This 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 VIN Verification was done by our team member in Irvine, Ca. on
10-8-2025
This 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 VIN Verification was done by our team member in Irvine, Ca. on
10-8-2025
The 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable vehicles ever produced. Famous for its stainless-steel body and gullwing doors, the DMC-12 was the first—and only—car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company. While it achieved legendary status thanks to its starring role in the Back to the Future films, the car’s real-life story is a fascinating mix of bold ambition, engineering compromises, and turbulent business decisions. The 1982 model marked the second of three production years before the company collapsed.
The DeLorean DMC-12 was the brainchild of John Z. DeLorean, a former General Motors executive who sought to build a revolutionary sports car. The project began in the mid-1970s with a vision of combining safety, futuristic design, and performance.
Production began in 1981 in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, backed by British government funding. The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, with engineering input from Lotus Cars. Despite its bold aesthetic and celebrity backing, the DMC-12 suffered from delays, cost overruns, and quality issues.
By the time the 1982 model was released, DeLorean Motors was already facing financial and legal troubles. Only minor changes separated the ’82 from the debut model, as the company struggled to stay afloat. Production ceased entirely in early 1983 after approximately 9,000 units were built.
The DMC-12 was powered by a 2.85-liter PRV V6 engine, a joint development between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. Key specs:
Engine: 2.85L SOHC V6 (PRV engine)
Output: ~130 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 153 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
0-60 mph: ~9.5 to 10.5 seconds (varied by transmission)
Top Speed: ~110–120 mph
Transmission options:
5-speed manual (Renault-sourced)
3-speed automatic (Borg-Warner)
While the DMC-12 looked like a high-performance supercar, its actual performance was modest by sports car standards—especially when compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Corvette or Porsche 911.
The DMC-12’s most notable design elements include:
Unpainted stainless steel body panels (Grade 304)
Iconic gullwing doors with gas strut supports
Fiberglass underbody mounted on a steel double-Y chassis
Pop-up headlights
15” rear / 14” front turbine-style wheels
Interior features varied slightly year-to-year, but 1982 models typically included:
Gray or black leather seats
AM/FM cassette stereo system
Air conditioning
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Analog gauges and digital clock
Power windows and mirrors
Ergonomics were a common complaint, with cramped footwells and limited rearward visibility.
The DeLorean DMC-12 was offered in essentially one trim level, with a few options available:
Stainless steel exterior
Leather upholstery
Air conditioning
Power accessories
Transmission choice (manual or automatic)
Interior color (gray or black)
Louvered rear window cover
Dealer-installed upgrades (alarm systems, floor mats, etc.)
Notably, some very late 1982/1983 models (unofficially dubbed “Stage II”) included minor updates like revised hood designs or interior tweaks, though these were inconsistently applied.
While advanced-looking, the DMC-12 featured relatively standard safety tech for its time:
Four-wheel independent suspension (Lotus-inspired)
Front and rear disc brakes
Energy-absorbing bumpers
Collapsible steering column
Integrated side-impact protection
There were no airbags or traction control systems, as these were not standard in the early ‘80s. Safety testing results were limited, but the DMC-12 was generally considered structurally solid, partly due to its unique chassis and stainless body.
Given its engine size and weight (~2,700 lbs), the DeLorean’s fuel economy was decent for a sports coupe of its era:
EPA Estimated MPG (1982):
Manual: ~19 city / 25 highway
Automatic: ~17 city / 23 highway
The stainless steel construction and rear-engine layout didn’t negatively affect fuel economy as much as its gearing and engine tuning.
In 1982, the DMC-12 competed with several sports and luxury coupes:
Chevrolet Corvette C3 – Faster, more powerful, more traditional styling
Porsche 911 SC – Much higher performance and price
Mazda RX-7 – More affordable, lighter, more agile
Toyota Supra (Mk2) – More reliable, better value
While the DeLorean lagged behind in outright performance, it stood apart in design, brand mystique, and cultural presence.
~$25,600 USD (equivalent to ~$80,000+ in today’s dollars)
Due to inflation, poor performance, and the company’s collapse, many DMC-12s depreciated sharply in the 1980s. However, values have rebounded thanks to collector interest and pop culture fame.
Fair condition: $35,000–$45,000
Good condition: $50,000–$65,000
Excellent condition / low miles: $70,000–$90,000+
Museum-quality / time capsule: Over $100,000
Modified or electric-converted versions also exist but vary widely in value.
While the DeLorean didn’t win traditional automotive awards, it has earned its place in history through cultural significance:
Iconic role in Back to the Future (1985–1990) – Cemented the DMC-12 in pop culture
Featured in numerous car museums, including the Petersen Automotive Museum
Frequently ranked among the “most iconic cars of all time”
Cult following supported by clubs and parts suppliers worldwide
One of the few cars that have never gone out of style, visually
Its status as a collectible classic continues to grow, with many enthusiasts preserving and restoring original models around the globe.