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My expert opinion on this proposal
At its current asking price of $59,900, this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is competitive in the classic car market. Although the price of this model has fluctuated greatly over the past decade, high-quality, low-mileage models with five-speed manual transmissions generally cost more than automatic transmissions.
The manual transmission is widely considered the more ideal configuration for the 2.85L V6 engine, as it allows the driver to get more power from the 130-horsepower powerplant. According to the odometer, the vehicle has 34,758 miles on it, which is enough to prevent the typical degradation of mechanical seals and components from long-term storage, but it’s still low enough to maintain strong collector appeal.
Potential buyers should note that stainless steel body panels are notoriously difficult to repair once damaged, so the seemingly clean condition of this unit is a significant value driver. For enthusiasts seeking a full-scale entry into 1980s car culture, this launch presents a market-ready opportunity that balances historical significance with a realistic price point for a first-year production model.
discount
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Engine: 2.85L naturally aspirated V6
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Appearance color: silver (stainless steel)
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1981 DeLorean DMC 12 Details
This particular 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is a well-preserved example of the first year of production. With just 34,758 miles on the odometer, the car appears to have been cared for with a focus on originality while ensuring mechanical readiness. The exterior features signature brushed stainless steel panels that are unpainted and have no dents or heavy scratches commonly seen on high-mileage cars. The panels were mounted to a fiberglass underbody, which in turn sat on a Lotus-designed steel backbone chassis, a design choice that gave the car more sophisticated handling characteristics than the straight-line performance figures would suggest.
The cabin was finished in black leather, contrasting with the gray interior of some later models. The interior remains largely unchanged, with a uniquely chunky center console and period-correct instrument cluster. The unit comes with a number of period-appropriate luxury features, including power windows, climate control and a cassette player. Unlike many automatic variants that struggle with the engine’s modest power output, this car comes with a more desirable five-speed manual gearbox, allowing the driver to better take advantage of the 130 horsepower available on the fly. The gull-wing doors are supported by inflatable struts that function as expected, holding them in place when opened.
1981 DeLorean DMC 12 Quick Shot
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a fascinating case study in automotive ambition and international engineering. Its mechanical underpinnings were designed to disrupt the sports car market of the early 1980s and represented a unique collaboration. The rear-mounted 2.85-liter Peugeot Renault-Volvo V6 engine delivers a modest 130 horsepower and 153 pound-feet of torque, figures that make the vehicle more like a grand tourer than a high-performance sports car. However, the steel-backbone chassis, heavily influenced by Lotus’ Colin Chapman, provided a stable and predictable ride. Four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel power disc brakes were standard, providing adequate handling and stopping power for the era.
The DMC-12’s real appeal, aside from its massive cultural footprint, is its bold design. Unpainted stainless steel body panels mounted to a fiberglass underbody ensure that exterior rust is virtually a non-issue, while the balanced gull-wing doors remain an eye-catching, functional focal point. Today, the model benefits from a well-organized enthusiast community and a strong aftermarket supply chain. This means parts availability and technical support are surprisingly strong for a low-volume vehicle from a defunct manufacturer. Owning a DeLorean isn’t about pure speed, it’s about preserving and experiencing a very unique moment in automotive design history.
This article was originally published by Autoblog on March 8, 2026 and first appeared in the Car Buying section. Click here to add Autoblog as your preferred source.
