Modern Classic: 1982 DeLorean DMC-12

To qualify as "modern classics," we're choosing vehicles that are comparatively affordable now and that we think will increase in value over time. These are cars that many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars that people still see that make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. We're focusing on cars that are at least 25 years old so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections.


Tastes may vary, as may people's own definitions of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the 1982 DeLorean DMC-12.

History
The DeLorean DMC-12 was conceived in 1973 as a stylish, affordable, rear-engine sports coupe. Excited by the announcement of a new American GT, enthusiasts here could hardly wait. One year later, Italdesign's Giorgio Giugiaro designed the DMC-12's body using every period styling cliche: a wedge-shaped front end, counterbalanced gull-wing doors, a rakish fastback roof with rear window screen, and a blunt Kamm tail. Developments proceeded slowly while the company's namesake, flamboyant former Chevrolet and Pontiac Division General Manager John Z. DeLorean, raised capital for production.

"Back to the Future" portrayed the car in a positive light that shrouded its many shortcomings.
England's Lotus Engineering provided the steel backbone frame, which supported a composite aluminum/fiberglass underbody and distinctive stainless-steel exterior panels. The Bosch fuel-injected 2.8-liter, 130-bhp SOHC V-6 was shared by Renault, Volvo and Peugeot. Fully independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and a five-speed manual transmission were standard, with a three-speed automatic as an option. Reflecting '80s-era fads, the angular DeLorean featured quad rectangular quartz headlamps, a blacked-out front spoiler and turbine-spoked alloy wheels.


A long list of standard features included glove-leather seating surfaces, electric windows and mirrors, and a 50,000-mile warranty backed by an independent insurance company. Investors, including TV star Johnny Carson, soon swelled DeLorean's coffers. Wooed by European countries, Puerto Rico and the British government, DeLorean bravely (some said foolishly) decided to manufacture his car in an all-new factory in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Production was to begin in 1979, but repeated delays meant that the 345 U.S. dealers did not receive cars until mid 1981. Originally planned to sell below $15,000, the DMC-12's 1981 price rose to $26,175, then to $29,825 in 1982.