1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Incredible 494 Miles

I am pleased to offer this incredible 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with only 494 miles driven since new. This car is definitely one of the lowest mileage DeLoreans offered for sale and in existence today. This is clearly a high-end auction worthy car but you can buy it without the buyer’s premium. VIN # is SCEDT26T9BD002935.

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 only 494 original miles on the odometer.

The DeLorean has had two owners from new. The original owner purchased the car in 1981 from Bob Marco Buick-Mazda in Houston Texas and kept the car until 2020, when he sold it to the second owner, a DeLorean collector.

The documentation includes copies of the Certificate of Origin for a vehicle from DeLorean Motor Company (the MSO), the pre-delivery paint, body, trim, and inspection certificate, the receipt for payment from Bob Marco Buick-Mazda in Houston, the car contract from the dealership (bill of sale), the window sticker, and the odometer mileage statement.  

BODY:

This DeLorean still is completely original and has the original stainless-steel finish. All of the body panels are ripple and dent free and have never had any sort of body or accident damage.

 The body 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 flawless 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 checked 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 trademark gullwing doors are also in perfect working order.  

UNDERCARRIAGE:

The underside of the car is in line with a 494 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 3-speed automatic, which was one of the only options available on the DeLorean, available at an additional cost of $650.00 in 1981.

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 the original equipment Goodyear NCT tires that were delivered new with the car. There is no wear evident. If the new owner does intend to drive the car, I would recommend removing the tires and preserving them, and purchasing a new set for driving purposes. Michelin and Pirelli make the correct size to fit the front and rear wheels.

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 494 mile car should – It’s brand new! The 2.85-Liter V-6 powerplant runs and accelerates smoothly and very quickly and the 3-speed automatic 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 42 years…

There is absolutely nothing that needs to be done to this car to drive it occasionally and enjoy it as a showpiece. Again, if the new owner decides to drive it in vintage events or on a regular basis, I would recommend going over the car again for safety and installing new tires, etc. The correct size is still available although Goodyear no longer manufactures them. Either way, the new owner will have a fantastic original DeLorean to drive and show and best of all, there is no buyer premium to pay.

Thanks for your interest!

* To watch a great “walk around” video, click here

* To watch a short driving video, click here

* To watch another short driving video, click here

* To watch a cold start video, click here

This incredible DeLorean is located in West Suburban Chicago. Contact me with any questions. 

• Phone [630 567-0066]
• Fax [703 858-0056]

Copyright 1999-2023 RonSusser. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks, names, and anything else implied in this document are owned and protected by their respective owners.