Three Owner 16,893 Actual Mile DMC-12 FI 2.85L V6 5 Speed Survivor

SUMMARY

In many ways, the DeLorean has become a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Think about it: a car, made famous by time travel, that helps likable protagonists recreate the fate they already know as truth. I mean, pretty much the whole point of attempting time travel is reconnecting with, and solidifying, settings, places and events that inspire a certain, unforgettable feeling. That's exactly why many people buy classic automobiles. And that's exactly what will happen when the next lucky owner of this sweet DMC slides behind its wheel and turns the key. Unique, unmatched in aesthetics and essentially timeless, this awesome coupe proves that it takes more than bright paint and a big motor to truly be cool. So cool, in fact, that the required characteristics are exclusive to a timespan of three years and roughly 9,100 cars.

HISTORY

Production of 'The DeLorean' was a direct result of many automotive forces combining their skills to create something universally beneficial. In America, Detroit visionary John Z. DeLorean had quickly climbed the ranks of Chrysler, Packard and General Motors in hopes of establishing his own automotive entity. In Italy, world-renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro was in the midst of introducing a crisp design language dubbed 'folded paper'. And in the UK, storied Lotus founder Colin Chapman was looking for engineering work to fund his troubled automotive boutique. In 1975, DeLorean officially chartered the DeLorean Motor Company. By 1976, he had a running prototype of the 'Z Tavio', an innovative coupe that would be offered to the public for roughly $12K. In 1978, DeLorean Motor Company broke ground on its first factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. And in 1981, with the help of Giugiaro and Chapman, the DMC-12 was officially introduced.

BODYWORK/TRIM

DMC's sensational coupe takes shape thanks to Glass Reinforced Plastic that's cloaked in brushed, 304-grade stainless. The idea was to create a profile that wouldn't chip, fade or blemish. And, knowing stainless is notoriously hard to re-shape, DeLorean made sure every panel could be replaced as needed. Designed to be both fun and efficient, that profile achieves a super slick .35 Coefficient of Drag. Noise and vibrations are isolated via Lotus-developed polyurethane foam. And plastic, body-matched bumpers ensure years of low-speed durability.

This particular 12 is believed to be a 3-owner gem that was originally purchased by a Pennsylvania doctor. That doctor, no doubt an enthusiast, eventually sold the car to the oldest DeLorean dealership in America: PJ Grady Inc. of West Sayville, New York. Grady's passed the coupe to a Connecticut native who relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. A short time later, the car was traded to Foreign Cars Italia of Greensboro in exchange for a Ferrari. And that's when the present owner purchased. Over the course of those stewards all of the DMC's known safety issues have been addressed, including a common throttle shield recall, replacing parts involved in a crumple tube recall and fixing known wiring flaws. And that brings us to this DeLorean's fourth owner, a soon to be satisfied enthusiast who can now experience one of the hobby's most unique and innovative offerings in all its pure, undomesticated grandeur!

ENGINE

During the DMC-12's development, engineers considered a variety of powerplants. For example, DeLorean's original prototype utilized a Citroen rotary mill. When that engine went out of production, Ford's Cologne V6 was heavily considered. But, ultimately, the 2.85 litre Peugeot Renault Volvo V6 was chosen for its combination of performance and durability. Utilizing aluminum construction, overhead camshafts and two valves per cylinder, this proven powerplant turns smooth 8.8 to 1 compression into 130 horsepower and 162 lb./ft. torque. And, despite moving a relatively heavy payload, those respectable numbers provide great fuel economy! Aesthetically, everything on this PRV, from its stock internals to its Bosch fuel injection, reflects a history of fastidious maintenance. Twist the key and the cylinders rumble to life, sending their rhythmic notes through a subtle exhaust system. And with one tap of the throttle, the engine zings smoothly toward redline.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Take a look under this road-ready cruiser and you'll find straight, mostly original mechanicals that are clean and free of significant weathering. Originally intended as a mid-engine platform, the DeLorean ultimately slid its V6 rearward to accommodate a 5-speed Peugeot Renault Volvo transaxle. The car's body rides on a 2-piece Glass Reinforced Plastic monocoque that's mated to a Lotus-inspired double-Y chassis. That chassis' fully independent suspension, benefiting from the common modification of a lowered front-clip, combines speed proportional rack-and-pinion steering with two 10-inch rotors, two 10.5-inch rotors and four power-assisted calipers. Exhaust rolls through stainless-tipped pipes that, like the car's stainless exterior and epoxied chassis, were built with ultimate durability in mind. And, at the corners of the floor, asymmetric alloys spin 195/60R14 Michelin Pilot Exaltos in front of 225/60R15 Michelin Pilot Exaltos.

INTERIOR

DMC offered strictly monochromatic leather inside their futuristic creation and, accordingly, this 12's clean cabin is decked in factory-fresh Black. Hoist the orange and red-lit doors and a plush driving environment kicks off with a pair of comfy buckets that were specifically designed to accommodate the 6'4" stature of creator John DeLorean. In front of those buckets, a pliable dash anchors correct 85 MPH gauges above electronic climate control and correct DMC audio. Below that dash, a stitched leather console centers a tastefully updated shifter and factory power window switches on clean carpet that's protected by black, "DMC" branded floor mats. Opposite that console, padded side panels hang controls for both power mirrors and power door locks above sculpted armrests and small pull straps. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped, 3-spoke steering wheel laps a fixed column. Behind the passengers, a netted cargo hold features enough room to stash essentials. And in front of the cockpit, a forward-tilt bonnet reveals four cubic feet of storage space.

In many ways, the DeLorean's story mimics the Back to the Future franchise that was built around it: a passionate belief in infinite possibility, and how the past and present relate to the future. With a forward-thinking mindset, the car's creator looked around and saw things he could improve upon. He used established design and engineering to promote progress and create something significantly advanced. And today, thanks to its unique design and pop culture fortune, this DMC-12 reminds us of optimal times reminiscent of Marty McFly's 1985. One thing is certain: like McFly, this righteous classic has a very bright future!