1981 DeLorean DMC-12 For Sale with 28,400 Miles and Beautiful Restoration

A 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 has surfaced on Cars & Bids, offering bidders a well-documented, lightly modified example of one of the most iconic stainless-steel coupes ever built. Listed in Annapolis, Maryland, the car shows 28,400 miles but is marked TMU due to a previously inoperative odometer. With a current high bid of $33,000, nearly 700 watchers, and more than 10,000 views, interest reflects the enduring appeal of John DeLorean’s stainless-steel creation, a car whose cultural staying power continues to grow, helped along by stories like the firsthand account by a DeLorean Ireland factory employee.

This example features the classic brushed stainless body over a gray interior, powered by the familiar 2.9-liter V6 rated at 130 horsepower and paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes the original 14-inch front and 15-inch rear wheels, power-adjustable mirrors, and the signature gullwing doors. The Carfax report begins in 1993 and shows no accidents, but it does contain gaps consistent with the TMU mileage designation.

Modifications and Condition
The seller reports a number of updates, including an aftermarket exhaust, aftermarket alternator, Eibach suspension parts, a JVC head unit, an aero kit, and two-tone upholstery. The A/C compressor has been removed. Known flaws include cracked weatherstripping around the doors and windshield, imperfections in the tint, a worn steering wheel, and a passenger-side window motor that needs replacement. The tires also carry older 2012 date codes.

This car’s mix of originality and updates contrasts with preserved time-capsule examples, such as the remarkable barn-find of one back in 2023.

Restoration Work and History
The seller notes a major restoration about 10 years ago, including rust repair, new coolant hoses, fuel lines, fuel pump, radiator, and front-end panels. The wheels were restored, and the bumpers were repainted. More recent maintenance includes an oil and filter change in May 2025, coolant top-up, and a replacement brake master cylinder in 2024.

As the only production model DeLorean ever built, the DMC-12 exists at a unique intersection of automotive history and pop culture. Its quirks, limitations, and unmistakable design have turned it into a cult favorite, qualities reflected in the perspective of enthusiasts in the our 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 review, which shows how the car’s appeal today is rooted as much in its story as in its performance.