Overview
The DeLorean DMC-12 (1981-82) is one of the most iconic American automobiles ever built — not for its performance, but for its brushed stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and the cultural impact of the Back to the Future film trilogy. 2,874 were built in Belfast before bankruptcy ended production.
The DMC-12 appeared in all three Back to the Future films (1985, 1989, 1990) as the iconic time machine. This single cultural moment immortalized the car more than any automotive achievement could have.
2026 Trims & Pricing
Only one model was produced: the DMC-12 coupe. A manual 5-speed or 3-speed automatic were offered.
Full Specs
| Spec | DMC-12 (1981-82) |
|---|---|
| Engine | PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85L V6 |
| HP | 130 hp (US spec) |
| Torque | 153 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | ~10.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~109 mph |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual or 3-speed auto |
| Body | Brushed stainless steel |
| Total Built | ~2,874 units |
| Assembly | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Engine & Performance
The PRV V6 produced 130 hp in US specification — modest for 1981. Performance was underwhelming for the price ($25,000 in 1981 = ~$86,000 today), but the car was bought for its design, not its speed.
The DMC-12 was never a sports car in the traditional sense. It was a grand tourer with ambitious styling — performance was secondary to the visual statement.
Design & Legacy
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DMC-12's brushed stainless steel body panels require no painting and theoretically never rust. Gull-wing doors were inspired by the Mercedes 300SL. The design remains unmistakably iconic.
The DeLorean DMC-12 became a global cultural icon through the Back to the Future film trilogy (1985-1990) — arguably making it the most recognizable American car of the 1980s in global popular culture.
John DeLorean & History
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John DeLorean, former GM executive, founded DeLorean Motor Company in 1975. Manufacturing was established in Dunmurry, Belfast with UK government support. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1982 after John DeLorean's arrest (later acquitted) on drug charges.
Despite the legal controversies, the DMC-12 itself was not the problem — the company ran out of money. Modern inspections of surviving cars reveal solid build quality for the era.
Reliability
1981-82 collector vehicle — reliability context is very different from modern vehicles.
| Area | Rating | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRV V6 | ★★★☆☆ | Adequate | Sufficient for era — sourced from European joint venture |
| Stainless Body | ★★★★★ | Excellent | Doesn't rust; holds up extraordinarily well |
| Electrical | ★★★☆☆ | Average | 80s British electrics — known weak point |
| Overall (Collector) | ★★★★☆ | Good | Well-preserved examples are highly reliable for age |
Check Consumer Reports and NHTSA for the specific model year you consider.
Recalls
No active NHTSA recalls as of March 2026. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls with your VIN.
Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with your 17-digit VIN.
Recent Updates
Pros & Cons
✓ Stainless steel body doesn't rust — exceptional preservation
✓ Gull-wing doors — undeniably dramatic and unique
✓ Strong and growing collector market
✓ Pop culture icon — Back to the Future fame
✓ Simple mechanics — relatively easy to maintain
✗ 130 hp underwhelming for $25,000 in 1981
✗ British Leyland-era electrical components notorious for issues
✗ Only ~2,874 built — parts availability can be challenging
✗ Not a sports car despite sports car appearance
FAQ
Accessories & Upgrades
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- NHTSA; DeLorean Owners Association; automotive historical records
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