DeLorean DMC-12

10 April 2014

John Z Delorean's superb track record as a General Motors executive was beyond dispute and it was partially this that convinced the British Government to invest millions into his DeLorean Motor Company’s Belfast factory plans. Contrary to popular opinion he very nearly succeeded, the factory got built, the car got developed (by Lotus), and almost 9000 cars were made, all in a remarkably short period of three years.

The innovative stainless steel body and gullwing doors were well integrated into the strikingly attractive design by legendary stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro; even today a DMC-12 will stop traffic like few other cars. However, poor quality control, cash flow issues and poor sales eventually overwhelmed the company and forced them into receivership in 1982. 

Chassis D002498 is a manual transmission example with a black interior sold new by Cobb-Kirkland Motor Co. of Montgomery, Alabama, on October 23rd, 1981. It was brought back to the UK in 1986, converted to right-hand-drive (RHD) and road registered in 1988. As one of only around 40 RHD DeLoreans in existence it’s extremely rare but, in addition, it is believed to have covered only around 2500 miles in its entire life because it has been dry stored the majority of the time. It also features a bonnet mounted gas flap and bonnet styling grooves, both of which are sought after among DeLorean enthusiasts.

Although DMC never officially sold cars in the UK, the company were planning to sell worldwide eventually and this demanded RHD so in October 1981 they approached Andover-based engineers Wooler-Hodec and planned an initial batch of twenty RHD cars. However, DMC went into liquidation when just twelve had been made leaving some parts kits available, and former employees of Wooler-Hodec used these to convert a small quantity of cars. The parts used and the professional standard and layout of the conversion suggest this car is one of those.

Having been stored in a dry heated garage from 1998 until 2013 this DMC 12 was purchased by Ant Anstead and Evanta Motors then refurbished with help from DeLorean expert Chris Nicholson of PJ Grady Inc. It was felt that a body-off restoration would destroy the car’s wonderful patina and originality. However, Ant and his team have thoroughly, but sympathetically, re-commissioned it. The gullwing doors now rise serenely on new gas-struts. The brake and fuel systems are entirely new, as are the engine belts. The refurbished wheels are fitted with new Nankang tyres and the leather interior was thoroughly treated and brought back to supple condition while maintaining its original feel. The stainless steel skin was carefully re-brushed by the experts at PJ Grady and the electrical system was restored.

The result is a rare thing, a properly converted RHD DMC-12 which drives as well as it looks. DeLoreans have become cult vehicles for both car and, since the ‘Back to Future’ franchise, film enthusiasts.

DeLorean DMC-12 statistics

Production date: 1981
Production facility: Belfast
Colour: Polished Stainless Steel
Specification: RHD, UK market conversion
Engine: 2849cc V6 SOHC
Power: 156bhp@5700rpm
Torque: 173lb.ft@3000rpm
Chassis: Epoxy coated backbone bolted rigidly to body
Body: Stainless Steel panels over fibreglass-reinforced plastic body tub
Maximum speed: 135mph (Road and Track 109mph)
0-60mph: 8.5secs (Road and Track 10.5)
Production period: 1981 – 1983

Production vol:  Approx 9000