1982 DeLorean DMC-12 with 8,000 Miles Draws Strong Bidding on Bring a Trailer

A low-mileage 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 listed on Bring a Trailer reaches $50,000. Explore details, history, and what drives collector interest in this iconic model.

With just 8,000 miles on the odometer and a current bid of $50,000, a 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 has quickly become one of the most closely watched listings on Bring a Trailer. With several days remaining, bidding activity continues to build around this well-preserved example.

The car is equipped with a five-speed manual transaxle paired with a rear-mounted 2.85-liter V6. It has been owned by the current seller for approximately 20 years and retains the model’s defining features: unfinished stainless steel body panels, gullwing doors, a gray leather interior, and staggered turbine-style wheels. Equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a stereo system.

Beyond its appearance, the documented condition adds to its appeal. The listing includes service records, a clean Carfax report with no accidents since 1997, and a clean Kansas title marked “Antique”. Seller comments confirm that the air conditioning is functional, there are no hot or cold start issues, the torsion bars are in good condition, and the tires have been recently replaced.

These factors carry weight in the collector market. The value of a DeLorean DMC-12 is closely tied to condition, mileage, originality, and documented history, with manual-transmission cars typically commanding higher prices. Average market values for comparable examples sit above the current bid, which helps explain the growing attention.

The model itself remains a rare sight. The DMC-12 was the only production car built by DeLorean Motor Company, manufactured for a short period between 1981 and 1982 in Northern Ireland. Fewer than 9,000 units were produced in total, with 1982 models built in smaller numbers than earlier versions.

Its uniqueness goes beyond production figures. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car combines a stainless steel exterior with distinctive gullwing doors, creating a look that remains instantly recognizable. Despite modest performance figures, the design and engineering choices helped shape its identity as a collectible rather than a performance-focused machine.

The DeLorean’s cultural significance grew after its appearance in the Back to the Future films, where it was transformed into a time machine. That exposure cemented its place in popular culture and continues to drive collector interest decades later.

Given the combination of low mileage, documented history, and original configuration, this particular example reflects the characteristics that typically define stronger results at auction. If bidding continues at its current pace, the final price could move closer to the established market range for similar manual-transmission cars.