'81 5-speed Turbo Black Interior For Sale

[Bruce Johnson]

A fellow Delorean enthusiast who happened to be an original owner and a neighbor of mine recently passed away. His wife, Colly, has asked me to list his car for sale. Norm purchased the car in late '81 from Beverly Hills Mercedes-Benz in Beverly Hills Ca. The car comes with a file of extensive service records which also includes smog certifications and lists of parts purchased through the years from various vendors. The parts that are pictured will be included. The radio was updated and Colly is looking for the original. She told me Norm never threw anything away!

When I pulled the car out of the garage for inspection and photos, it was dusty and in need of a good wash. When I saw that this was distressing Norm's wife, I didn't press the issue. I did not see any dents or visible scratches in the stainless.

A turbo kit was purchased and installed in 1986 at 41,355 miles, along with other needed service. I have access to all of the service records if you have any questions.

I've included several photos. If there is something else you would like to see let me know. The asking price is $37,000.00 and Colly will consider reasonable offers. I can arrange pick-up for your carrier of choice. Car is located in California.

[Dangermouse]

A true DeLorean owner ad with the frame pictures first

Bruce - I presume the car wasn't started or driven so you can't comment on that.

How long has it been stored for?

[Bruce Johnson]

DM, the car has been sitting since February. The son would come up from Santa Cruz to visit and start the car every month. I pulled it out to take the pics. It started right up. Being a btk amputee though, it's tough to drive a strange stick. It can be driven and Colly can insure it for test drives.

I have a video of it running. Don't know if I can post it here though?? Grrr didn't check the idle speed while it was running either. Hope this helps. If you know a way I can get this vid uploaded I would love to post it.

Bruce

btw no smoke at start-up

[eight8toy]

You can post the video to YouTube and then add the link to the thread. Can make the video only viewable by clinking the link rather than being searchable.

I'm curious how the turbo system passed smog here in CA. Nice looking car otherwise.

[Chris 16409]

I'm curious how the turbo system passed smog here in CA. Nice looking car otherwise.

I was thinking the same thing. More interestingly though is there is a lack of a column for Nitrous Oxides (NOx) on the provided smog report. If Santa Cruz country doesn't test for NOx, that would be a game changer for DeLorean owners in CA. The NOx test is the biggest point of contention I have with the whole smog check.

[Bruce Johnson]

Here's a representative sample of California smog tests when Norm lived in L.A. county with the turbo installed.

[Bruce Johnson]

Here's a video of the car running and a walk around:

[Rich]

Nice job here, Bruce. Well done.

Will PM you tonight with a referral to a potential buyer who approached Eric R. and me 2 days ago - while we were parked with our Ds - about buying a local DeLorean like Colly's.

-Rich

[Bruce Johnson]

A couple guys here on this forum and I went over to Colly's house yesterday for 2 hours to re-evaluate this car. Below is what we found. The owner has agreed to lower her price to $26,000.00 As-is or reasonable offer. If there is something else you would like to see, pm me and I'll send a photo.

The Good:
California car with only one owner
Extensive service history includes DMC-CA and Delorean 1
Cold start just fine and with a good idle
Car ran fine and the turbo kicked in as it should
Has great suspension
All running lights work
Windows work
The stainless is very good. A few surface scratches and one small dimple on the drivers door
Frame extension good
Frame is very good with only slight surface rust on LCA's
Fuel tank closing plate good
Stainless clutch line
Both doors open and close fine
Both passenger and drivers seats have been re-upholstered along with the passenger knee pad

The Bad:
Clutch pedal squeaks when depressed and is almost to the floor before engaging. Found the master cylinder to be leaking
Rusty sway bar
Rear main seal leak
Steering rack boot leak
Pitted wiper arms
Both fascia's have some peeling paint and cracks
A/C charge is low
Compressor throws oil
Leaky valve covers
Otterstat wires broken off (jumpered now)
Headliners worn and stained
Cracked dash and binnacle
Scuffed steering wheel
Left A pillar de-laminating
Cooling fan circuit breaker wire melted
Fuse block melted at #7 and #10 fuse

The Not So Bad:
Droopy cargo net
Interior lamps need bulbs
No power to passenger door rear light
Glove box light not working
Engine bay light switch needs replacing (part included)
Minor wheel rash
Oil breather tube cracked
Oil filler screen missing

[Bruce Johnson]

Colly's car is still available. She will be listing it on Ebay soon if she can't find a buyer here. Here is a photo of the fuse box. The circled areas are where there was melting.