About the Delorean
The DeLorean car, famous for its connection to the iconic “Back to the Future” films, continues to captivate enthusiasts even after more than 42 years since its inception.
Notably, over 9,000 DeLorean cars were manufactured from 1981 to 1983, just outside Belfast, Northern Ireland.
What are the differences?
To differentiate between different DeLorean models, understanding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is crucial. The last eight digits of the VIN represent the car’s “serial” number, with higher numbers indicating later production.
In 1981, approximately 6,700 cars were built (VIN BD000500-BD007199), while 1982 models started with VIN CD010000. The VINs for 1983 models began with DD015000, DD016000, DD017000, and DD020000.
Although the exact production numbers for 1982 and 1983 remain unclear, they are estimated to be evenly distributed between the two years.
Minor styling variations, such as hood style, exhaust, and antenna placement, exist, but the most accurate way to determine the model year is through the VIN.
Customizing the DeLorean
DeLorean cars offered limited factory options, which included interior color and transmission type. Factory choices comprised gray or black interiors and either a 3-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
Additionally, various dealer options were available, such as different side stripes, a luggage rack, ski rack adapter, fitted sheepskin seat covers, and a fitted car cover.
Where to Find Parts, Service, and More Information
Despite production ending in 1983, obtaining parts for the DeLorean remains accessible and relatively inexpensive compared to similar cars from its era. After the factory closure, all remaining parts, tooling, and engineering drawings were shipped to the DeLorean Motor Company (Texas) in Humble, a Houston suburb.
This company, while unrelated to the original DMC, holds the rights to the name, logo, and aforementioned resources. They not only sell parts worldwide but also offer services, restoration, car sales, and develop new and reproduction parts.
Moreover, several DeLorean-specific service centers can be found in locations like Florida, the Chicago area, Southern California, Seattle, New York, the United Kingdom, and Amsterdam, with more centers anticipated in the future.
It is important to be cautious of internet-only parts sellers claiming to offer “DeLorean parts,” as they may provide incorrect “cross-references” unsuitable for use in a DeLorean. For reliable information, start your search by typing “Delorean” into your favorite search engine.
Understanding the Value
To grasp the pricing of DeLorean cars, it’s crucial to remember that in 1981, they were sold for $25,000 or more. They were compared to prestigious vehicles like the Porsche 911, 928, Ferrari 308, Maserati Merak, and Corvette.
Today, a well-maintained DeLorean with a good service history can command an equal or higher value. Interestingly, this cannot be said for most other cars from that time, which have drastically depreciated.
According to the DeLorean community, in 2023 a reliable and visually appealing “daily driver” or weekend pleasure vehicle typically costs around $60,000. While some DeLoreans on eBay may sell for less, buyers should consider the potential deferred maintenance from previous owners.
Even those sold at higher prices often require significant servicing to ensure reliability. Therefore, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the condition and service history to avoid overpaying for an under-serviced DeLorean.
The importance of “recent service history”
When evaluating a DeLorean, the quality and quantity of recent service history play a pivotal role. Verifiable records of service within the last 12-24 months indicate the vehicle’s maintenance level. If no records exist, it is safer to assume that the necessary maintenance has not been performed.
The quantity of service pertains to the extent of work done on the car. A comprehensive tune-up, for example, goes beyond merely replacing spark plugs and wires. Similarly, updating the cooling system requires more than a couple of hoses and clamps.
Documentation is paramount in verifying the extent of completed work; without it, assumptions should be made that the work has not been done.
Quality refers to both the expertise of the person performing the work and the use of correct, genuine parts. Reputable service facilities with significant DeLorean experience should handle repairs, and original specification parts are available from DeLorean service centers worldwide.
Therefore, documentation of the work, available for inspection before purchase, is crucial.
Unleashing the “Power” 😅
All DeLorean cars were originally equipped with a 2.8-liter, all-aluminum V-6 engine, jointly manufactured by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo (PRV designation).
With a reliable track record, it is not uncommon to find well-maintained DeLoreans with over 100,000 miles. To ensure longevity, regular oil changes, and a well-maintained cooling system are key.
Although the original DMC intended to develop single and twin turbo options for the DeLorean, these plans did not materialize, and only a few prototypes were built. However, aftermarket turbo options exist, offering 5-7 pounds of boost, albeit requiring internal engine enhancements.
For those seeking improved performance, the DeLorean Motor Company (Texas) offers an upgraded version of the stock engine, generating 197hp. By replacing camshafts, heads, exhaust systems, and upgrading ignition components, owners can either purchase a complete, new engine or have their existing engine upgraded at one of the DMC locations.
Addressing Maintenance Requirements
Low-mileage DeLoreans are not uncommon, but their prolonged storage over the years often leads to fuel tank contamination. The presence of old fuel can damage rubber components within the tank and negatively impact the fuel injection system, necessitating repairs that could strain the owner’s budget.
Additionally, low-mileage cars often retain original tires, belts, hoses, and radiators, some even using 42-year-old coolant and hydraulic fluids (in the brake and clutch systems of manual transmission cars).
To ensure a reliable and well-functioning vehicle, attention should be given to these aspects, alongside any necessary cosmetic refurbishments.
A Car with a Unique Character
John DeLorean envisioned that every visible, tangible aspect of the car would be unique to the DeLorean brand. Unlike the criticized kit car feel of the failed Bricklin, DMC manufactured several distinctive components exclusively for their vehicles.
Conversely, off-the-shelf components were used for drivetrains, heating and air conditioning, and brakes. Consequently, current owners can procure newly manufactured original specification parts from DeLorean service centers globally.
Distinctive features of the car encompass seats, headliners, dashboards, instrument clusters, switches, stainless panels, and other interior and exterior trim. Most of these items are readily available, either as new old stock (original parts from the factory/suppliers) or reproduction parts created from the original drawings.
With accessible parts and comprehensive factory service publications, mechanically inclined individuals can adeptly repair their DeLoreans. Alternatively, for those lacking the necessary expertise, DeLorean-specific service centers mentioned earlier can provide professional assistance.
Exploring Painted DeLoreans
All DeLoreans rolled off the factory floor with bare stainless steel bodies; no factory-painted cars were produced. While records indicate that three cars (black, yellow, and red) were painted by DMC in the United States, these are early production models and considered exceptions.
Beware of claims stating that a car was factory-painted or painted under the direction of John DeLorean; ask for documentation. Dealerships occasionally painted cars before retail sales, but these do not qualify as “factory painted.”
Painted DeLoreans, usually the result of cost-effective painting instead of stainless panel replacement or proper repair, require scrutiny by experienced professionals to assess any evidence of previous bodywork or repairs.
Keep in mind that, on average, painted DeLoreans are valued at 30-50% less than their unpainted, stainless counterparts. Restoring the brushed stainless finish on a painted DeLorean can cost several thousand dollars.
Therefore, it is generally more advantageous to purchase an unpainted DeLorean rather than attempting to strip and re-grain the panels of a painted one if a stainless finish is desired.
What about my car in particular?
My car is VIN 3010, and therefore has the first type of bonnet that includes a gas flap. This feature was added in the early production stages of the DMC-12, which started in 1981.
My car also features a 5-speed manual gearbox and grey interior.
This design feature was later changed in later production years of the DeLorean DMC-12, as the gas flap was removed from the bonnet.
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