1982 DeLorean DMC-12 Quick Look
What’s the first thing you think of when you see a pristine DeLorean DMC-12? Doc Brown’s crazy hair? Marty McFly’s ’80s slang? How to source enough Plutonium to perfect your attempt at time travel? Well, some folks here at RK Motors Charlotte DO have crazy hair. And we make it a point to include era-correct slang in many of our write ups. But, unfortunately, we can’t source Plutonium or attempt time travel. While that might seem a bit ‘heavy’, we can sell you a showroom-fresh classic like this 1,418-mile DeLorean that’s so nice it’s virtually timeless. So, if you’re willing to limit your time travel to something that’s more akin to a time capsule, step into the realm of this stunning DMC-12 where, as John Z. DeLorean put it, “unique is a virtue”! Production of ‘The DeLorean’ was a direct result of many automotive forces combining their skills to create something universally beneficial. In America, Detroit visionary John Z. DeLorean had quickly climbed the ranks of Chrysler, Packard and General Motors in hopes of establishing his own automotive entity. In Italy, world-renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro was in the midst of introducing a crisp design language dubbed ‘folded paper’. And in the UK, storied Lotus founder Colin Chapman was looking for engineering work to fund his troubled automotive boutique. In 1975, DeLorean officially chartered the DeLorean Motor Company. By 1976, he had a running prototype of the ‘Z Tavio’, an innovative coupe that would be offered to the public for roughly $12K. In 1978, DeLorean Motor Company broke ground on its first factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. And in 1981, with the help of Giugiaro and Chapman, the DMC-12 was officially introduced. During the DMC-12’s development, engineers considered a variety of powerplants. For example, DeLorean’s original prototype utilized a Citroen rotary mill. When that engine went out of production, Ford’s Cologne V6 was heavily considered. But, ultimately, the 2.85 litre Peugeot Renault Volvo V6 was chosen for its combination of performance and durability. Utilizing aluminum construction, overhead camshafts and 2 valves per cylinder, this proven powerplant turns smooth 8.8 to 1 compression into a 130 horsepower and 162 lb./ft. torque. And, despite moving a relatively heavy payload, those respectable numbers provide great fuel economy! Take a look under this factory-spec cruiser and you’ll find straight, freshly-sorted mechanicals that are clean and weather-free. Originally intended as a mid-engine platform, the DeLorean ultimately slid its V6 rearward to accommodate a 3-speed Peugeot Renault Volvo transaxle. The car’s body rides on a 2-piece Glass Reinforced Plastic monocoque that’s mated to a Lotus-inspired double-Y chassis. That chassis’ fully independent suspension combines speed proportional rack and pinion steering with two 10-inch rotors, two 10.5-inch rotors and four power-assisted calipers. And at the corners of the floor, a-symmetrical alloys spin 195/60R14 Falken Ziex ZE-912s in front of 225/60R15 Falken Ziex ZE-912s. Hoist the LED-lit doors and a plush driving environment kicks off with a pair of comfy buckets that were specifically designed to accommodate the 6’4″ stature of creator John DeLorean. In front of those buckets, a pliable dash anchors correct 80 MPH gauges above electronic climate control and a modern Pioneer CD player. Below that dash, a stitched leather console centers a decidedly 80s shifter and factory power window switches on fresh carpet that’s protected by “DMC” branded floor mats. And in front of the driver, a leather-wrapped, 3-spoke steering wheel laps a fully adjustable column. In many ways, The DeLorean’s story mimics the Back to the Future franchise that was built around it: a passionate belief in infinite possibility, and how the past and present relate to the future. And today, thanks to its unique design and pop culture fortune, this DMC-12 reminds us of optimal times reminiscent of Marty McFly’s 1985.
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