Hagerty | Drivers Foundation - 1981 De Lorean DMC-12

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The National Historic Vehicle Register

1981 De Lorean DMC-12

1 of 34

Engine

6-cyl. 2850cc/130hp FI

Original engine

Yes

Body Style

2dr Coupe

Exterior color

Brushed stainless steel

Interior color

Gray

Vehicle history

The 1981 De Lorean DMC-12 "Time Machine" Hero Car used in the hit 1985 time-travel movie Back to the Future is an international cultural icon. The car’s legacy transcends borders and generations as one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved automobiles. Attesting to the impact of the De Lorean "Time Machine" and the movie, enthusiasts the world over have built countless replicas of the movie car out of stock De Loreans.

It is likely among the most replicated film car in history. Owned by Universal Studios since they acquired it along with two other De Loreans for the first film, this car was meticulously restored as part of a project spearheaded by BTTF writer Bob Gale in 2012-13. Its many iconic details showcased in the film such as flux bands, time circuit, and flux capacitor are once again in working order. The De Lorean is now on permanent loan to the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

NHVR No. 29 HAER No. CA-2377

Paint and exterior

Originally, De Loreans were sold in unpainted, brushed stainless steel. This vehicle was restored from 2012-2013 in an effort spearheaded by Bob Gale and carried out by a team of Back to the Future fans led by Joe Walser.

Upholstery and interior

This vehicle’s interior is in restored condition. It features gray leather upholstery, as well as every gadget seen in the film, such as the Flux Capacitor and Time Circuits, restored or reproduced to exacting detail.

Engine

Liquid-cooled, rear-mounted, aluminum block and heads, SOHC Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) V-6 173.9cid/2.85l 130hp with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Original.

Mileage

This vehicle was originally used for filming in Back to the Future. It is now on permanent display at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles, CA, and is not currently in running condition. Its total mileage is unknown.

Wheels and tires

Front 14x6” aluminum wheels, 195/60R14 Goodyear tires, Rear 15x8” aluminum wheels, 245/60R15 Goodyear tires

Brakes

Hydraulic power disc brakes

Transmission

5-speed manual transaxle

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