INTRODUCTION

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history, known as much for its futuristic stainless-steel styling and gull-wing doors as it is for its pop culture legacy, particularly in the Back to the Future film series. Designed by former GM executive John Z. DeLorean, the car was a bold and unconventional entry into the sports car market, offering a unique blend of European engineering and American ambition.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The DMC-12 was the brainchild of John DeLorean, who envisioned a revolutionary sports car with safety, style, and innovation at its core. After founding the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) in 1975, he secured funding and set up a factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, with government assistance. Production began in early 1981. The “DMC-12” name originated from its intended $12,000 price tag, though it launched closer to $25,000.

Despite its bold promise, the DeLorean project was short-lived. Only about 9,000 units were produced between 1981 and 1983 before the company collapsed due to financial troubles and controversy surrounding DeLorean himself. The 1981 model year was the first and most widely produced version, and it forms the core of the DeLorean’s mystique.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 featured a rear-mounted 2.85L PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine, which delivered:

• 130 horsepower

• 153 lb-ft of torque

• 0–60 mph in approximately 9.5–10.5 seconds, depending on transmission

Transmission options included:

• 5-speed manual (standard and more performance-oriented)

• 3-speed automatic (optional, reduced acceleration performance)

While the power output was modest, especially compared to its exotic appearance, the DeLorean was engineered for balance and handling rather than outright speed.

DESIGN & FEATURES

The DeLorean’s standout feature is its brushed stainless-steel body panels—resistant to rust and visually striking. Key design highlights include:

• Gull-wing doors with gas strut supports

• Fiberglass underbody mounted to a steel backbone chassis (Lotus-inspired design)

• Lotus-tuned suspension with independent front and rear setup

• 14″ front and 15″ rear turbine-style alloy wheels

Inside, the cabin was driver-focused but minimalist, featuring:

• Leather upholstery (gray or black)

• Air conditioning, power windows, and AM/FM cassette stereo

• Analog instrument cluster and rotary climate controls

• Two-seat configuration with limited rear cargo space behind seats

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 was offered in essentially one trim, though customers could choose between:

• Manual or automatic transmission

• Gray or black interior

Early 1981 models (known as “early VIN” cars) had unique features such as hood gas flaps and non-staggered wheels, which were phased out mid-year. Later in production, minor cosmetic and quality control refinements were introduced, but no major trim differentiation was implemented by the factory.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

For its time, the DeLorean was equipped with several advanced and safety-conscious features:

• Steel backbone chassis for crash strength

• Collapsible steering column

• Four-wheel disc brakes

• Rack and pinion steering

However, it lacked modern safety systems like airbags, ABS, or traction control, and had limited rear visibility due to design constraints.

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

The DeLorean offered reasonable fuel economy for a sports car of its time:

• EPA estimates:

  • Manual: ~21 MPG highway / ~17 MPG city

  • Automatic: ~19 MPG highway / ~15 MPG city

With a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, it offered a driving range of approximately 250–300 miles per tank under mixed conditions.

MARKET COMPARISON

In 1981, the DMC-12 competed with other European and American sports cars such as:

• Chevrolet Corvette C3 – More powerful V8 but less exotic styling

• Porsche 924/911 – Better performance and handling, but more expensive

• Lotus Esprit – Technically superior and similarly exotic

• BMW 6 Series and Alfa Romeo GTV6 – Practical GTs with European refinement

While the DeLorean couldn’t match competitors in performance, it stood out for its design, exclusivity, and media attention, making it more of a statement piece than a track machine.

PRICING

Original MSRP (1981):

• Around $25,000 (equivalent to over $80,000 in 2025 dollars)

Today’s collector market:

• Fair condition: ~$30,000–$45,000

• Good condition: ~$50,000–$65,000

• Fully restored or low-mileage models: $70,000–$95,000+

• Special provenance (e.g., screen-used or early VIN): $100,000+

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Achieved cult status through the Back to the Future film trilogy

• Recognized as a design icon of the 1980s by multiple automotive historians

• Displayed in museums worldwide, including the Petersen Automotive Museum and the National Motor Museum (UK)

• Continues to inspire restomods, EV conversions, and a new generation of DeLorean branding efforts