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DeLorean (1981-82)

Production Total: The DeLorean DMC-12 had a total production run of approximately **8,987 to 9,080 units**. The exact number remains somewhat uncertain due to incomplete factory records.
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Price New: In 1981, the DeLorean DMC-12 was priced at around **£18,500** in the UK. This made it a relatively expensive car for its time, but its unique design and features justified the price for many enthusiasts offered for £63,340!
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Rivals: In 1981, the DeLorean DMC-12 faced competition from several notable models. Here's a comparison of their new prices at that time:

- **Porsche 911 SC**: Approximately £18,000
- **Chevrolet Corvette**: Around £12,000
- **Ferrari 308 GTS**: Approximately £22,000
- **Lotus Esprit**: Around £15,000

These prices made the DeLorean DMC-12 a competitive option in the market, especially considering its unique design and features.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **6,500 DeLorean DMC-12** cars registered in the UK EuroTec Forum • Index page • De Lorean technical ...](http://www.deloreaneurotec.uk/). This makes it a rare and cherished classic among car enthusiasts.
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DeLorean (1981-82)

COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The DeLorean DMC-12, while iconic, had its share of common faults. Here are some of the issues that owners often encountered:

1. **Electrical System**: The electrical system was prone to failures, leading to various issues such as dead batteries and malfunctioning components – Motor & Wheels](https://motorandwheels.com/problem-with-delorean-cars/).
2. **Suspension Problems**: The suspension system was known to be problematic, affecting the car's handling and ride comfort – Motor & Wheels](https://motorandwheels.com/problem-with-delorean-cars/).
3. **Leaky Doors and Cabin**: The gull-wing doors and cabin seals often leaked, leading to water ingress and potential damage to the interior – Motor & Wheels](https://motorandwheels.com/problem-with-delorean-cars/).
4. **Sticking Throttles**: The throttle mechanism could stick, causing potential safety concerns – Motor & Wheels](https://motorandwheels.com/problem-with-delorean-cars/).
5. **Overheating**: The engine cooling system was not very efficient, leading to frequent overheating issues.

Despite these faults, the DeLorean DMC-12 remains a beloved classic, especially for its unique design and cultural significance.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The DeLorean DMC-12 was produced in a single generation from **1981 to 1983**. However, there were some variations and updates during its production run. Here are the key details:

### Generations
- **First Generation (1981-1983)**: The only generation of the DeLorean DMC-12, known for its iconic gull-wing doors and stainless steel body.

### Trim Levels
- **Standard Trim**: The base model with all the essential features, including the 2.85-liter V6 engine, gull-wing doors, and stainless steel body panels.
- **Special Editions**: There were a few special editions and customizations offered by dealers, but these were not official factory trim levels.

The DeLorean DMC-12 remained largely consistent in its design and features throughout its production run, with only minor updates and improvements.
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Engine
The DeLorean DMC-12 was fitted with a **2.85-liter PRV V6 engine**. This engine produced **130 bhp (97 kW)** and **153 lb-ft (207 Nm)** of torque.
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Performance
The DeLorean DMC-12 offered respectable performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:

- **Engine**: 2.85-liter PRV V6
- **Power Output**: 130 bhp (97 kW)
- **Torque**: 153 lb-ft (207 Nm)
- **0-60 mph (0-97 km/h)**: Approximately 8.8 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 110 mph (177 km/h)
- **Fuel Efficiency**: 19-25 mpg US (23-30 mpg UK)

These figures made the DeLorean DMC-12 a competitive option in the market, especially considering its unique design and cultural significance.
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Rivals
In 1981, the DeLorean DMC-12 faced competition from several notable models. Here's a comparison of their performance:

- **Porsche 911 SC**:
- **Engine**: 3.0-liter Flat-6
- **Power Output**: 180 bhp
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 6.3 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 140 mph (225 km/h)

- **Chevrolet Corvette**:
- **Engine**: 5.7-liter V8
- **Power Output**: 190 bhp
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 7.0 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 125 mph (201 km/h)

- **Ferrari 308 GTS**:
- **Engine**: 2.9-liter V8
- **Power Output**: 240 bhp
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 6.5 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 155 mph (249 km/h)

- **Lotus Esprit**:
- **Engine**: 2.2-liter Inline-4
- **Power Output**: 160 bhp
- **0-60 mph**: Approximately 6.8 seconds
- **Top Speed**: Around 138 mph (222 km/h)

These figures show that the DeLorean DMC-12 was competitive with its rivals, offering similar performance and distinctive design.
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Designer/Dimensions
The DeLorean DMC-12 was designed by the renowned Italian designer **Giorgetto Giugiaro** at Italdesign.

### Dimensions
- **Length**: 4,267 mm (168.0 inches)
- **Width**: 1,988 mm (78.3 inches)
- **Height**: 1,140 mm (44.9 inches) with doors closed
- **Wheelbase**: 2,413 mm (95.0 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: 1,233 kg (2,718 lbs)

These dimensions contributed to the car's distinctive and futuristic design.
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Spares/Specialists NI
For locating DeLorean DMC-12 spares in the UK and Ireland, you have several options:

### Spare Parts Suppliers
- **Longstone Tyres**: They offer a range of tyres suitable for the DeLorean DMC-12.
- **DeLorean Hire Ireland**: They provide various DeLorean and "Back to the Future" merchandise.

### Garage Services in Northern Ireland
- **DeLorean Hire Ireland**: Located in Aghalee, just outside Lisburn, they specialize in DeLorean services and hire.
- **Wilsons Auctions**: They occasionally have DeLorean DMC-12s available for auction.
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Racing
The DeLorean DMC-12 did not have a significant presence in professional racing. Its design and performance were more suited to being a stylish and unique road car rather than a competitive race car. However, it has been used in various amateur racing events and car shows, where enthusiasts showcase its iconic design and modifications.
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Valuation
The value of a DeLorean DMC-12 can vary based on its condition, mileage, and originality. As of 2025, here are some general price ranges:

- **Lowest Price**: Around £6,558
- **Median Price**: Approximately £42,861
- **Highest Price**: Up to £175,221

These values reflect the car's status as a classic and its desirability among collectors. If you're considering buying or selling one, it's always a good idea to get a professional appraisal for the most accurate valuation.
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Clubs
Here are some clubs for DeLorean enthusiasts in the UK and Ireland:

1. **[DeLorean Club UK](http://www.deloreanclub.uk/)**: This club offers access to DeLorean parts, technical assistance, and events. It's one of the largest DeLorean forums in Europe.
2. **[The DeLorean Owners Club UK](http://deloreans.co.uk/)**: The official DeLorean Owners Club of the UK, providing support, events, and a community for DeLorean enthusiasts.
3. **[DeLorean Revival](https://www.deloreanrevival.com/)**: An event-focused group organizing gatherings and activities for DeLorean owners, including access to the DeLorean test track in Belfast.

These clubs provide a great way to connect with other DeLorean enthusiasts, find parts, and participate in events.
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