1981 DeLorean DMC-12

1981 to 1983 · Coupe · 9,000 built

Price history

Sold Bid, not sold

17 sales · 2 unsoldupdated Jul 2026

Recent sales

17 sales

Specifications

Engine: V6, 2.8
Power: 130 hp
Torque: 153 lb-ft
0 to 60: 10.5s
Top speed: 110 mph
Transmission: Manual
Drivetrain: RWD
Curb weight: 2,712 lb
Production: 9,000 units
Original MSRP: $25,000
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro

Common questions

How much does a DeLorean DMC-12 cost?

A 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 cost $25,000 new. The Shifty Estimate for a well-kept example is $60,500. Cars have changed hands anywhere from $51,425 to $69,575, depending on mileage, color, and history.

What is a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 worth today?

The Shifty Estimate is $60,500. We rate confidence medium: 13 public sales in a year is a thin market, and the spread between them is wide.

Is a DeLorean DMC-12 a good investment?

It has appreciated 142% against its $25,000 list price. Only 9,000 were built. The caution is spread, not direction: across the sales we have on file, prices ran from $42,250 to $170,500, and mileage explains most of that.

What has a DeLorean DMC-12 sold for at auction?

The 3 most recent public sales we have on file:

$65,001Jul 28, 2026Unfinished stainless steel · 9,000 mi
$56,000Jul 20, 2026Unfinished stainless steel · 16,000 mi
$60,000Jul 3, 2026Unfinished stainless steel · 25,000 mi

The DMC-12 remains one of automotive history's most fascinating contradictions—a supercar that looked the part but couldn't deliver the performance. Giugiaro's wedge design and those iconic gullwing doors made it instantly recognizable, while the brushed stainless steel body eliminated paint concerns forever. The Lotus-derived chassis was competent, but the 130-horsepower PRV V6 left it underpowered and slow. Only 9,000 were built during DeLorean's brief three-year run before the company's spectacular collapse amid scandal. 'Back to the Future' immortalized it in popular culture, transforming a commercial failure into a cultural icon. Manual examples are increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate the car's unique place in automotive history. Values have climbed steadily as '80s nostalgia peaks, making clean examples solid investments despite their modest performance credentials.

More DeLorean in the market

1981 DeLorean DMC-12$61K