1981 DeLorean DMC‑12 – Stainless Over Gray Leather, 5‑Speed, Freshened Cosmetics

🔑 Key Details

• Model: DMC‑12
• Year: 1981
• Condition: Used
• Mileage: 30,000
• No. of Owners: 2
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Interior: Gray Leather
• Fuel Type: Gasoline
• Transmission: 5‑Speed Manual
• Seller Type: Personal

🧰 Description Overview

This 1981 DeLorean DMC‑12 is finished in its signature Stainless Steel over a Gray Leather interior and equipped with the desirable 5‑speed manual transmission. Showing 30,000 miles and having had only a few owners since new, it has recently benefited from a thorough cosmetic freshening while retaining much of its original look and character.

Externally, the stainless body, paint, and glass present in original‑looking condition. The painted front and rear fascias have been recently refinished and look factory fresh with no visible blemishes. The stainless panels are in overall excellent condition, with only a few minor dents and dings and a small parking‑lot bruise on the driver’s front fender that is not noticeable in photos. The glass is free of cracks or chips and remains in very good shape. Factory wheels are painted and in good condition, fitted with like‑new BF Goodrich Radial T/A white‑letter tires in the correct staggered offsets. The epoxy‑coated frame is described as outstanding—far better than most DMC‑12s—with detailed photos available on request.

Inside, the cabin is in excellent condition. The seats have been recently recovered in factory‑spec gray leather, while the original door panels remain very nice. Portions of the carpeting have been replaced and present well, and the light gray headliner is completely new and looks factory fresh. The dash shows some typical fading, and the binnacle exhibits the usual cracking; however, a carpeted dash overlay is included and installed, providing a clean appearance. Overall, the cockpit, carpet, door panels, and trim present as a well‑kept, lightly refreshed interior true to the original design.

Mechanically, the car is in good running condition and can be enjoyed as it sits. The PRV V6 starts easily, idles as expected, and runs smoothly without unusual noises. The clutch and transmission feel tight and shift properly, operating as they should. All gauges and lighting function correctly with the exception of the tachometer. Over the years, the car has received a number of sensible reliability upgrades, including a stainless‑steel clutch line, stainless‑steel fuel lines, an updated fuel pump/sending unit combo, and a stainless‑steel header bottle, among other improvements. All four factory alloy wheels plus the factory spare wheel and tire are present and in good condition, also wearing BF Goodrich Radial T/A white‑letter rubber.

As one of approximately 8,500 DMC‑12s produced between 1981 and 1983 for the U.S. market, this low‑mile, manual‑transmission example—with freshened cosmetics, structural integrity, and thoughtful mechanical upgrades—represents a particularly appealing opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a usable, well‑sorted DeLorean that still honors the originality of John DeLorean’s vision.

⚙️ Features & Highlights

• 1981 DeLorean DMC‑12
• Stainless Steel exterior over Gray Leather interior
• 5‑speed manual transmission
• 30,000 miles
• Few owners since new
• Recent cosmetic freshening
  • Refinished front and rear fascias, factory‑new in appearance
  • Stainless body in excellent overall condition with only minor dings and one small, subtle bruise
  • Original‑looking glass with no cracks or chips
• Interior in excellent condition
  • Seats recently recovered in factory‑spec gray leather
  • Original, very nice door panels
  • Partially renewed carpeting
  • New light gray headliner
  • Dash with typical fading and binnacle cracking, covered by a carpeted dash overlay
• Strong structural condition
  • Epoxy‑coated frame in outstanding condition
• Mechanical condition and upgrades
  • Engine starts easily, idles and runs well
  • Tight clutch and gearbox, shifts properly
  • All gauges and lights work except tachometer
  • Stainless‑steel clutch line
  • Stainless‑steel fuel lines
  • Updated fuel pump/sending unit combo
  • Stainless‑steel header bottle
• Wheels & tires
  • All four factory wheels plus factory spare wheel and tire present
  • Correct‑offset BF Goodrich Radial T/A white‑letter tires, like new

🏁 Summary

A low‑mileage, few‑owner 1981 DeLorean DMC‑12 finished in Stainless Steel over Gray Leather with a 5‑speed manual, recently treated to a thorough cosmetic freshening and sensible mechanical upgrades. With an outstanding frame, refreshed fascias, excellent interior, and strong running condition, this DMC‑12 offers an attractive blend of originality, usability, and the unmistakable presence that has made the DeLorean a lasting automotive icon.