A low-mileage 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is being offered for sale in Minnesota, presenting a rare opportunity to acquire an early-production example of one of the most recognizable cars in automotive history. The vehicle shows just 8,201 miles and is listed as a two-owner car, reflecting limited use since new.
Finished in its signature silver stainless-steel exterior, the coupe represents the model that became globally famous for its futuristic styling and later pop-culture status. The DeLorean DMC-12 is closely tied to its creator, John Z. DeLorean, whose career spanned both Detroit muscle cars and an ambitious attempt to build a revolutionary sports car under his own name.
Development of the DMC-12 accelerated in the 1970s after DeLorean departed General Motors to launch the DeLorean Motor Company. Production was ultimately established in Northern Ireland in 1978, aided by British government support aimed at regional economic development. Despite engineering challenges and financial strain, customer deliveries began in 1981.
Powering the car is a rear-mounted 2.85-liter dual overhead cam V6 developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. Equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, the engine produced approximately 130 horsepower when new. In this example, power is routed through an automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The DeLorean’s design remains its defining feature, highlighted by brushed stainless-steel body panels, gullwing doors, and a shape influenced by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This particular car retains early-production traits, including a black leather interior and a front-mounted accessible fuel door. Exterior details such as rear window louvers, trim, and painted bumpers are reported to be well preserved, with doors operating properly.
Inside, the cockpit features black leather bucket seats, a center console, and factory-style instrumentation, including an 85-mph speedometer and an 8,000-rpm tachometer. Comfort features include air conditioning, power steering, power windows, and power disc brakes at all four corners. A period-correct AM/FM cassette stereo completes the interior presentation.
Though the DeLorean’s production run was brief and the company ultimately collapsed, the DMC-12 has endured as a cultural and collector icon. This low-mileage example, offered at $89,995 by Ellingson Motorcars in Rogers, Minnesota, underscores the lasting fascination with a car whose legacy far outlived its manufacturer.
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