The Last of the DeLoreans: A Nostalgic Icon

Once the dazzling centerpiece of pop culture, the DeLorean DMC-12 is now a rare gem on the roads of the UK. Known for its distinctive gullwing doors and striking unpainted stainless steel body, only 303 of these iconic vehicles remain registered for public use.

A Brief History of the DeLorean DMC-12

Manufactured in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, a total of around 9,000 DeLoreans rolled off the assembly line in 1981 before the company faced insolvency just one year later, marking a dramatic rise and fall in the automotive industry.

While 303 DeLoreans continue to grace our roads, another 114 cars lie dormant with statutory off-road notifications, likely resting in garages, forgotten by time.

Collector's Paradise: Skyrocketing Prices!

According to the online auction platform Collecting Cars, fully restored DeLoreans can fetch astonishing sums, often exceeding £80,000 at auction. Since 2019, the platform has sold only two DeLoreans, with the latest bringing in £56,000 in 2022.

From Obscurity to Stardom: The Back To The Future Connection

The DeLorean's resurgence in popularity can be largely attributed to its role in the legendary film 'Back To The Future,' which debuted in the summer of 1985. In this classic, the quirky scientist Dr. Emmett 'Doc' Brown transforms a DeLorean into a time machine, famously declaring, "Where we’re going, we don’t need roads," as he races into the future.

The Ongoing Allure of the DeLorean

As Collecting Cars CEO Edward Lovett noted, the DeLorean remains a captivating symbol of pop culture, continuing to turn heads even decades later. With its combination of rarity and cinematic fame, it's no wonder these vehicles are now seen as prized collectibles, with prices rising beyond what many would expect.

Originally retailing for around £18,000 in 1981, which was more than a Porsche 911 at the time, the DeLorean's legacy lives on, enticing a new generation of collectors eager to own a piece of movie history.