Own a Piece of History: The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Car Reviews Jan 30, 2026

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Own a Piece of History: The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Own a Piece of History: The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

The DeLorean DMC-12 is not merely a car; rather, it is also an object of cultural value. Its unique gull-wing doors, stainless steel construction and forward-looking design resonate with a generation’s imagination. While the DMC-12 has received fame from the Back to the Future movie trilogy, it is an example of a chapter in automotive history.

An extraordinary opportunity has arisen for collectors and fans of the DeLorean DMC-12 owing to the sale of an impeccable 1981 DMC-12 near Saint George Utah. For more information about this collector vehicle, visit KarKiosk.com.

This opportunity represents a lot more than just purchasing an old vehicle. You are acquiring a conversation piece with a history of film legend as well as an example of bold vision by an automotive company. This blog will provide you with an in-depth look into the DeLorean DMC-12, focusing on this exceptional vehicle waiting for its new owner.


The Story Behind the Legend

To truly appreciate the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12; you must understand the man responsible for making it and his vision. John Z. DeLorean was an incredibly talented engineer. After spending many years working as an engineer at General Motors (where he also developed the Pontiac GTO); John DeLorean became unhappy with the restrictions that existed within a corporate environment. As a result, he decided to leave and establish his own independent auto manufacturer, the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), in 1975.

John DeLorean’s ultimate goal was to create a new type of sports car—one that was safe to drive, environmentally friendly, and would be durable for many years. Ultimately, this dream came to fruition with the introduction of the DMC-12.

  • Unique Style: The DeLorean's most notable features are its brushed stainless-steel body panels, which are unpainted and feature a design that allows for 11 inches of height clearance to open the gull wing doors.

  • Teamwork: The DeLorean was designed primarily by Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus Cars, which added to its stability and capability to handle well in 1981.

  • A Rough Road of Development: The DMC started production in a custom-built factory in Dunmury, Ireland, in 1981, but financial issues arose, leading to a recession and poor reception to the vehicle during the 1982 transition. Production ceased after approximately 9000 vehicles had been manufactured, making them an extremely rare find!

This brief and tumultuous history of the DeLorean makes it an even more interesting vehicle to own. It was a car created from dreams, ideas, and all kinds of built-up drama!

A Closer Look at the 1981 DMC-12 DeLorean

This vehicle is available now on KarKiosk.com. It is one of the first production vehicles produced in 1981, and it has many unique features that make it more collectible than other years' models. Let's check out why this model is special!

Look and Feel

The DeLorean has a timeless appearance. Designed by the amazing Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, this automobile has bold sharp angles and a low stance that catch people's attention today.

  • Stainless Steel Exterior: The Exterior of the DeLorean is made from SS304 Stainless Steel. The exterior panels are not painted; hence, they won't chip from paint chipping, and there's no chance of rust forming. It is easy to remove minor scuffs with a non-metallic abrasive pad.

  • Gull Wing Doors: The DeLorean doors are supported by independently spring-loaded torsion bars that are cryogenically set; hence, they are light weight. The fact they open up makes every entry / exit unique.

  • Interior: The 1981 model interior includes grey leather seats to provide a monochromatic look throughout the car. The user friendly style of the interior, clearly defined gauges, and sporty steering wheel configures the DeLorean in the true high-end European Sports Car experience.

Powertrain and Performance

The PRV 2.85 L V6 engine lies at the DMC-12's core. When this engine was converted for use in US retail sales, it produced approximately 130 hp. This power level appears relatively modest when viewed today, however, at the time of the DMC-12's production, most of the other sports cars being produced had very similar performance characteristics due to new emissions regulations.

Engine & Transaxle Specifications

Specification

Detail

Engine Type

Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) ZMJ-159

Displacement

2.85 Liters (174 cubic inches)

Configuration

V6

Horsepower

Approx. 130 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque

Approx. 153 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm

Fuel System

Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection

Transmission Options

5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic

The rear-engine rear wheel drive makes for a unique drivability experience. The rear-drive will give you great traction off the line. Although it isn't a good-performance vehicle, the engine performs smoothly and consistently. Most enthusiasts will select the 5-speed manual transmission to get the most out of their engine's power band. Please reference the listing on KarKiosk.com for the DeLorean Saint George with your selected transmission.


Your Experience in Ownership: What to Expect

Owning a DeLorean DMC-12 is a great experience, but it comes with a unique group of expectations. This isn't a typical daily driver; it is a classic automobile that requires a particular amount of care and attention.

Pros and Cons of Owning a DeLorean

Pros

Cons

Iconic and Instantly Recognizable: You'll be the center of attention wherever you go.

Modest Performance: It's more of a cruiser than a high-speed sports car.

Strong Community and Support: A dedicated network of owners and specialists exists.

Finding Specialists: Not every mechanic can work on a DeLorean.

Durable Stainless-Steel Body: No paint to worry about and resistant to rust.

Interior Wear: The original leather and plastics can be prone to aging.

Good Parts Availability: Many original and improved parts are readily available.

Electrical Gremlins: Like many cars of its era, wiring can be a weak point.

Investment Potential: Rarity and cultural significance have made it a collectible.

Gull-Wing Door Adjustments: Doors may require periodic alignment.

Maintenance and Repairs

The ever-expanding after-market community provides you with numerous avenues to keep your DMC-12 in good working condition. The DMC-12 can easily maintain its place on the roadway with minimal effort. Several of the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) were purchased by more contemporary companies committed to keeping DMC-12s operational.

While the DMC-12 was produced in 1982, many tasks are still required as part of the maintenance process today. Below are examples of typical maintenance functions to consider:

  • Fuel System: The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel system is critical to the operation of your DMC-12; therefore, you should add fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank to prevent deterioration when storing your vehicle.

  • Cooling System: The factory installed cooling system has several design flaws; as a result, most DMC-12s on the market (including the DMC-12s for sale at KarKiosk.com) have upgraded cooling fans and radiators.

  • Electrical: Original wiring and fuse boxes on the DMC-12 are notorious for creating short circuits. A large number of DMC-12 owners have upgraded their wiring harness and fuse boxes to resolve the electrical problems.

  • Door Struts: The gas struts that hold up the gull-wing doors will usually need replacement every three years. The replacement process is inexpensive and very easy.

When you buy a DMC-12, you will gain access to a very exclusive group of owners. DMC-12 owners are extremely passionate about their vehicles and will offer assistance in the form of advice, parts, and sharing their personal experiences; this benefit of DMC-12 ownership is unique and vastly rewarding.

Is the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 A Good Investment?

When it comes to classic automobile investment values, they tend to be volatile but there are many reasons to believe that the DeLorean DMC-12 may ultimately increase in value.

  • Scarcity: Only 9,000 DeLoreans were ever produced, and of those about 6,500 remain.

  • Cultural Impact: The DeLorean’s starring roles in Back to the Future helped transform it from an automotive curiosity and failure into a worldwide pop culture icon. As long as there are fans of the original trilogy of films, the DeLorean will remain iconic and relevant.

  • Nostalgia: 1980’s nostalgia is at an all-time high! As individuals who grew up in the 80's enter their prime years of earning power, the demand for iconic 1980's vehicles such as the DeLorean will only continue to increase.

Although historical performance cannot be counted as an indicator of future performance, the fundamentals associated with a well-maintained 1981 DMC-12, such as the target unit discussed here in Saint George Utah, suggests that it will continue to be a quality asset in your possession as you enjoy driving it while its value appreciates.


How to Make This DeLorean Yours

The DeLorean is a unique vehicle that has moved past being just a car. The 1981 DMC-12 is an impressive symbol of a time long ago; it is an artistic creation and an important piece of automotive and world history. For the next fortunate owner of this vehicle, it will certainly bring them great delight and a topic of conversation.

Do you want to become the owner of this unique vehicle? Then your first step is to visit KarKiosk.com! You will have access to pictures of the vehicle and seller information as well as a complete description of the condition, mileage, and service history of the DeLorean.

General Guidelines for Inspecting the DeLorean

All classic cars require thorough inspections before purchasing. When inspecting the DeLorean DMC-12, here are some recommendations:

Area to Inspect

What to Look For

Frame

Check the epoxy-coated steel backbone frame for any signs of rust, especially at the front extension.

Body Panels

Inspect the stainless-steel panels for any major dents or damage. Consistent grain is a good sign.

Interior

Look for cracks in the dashboard, tears in the leather seats, and the condition of the headliner.

Mechanicals

Ask for service records. Check for upgrades to the cooling and electrical systems.

Doors

Ensure the gull-wing doors open smoothly and hold their position. Check the alignment when closed.

The seller may be contacted using KarKiosk.com to ask these questions and set up a viewing or professional pre-purchase inspection in the Saint George, Utah area.

Final Thoughts: Your Future Awaits


The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is a vehicle that was ahead of its time in many aspects, while still fully representing the era it was produced in; its tale of bold attempts and excitement. When you own one of these vehicles, there is nothing like the ownership experience.

If you are looking for an otherworldly ownership experience, the DeLorean model currently listed for sale on KarKiosk.com is your ticket. The experience of raising those gull-wing doors and watching people’s faces smile as you pass by will be one you will cherish forever. This car is much more than a vehicle; it is a one-of-a-kind time machine that will take you back to the year of the greatest innovation and provide you with a connection to one of the best-known film icon's, the DMC-12 DeLorean.

Don’t let this piece of history be lost from your existence. Go to KarKiosk.com immediately to view the complete listing of the 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 located in Saint George, Utah 84770, and take the first step to making this dream vehicle a reality!

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FAQs about Cars for Sale by Owner

Are DeLorean DMC12s expensive to keep? toggle

Due to needing trained technicians, servicing costs can be on par with other European sports cars from the same time period. Also, because of the strong after-market for them, spare parts are usually cheaper and easier to locate than expected. Important things to factor into the budget are related to the fuel system, electrical parts, and door struts.

Are DeLorean DMC12s reliable? toggle

A DeLorean with a good maintenance record could be viewed as being somewhat reliable. There are many known fixes and upgrades for some of the original design's weaker points including the cooling system and electrical system. If a DeLorean has been properly maintained by an experienced owner, it may qualify as a good classic car.

What is the DeLorean DMC-12's 0 to 60 mph time? toggle

With only 130 horsepower, the DMC-12 can go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 9.5 seconds. While it may not win any drag races, it certainly is stylish, and while it's not going to beat out many modern sports cars at stop lights, it still has more than enough power to make long-road driving fun.

Is the DeLorean DMC-12 a daily driver? toggle

The short answer is yes; you can use a DeLorean DMC-12 as a daily driver. However, with missing modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, this is not the optimal use of this car. The best way to use this car is as a weekend cruiser or at car shows to maintain its current value and condition.

Where can I obtain DeLorean parts and service? toggle

There are many companies that deal in DeLorean parts offering everything from factory parts to high performance modifications and upgrades. There are also many DeLorean mechanics worldwide and numerous online support groups and blogs dedicated to DeLorean enthusiasts that will assist in repairing a DeLorean.

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Kiran C.

Kiran is an automotive expert with over 10 years of experience. Passionate about innovation, trends, and technology, she delivers sharp insights into the industry’s evolution, sustainability, and future mobility—all with a clear, engaging perspective that keeps readers informed and inspired.