostat housing. However, it is covered by a "cowl" or heat shield, and is not easily photographed. The stainless steel body does not seem to have any dings in it, nor on any of the trim work, or any areas of wear in the interior fabric and upholstery. However, there is an area of concern on the black slatted sun cover over the rear window: the vertical support between two of the slats may be slightly cracked or separating. This is a very small issue, and it may be a paint flaw as opposed to a problem with the metal, but it is there nonetheless. (See picture) Terms are: payment of $2000 within 2 days, with the balance due upon pickup, which will be in Philadelphia, where the car is located. I accept paypal for the deposit, or cashiers check (or wire transfer). I do not accept money orders, even though the ebay description implies that I might. (There is no way to get rid of the money order option in their checkboxes.) Pickup must be within ten days of the end of the auction, with payment in the form of a certified check. Although I am located in New Jersey, there may be limited opportunities for bidders to see the car, which is at a commercial garage - let me know and I will try to arrange. I have a clear NJ title. Any questions - please ask! This is a great car, and doesn't need much complex work in order to make it a museum pristine.