DeLorean DMC-12
Famous for its 'Back to the Future' role, the DeLorean DMC-12's iconic look is defined by its stainless steel body and gullwing doors. It's a collector favorite whose value is tied to its pop culture status, not its modest V6 performance.
DeLorean DMC-12 sold for a median of $57,757 over the last 12 months, based on 50 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $49,366 and $68,626. 46 currently for sale.
Get new DeLorean DMC-12 listings by email
About 4 a week across 5 sites.
DeLorean DMC-12 prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | $56k | $47k–$67k | 84 | 40 |
| 1982 | $62k | $52k–$79k | 31 | 5 |
| 1983 | $60k | $51k–$69k | 19 | 5 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most recognizable cars ever produced, thanks to its starring role in the 'Back to the Future' film franchise. John DeLorean's vision for an 'ethical sports car' resulted in a unique package with a Giugiaro-designed stainless steel body, gullwing doors, and a rear-mounted PRV V6 engine. Production was short, lasting from 1981 to 1983, with only about 9,000 cars built before the company's collapse.
Collectors are drawn to the DMC-12 almost entirely because of its pop culture status and unconventional design. It isn't a performance car; the 130 hp V6 and soft suspension deliver modest acceleration and handling. Instead, its value lies in its visual drama and the nostalgia it evokes. The market is mature, with a steady stream of cars trading hands and an average sale price hovering around $58,000.
The market for the DMC-12 is highly dependent on condition and provenance. Well-maintained, low-mileage original cars command strong prices, while project cars can still be found for much less. The highest values are reserved for cars with documented movie connections or screen-accurate 'Time Machine' conversions, which can sell for well over $200,000.
Buying Tips
- Check the gullwing doors carefully. Ensure the gas struts and torsion bars work properly, allowing the doors to open easily and stay up on their own. Sagging doors can indicate bigger frame issues.
- Inspect the stainless steel body panels for dents and deep scratches. Repairing stainless steel is a specialized skill, and finding replacement panels with a matching grain is difficult.
- The steel backbone frame is prone to rust, especially at the front extension. Get the car on a lift to inspect the frame's condition thoroughly.
- The original Lucas electronics can be troublesome. Test all gauges, switches, and power accessories to ensure they function correctly.
- Cars with the 5-speed manual transmission are more desirable and engaging to drive than those with the 3-speed automatic.
Prices range from $1,700 for project cars to over $243,000 for exceptional examples and movie replicas.
588 DeLorean DMC-12 vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 46 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a DeLorean DMC-12 cost?
Over the last 12 months, DeLorean DMC-12 sold for a median of $57,757 across 50 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $49,366 and $68,626. There are 46 currently for sale.
How many DeLorean DMC-12 listings are for sale right now?
There are 46 DeLorean DMC-12 listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.