Is it possible for original DeLoreans to increase in value because of the repro?

[kl31]

According to Toby Peterson, some people believe that the original deloreans will see an increase in value due to reproduction models. While I thought it was about damn time for the DeLorean to get an update, I didn't really care about new DeLoreans being made. So I thought the people who assumed that original D's will increase in value were delusional. After all, the DeLorean is a pretty niche car with limited supply and demand. Pumping more DeLoreans and have it increase in value certainly wouldn't make macroeconomic sense. Yes, it's a small number every year, but its not like we're swimming in DeLoreans, however nice that would be.

But after thinking about it a bit more, I'm starting to become convinced that the repro cars will increase the original's value. In my experience, those who I talk to about where I got my D and how much I paid for it were very surprised. It seems to the vast majority of the public, a DeLorean is like a unicorn, impossible to find, and probably far too expensive. I see it's possible that the increased publicity will increase demand because more people will realize a DeLorean is more accessible than previously believed.

And speaking of accessibility, I'm guessing that $100,000 is out of reach for pretty much everyone. Which is a good thing, because DMC is obviously targetting a different demographic. And the benefit of having such a price tag is that it f*** with our ape minds that rely on proportion more than linearity. Comparing $100,000 repro delorean to a 25K-35K original makes the latter seem that much more accessible.

thoughts on future value and speculation?

Some misc. curiosities I have with the repro models
1.) What's so bad about the front end that would necessitate re engineering it?
2.) what happened to the electric delorean? or has DMC admitted defeat to stanford?
3.) Would it be that difficult to turn the DeLorean into a mid engine car? I mean, if they're gonna go through all that effort, why not make it midengine? I've read conflicting thoughts on the rear engine set up we know and the hypothetical mid engine unicorn. Some say the handling really suffered, but others say the weight distribution wouldn't have changed that much. I suppose it's still too much to ask for a rotary midengine DeLorean :yoda:

[Project Vixen]

Do you honestly expect them to build a new vehicle this time?

[Michael]

I expect them to build one....and the pics and stories will be promptly shoved down our throat from every neighbor, family member, friend, and parking lot admirer for the next 18 months.

Any more that will be built will be on a pay up front, wait for us to build it basis.

[Jimmyvonviggle]

I expect them to build one....and the pics and stories will be promptly shoved down our throat from every neighbor, family member, friend, and parking lot admirer for the next 18 months.

Any more that will be built will be on a pay up front, wait for us to build it basis.

So true.

[81dmc]

I really don't expect them to put a car into production. There are just too many NLA parts for that.

[Mario]

Assuming they do make them (which was the point of this thread), it could really go either way.

Having 100k DeLoreans could drive up the price of the original, because people perceive DeLoreans to be of high value ("if you can buy a new one for $100k, an old one has only gotta be like $60k!").
Or, it could drive the price down because people see original ones as inferior and unreliable compared to the new ones.

In my opinion, I don't think it'll change anything very much at all. DeLorean ownership is a very niche market. And if somebody loved DeLoreans enough to buy a new one for a hundred grand, wouldn't they own one by now anyway?
I think very few new DeLoreans would be sold, and the price of old DeLoreans won't change much either way. People on the streets will think they're expensive, but I don't see it changing the buying market.

[driveintim]

A few benefits of DMC producing new cars is they will have to manufacture the parts that are unavailable. To get the cost down they will probably make more than 100 of them and should make these parts available to us. Second is they may make updates to solve existing issues. We should also benefit from the upgrades. If our cars increase in value or not, having access to rare parts and upgrades will be a benefit and prolong the life of our cars.

[mluder]

As I understand the current plan - they will build no more than 12 cars a year. Essentially one per month. It's completely plausible that that can happen with the parts supply on hand with a few exceptions. Those parts are already in the process of being researched for fabrication (which I might add benefits us all).

What remains to be seen is if they will proceed with building 12 a year to create an inventory or if it will be on a per order basis. People lined up to put money down on the new Tesla and they cant even expect delivery this year... they still did. Asking people to pay for a car that won't be delivered for a month or so is no big deal.

Myself, I'm optimistic but realistic. I believe they will build a couple of cars. I don't think they'll sell them for $100,000. More than likely they will sell for more than $50,000 though.

Cheers
Steve

[16949]

People lined up to put money down on the new Tesla and they cant even expect delivery this year... they still did. Asking people to pay for a car that won't be delivered for a month or so is no big deal.

Tesla deposit was $1k not $100k, tho.

[Michael]

A lot of the people are "buying" Tesla deposits to sell later on ebay.

[DMCVegas]

I think we'll see a bump in values. Just like what you see with other large car manufacturers; the new cars will act as Halo cars to bring buyers in. They'll get the attention and the desire, but since not everyone car afford the high price tag, they'll go "settle" for the original cars. How long it will last though, that's another question. But I'm optimistic that it's going to be long-term. It's not going to be massive, but it will be long-term.

I think that there are a TON of people out there that really, really want DeLoreans, but cannot get behind the PRV's power output, and have since shunned the car. But with the new drivetrain (and other suspension components they state they're working on), the tide will turn. I think that more people will finally embrace the car. According to DMCH's updates, they're apparently working with CARB not just on emissions certification for California (and other states that accept that cert.), but on a retrofit kit so that the new engines they're installing into the repro DMC-12s can be installed into our existing, original cars. According to DMCH, CARB is really keen on this idea, and that would make sense. The problem is the old engines that aren't as fuel efficient, and pump out more pollution than modern cars. A clean engine swap makes allot of sense to achieve emissions reductions.

If this engine retrofit kit comes to pass, even if the reproduction program stalls, I think it will shake up the marque. There will always be a market for original specimens, both pristine and reliable drivers. But I think that a new engine will become desirable enough to become an actual "Standard", and that the latter of those two categories won't see as much of a price jump as others.

[Morpheus]

Wether or not it comes to fruition, DMC building new cars can only benefit current owners. Why, you may ask? It's simple. In order to do what they want to do, they MUST re-create several NLA parts, including body tubs and left front fenders. The high price tag of the new builds is likely meant to absorb a good portion of the tooling and manufacture cost of these and other parts. Once they are being made, they are available for original owners as well. If you start to think "big picture", you can see how it will eventually allow all DeLoreans to live much longer lives.

Anyone who has looked into replacing their PRV with a "new" one has been hit with the sticker shock. Last time I checked, they were going for upwards of $9000.00. Now, I'm sure there are purists out there that would never consider a different powertrain option for sake of originality, and that's fine. But, for those who want performance that matches the look of the car, the new drivetrain that these new builds will employ will surely be made available for retrofit into an original DeLorean.

Regarding value, I ask you this question: Would you rather have an original Shelby Cobra, or a "replica"? Which do you think is worth more? Nobody can say for sure if this will happen to DeLoreans, but it's a thought.

[DMCVegas]

Regarding value, I ask you this question: Would you rather have an original Shelby Cobra, or a "replica"? Which do you think is worth more? Nobody can say for sure if this will happen to DeLoreans, but it's a thought.

Replicas are always more highly desirable, and auction prices always seem to back that up as much as car culture does.

You can't enjoy an original car. Due to the stigma of a mileage destroying the value, as well as the scolding that you can receive from others regarding how you are devaluing the car in their eyes, it's never nearly as pleasurable of a driving experience. But with a replica, it's the exact same car with the exact same specifications (and sometimes improvements that can make the car even better), and there are no worries about racking up as many miles as you want.

Provenance is nice and all, but you can't drive it.

[David T]

Replicas are always more highly desirable, and auction prices always seem to back that up as much as car culture does.

You can't enjoy an original car. Due to the stigma of a mileage destroying the value, as well as the scolding that you can receive from others regarding how you are devaluing the car in their eyes, it's never nearly as pleasurable of a driving experience. But with a replica, it's the exact same car with the exact same specifications (and sometimes improvements that can make the car even better), and there are no worries about racking up as many miles as you want.

Provenance is nice and all, but you can't drive it.


I respectfully disagree. Original Cobras are VERY valuable, the replicas not so much for just one example. Yes, you can drive them (the replicas) but only because they ARE less valuable. I expect the same thing will happen with Deloreans. Not everyone wants a driver. Collectors will pay big bucks for a low mileage, original car in good condition and not drive it. Look at that bank in Texas, they paid a fortune for that gold Delorean and then put it into a glass case!

[cdrusn]

Bringing in updates to popular cars has made a lot of cars more valuable, look at the SLS Mercedes gullwing or the Dodge Challenger. Not exact replicars but certainly spawned from the originals with modern updates. There will always be a good market with increasing prices for the original Deloreans because of their reputation. I've owned plenty of collector cars but nothing like my Delorean. People always want their picture taken in it when I get gas or take it to jiffy lube. If you want to form a crowd just park in a front stall at any store. :rollin: