Cosmetically Restored 1,418 Actual Mile DMC-12 2.85L Volvo V6 3 Speed Auto

What's the first thing you think of when you see a pristine DeLorean DMC-12? Doc Brown's crazy hair? Marty McFly's '80s slang? How to source enough Plutonium to perfect your attempt at time travel? Well, some folks here at RK Motors Charlotte DO have crazy hair. And we make it a point to include era-correct slang in many of our write-ups. But, unfortunately, we can't source Plutonium or attempt time travel. While that might seem a bit 'heavy', we can sell you a showroom-fresh classic like this 1,418-mile DeLorean that's so nice it's virtually timeless. So, if you're willing to limit your time travel to something that's more akin to a time capsule, step into the realm of this stunning DMC-12 where, as John Z. DeLorean put it, “unique is a virtue”!

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.

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 DMC-12 differs from typical low-mileage examples in that its current owner conducted a $30K update which was designed to address known durability issues. That means you can purchase this showroom-fresh gem with the confidence of knowing everything, from its fresh tires to its re-grained steel, is right, tight and ready to roll!

A late 1982 build that was actually assembled by Consolidated International, this car represents the very best of what Dunmurry had to offer. And, as a fully sorted garage queen that's only seen three owners, it's one of the nicest DeLoreans on the planet! At the front of its body, a freshly painted valence hangs clear headlights, amber parking lamps and a familiar, “DMC” branded grille over a wind-cheating spoiler. At the top of that grille, a '82-exclusive hood founds a '82-exclusive “DeLorean” script in front of dark-tint glass and functional engine louvers. At the sides of those louvers, freshly striped fenders center power, partitioned windows between sporty hash marks and clean “DMC” call-outs. And at the back of the car, a second freshly painted valence centers new taillights above small stainless exhaust tips.

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 2 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.

Take a look under this factory-spec cruiser and you'll find straight, freshly-sorted mechanicals that are clean and weather-free. Originally intended as a mid-engine platform, the DeLorean ultimately slid its V6 rearward to accommodate a 3-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 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 steel pipes that, like the car's stainless exterior and epoxied chassis, were built with ultimate durability in mind. At the corners of the floor, asymmetrical alloys spin 195/60R14 Falken Ziex ZE-912s in front of 225/60R15 Falken Ziex ZE-912s. And, if you're a stickler for absolute authenticity, the car's original Goodyear NCTs ARE included with our sale.

DMC offered strictly monochromatic leather inside their futuristic creation and, accordingly, this 12's clean cabin is decked in factory-fresh gray. Hoist the LED-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 80 MPH gauges above electronic climate control and a modern Pioneer CD player. Below that dash, a stitched leather console centers a decidedly '80s shifter and factory power window switches on fresh carpet that's protected by “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. Above those panels, a new headliner frames small reading lamps and a self-dimming mirror. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped, 3-spoke steering wheel laps a fully adjustable column. Behind the passengers, a small cargo hold features a requisite Flux Capacitor. And in front of the cockpit, a forward-tilt bonnet reveals four cubic feet of storage space.

The sale of this would-be time machine includes an original owner's manual, an original service manual, a stack of restoration receipts, a re-graining kit and an original cassette player.

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!