Description
In the world of classic cars, there are every day classics, desirable classics and then there are motoring icons. What we have here, most definitely falls into that last category.
We proudly present this 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, Chassis number 3935, with an incredibly low 1876 miles recorded from new!
The History
We normally, at this point in an advert, write a piece about the history of the marque but we doubt there is anyone reading this who doesn’t know the story of this crazy company and the even more crazy story of John DeLorean. We also promise there will be no mention of any Hollywood movie trilogies in this description!!
So, to the car, it rolled off the production line in September 1981 and was shipped to Hub Motor Company of Atlanta, GA. Rather than selling the DeLorean, they did something a little more left field, they painted it Red and proudly displayed it in their showroom!
It stayed there until the 8th of August 1987 when it was sold to its first proper owner, a Mr J Tolleson, who also resided in Atlanta.
The DeLorean had only accumulated 232 when it went into Mr Tolleson’s private collection and it was driven occasionally for the next 20 years.
In 2013, having now accumulated just 1641 miles a comprehensive restoration was embarked upon which cost in excess of $20000. All parts were supplied by DeLorean Motor Company in Huble TX and everything was overhauled with no expense spared.
Jumping forward to 2021 and our DeLorean finds itself back in the UK. Still red at this point but not for long! It was dispatched to DeLorean gurus, P J Grady in Essex who stripped the car and returned it back to its original naked stainless steel, which brings us up to date and the DeLorean you see here today.
The Mechanicals
The original 2. 8 V6 fires on command and the car runs very strong. Power is transferred smoothly through the preferred 5 speed “stick shift” gearbox and the brakes pull the car up straight and true.
None of this, of course should come as any surprise considering the mileage but the thing that really stands out is that everything works! Yes this is a 44 year old DeLorean and everything works, the courtesy lights, the electric windows, the electric mirrors, the digital clock, even the air con blows ice cold!!
The Exterior
Following the conversion back to bare stainless steel, the bodywork is near perfect condition. The front-end shroud is free of any chips or blemishes, plastic bumpers are in excellent condition and all fixtures and fittings are present and correct. It really does look fantastic!
The Interior
Again, very good condition throughout the interior, clearly demonstrating how little use this car has had. The leather upholstery is unmarked, all trim is damage free and, as mentioned, everything works just as it should. Carpets are all clean and undamaged and are protected by an immaculate set of DMC over mats.
The Paperwork
The DeLorean comes with its V5, its original dealer purchase ticket, its original Certificate of Title from when Mr Tolleson bought the car and despite being MOT exempt, there is a current and advisory free MOT valid until March 2026.
The Conclusion
A DeLorean of any description is a rare and fantastic thing but one in this condition and with this mileage is something very, very special indeed.
Please note the car is currently in climate controlled storage just outside Taunton and can be viewed there.
