| Mileage: | 17,808 miles |
| Year (Reg): | 1981 (W) |
| Transmission: | 5-Speed Manual |
| Colour: | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Engine: | 2.8 V6 (SOHC) PRV |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol |
1981 DeLorean DMC-12 — 5-Speed Manual — 17,808 Miles — Exceptional Recommissioned Example
1981 | 17,808 Miles | 5-Speed Manual | Stainless Steel | Grey Interior | UK Registered | Historic Vehicle | VIN 7174
Hamilton Gray’s are delighted to offer this beautifully presented 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, finished in its unmistakable brushed stainless steel with a wonderfully preserved grey interior.
Few cars have achieved the cultural status of the DeLorean. More than four decades after its introduction, Giorgetto Giugiaro’s extraordinary wedge-shaped design, gullwing doors and unpainted stainless-steel bodywork remain instantly recognisable.
This particular car, chassis SCEDT26T1BD007174 — VIN 7174, is an especially late example from the 1981 model-year production run and has fascinating documented history stretching back many years.
It has been in the hands of the same enthusiast owner since 2018 and, importantly, has been maintained as a car to be driven and enjoyed rather than simply stored away.
VIN 7174 — A Very Late 1981 DeLorean
The chassis number adds another interesting dimension to this particular car.
DeLorean’s 1981 model-year VIN sequence ran to 7199, making VIN 7174 one of the very last cars within the 1981 VIN sequence.
It therefore represents a fascinating example from towards the end of the original 1981 production run at the famous Dunmurry factory in Northern Ireland.
The VIN decodes as a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 manufactured at Dunmurry and equipped with the 2.8-litre PRV V6.
Importantly, we have also located an archived American sales advertisement for this exact chassis from earlier in its life.
At that time, VIN 7174 was recorded with just 4,998 miles, equipped with the desirable 5-speed manual gearbox and grey interior, providing a valuable historical reference point for the car’s remarkably low mileage today.
Documented American History & Specialist Attention
The archived advertisement provides some particularly interesting information about the car’s earlier life in the United States.
It records that the DeLorean underwent significant recommissioning and servicing during 2012, with work reportedly including attention to the:
* Clutch master and slave cylinders
* Brake system
* Brake callipers
* Cooling hoses and belts
* Electrical instrumentation
* Fuel lines
* Drainage systems
The car was also described at that time as having no rust or corrosion to its chassis or frame.
Perhaps most significantly, the historic advertisement refers to the involvement of Rob Grady / PJ Grady in Sayville, New York, one of the best-known names within the international DeLorean community.
The advertisement stated that the car had been inspected and worked upon by the specialist and that historical service documentation relating to the car was held.
It was also described as retaining remarkable levels of originality at the time, including its original tyres.
Together with the recorded 4,998-mile mileage, this provides a particularly useful insight into the earlier life of VIN 7174.
A Properly Sorted DeLorean
The difference between a DeLorean that looks good and one that actually drives properly can be considerable.
This car has benefited from careful recommissioning and extensive ongoing maintenance throughout the current ownership, with considerable attention paid to ensuring that it remains mechanically healthy, reliable and enjoyable.
It starts readily from cold, settles into a smooth idle and drives exceptionally well. The famous 2.8-litre PRV V6 pulls cleanly throughout the rev range and has been professionally tuned and correctly set up.
Perhaps most importantly for the enthusiast, this is the desirable 5-speed manual version.
The gearbox operates exactly as it should, while the steering, suspension and braking inspire confidence on the road.
The current owner has exercised the car regularly in dry conditions specifically to avoid the problems associated with prolonged storage. During his ownership it has never been driven on salted winter roads and has always been stored indoors throughout the winter months.
Extensive Maintenance & Upgrades
Recent maintenance and recommissioning has included:
* Full engine service
* Engine professionally tuned and correctly set up
* Stainless-steel coolant header tank
* Stainless-steel coolant expansion tank
* Cooling system checked and pressure tested
* Upgraded ventilated front brake discs
* Brake callipers rebuilt throughout with stainless-steel pistons
* New brake pads
* UK-specification Hella headlamps
* Air-conditioning serviced
* Extensive ongoing preventative maintenance throughout the current ownership
The result is a DeLorean that feels properly sorted rather than one requiring a lengthy list of jobs before it can be confidently enjoyed.
17,808 Miles — With Earlier Mileage Documentation
The odometer currently displays approximately 17,808 miles.
Significantly, the archived American sales advertisement for this exact chassis records VIN 7174 at just 4,998 miles earlier in its life.
This provides an extremely useful historical mileage reference and, together with the car’s accompanying documentation and remarkably well-preserved condition, adds considerable credibility to its low recorded mileage.
The car comes with a substantial collection of invoices, service records and supporting documentation accumulated throughout its life and current ownership.
The complete history file is available for inspection.
Beautifully Preserved
Cosmetically, this is an exceptionally attractive example.
The famous stainless-steel bodywork presents with an excellent, consistent finish, while the contrasting black exterior trim remains in excellent condition.
Open those extraordinary gullwing doors and the grey interior is equally impressive.
The seats, dashboard and associated trim have been beautifully preserved and give the cabin exactly the wonderfully distinctive early-1980s atmosphere a DeLorean should have.
Both gullwing doors operate correctly and close cleanly.
Historic Vehicle
The car is fully UK registered and registered as a Historic Vehicle, benefiting from Historic Vehicle taxation status.
Although MOT exempt, the car can be supplied with a fresh MOT for the purchaser’s additional peace of mind.
An Icon That Can Actually Be Enjoyed
DeLorean’s are increasingly collectible, but buying one purely on cosmetic appearance can be an expensive mistake.
Cars that have spent years sitting unused can require substantial expenditure on their fuel, cooling, braking and electrical systems before they become genuinely enjoyable classics.
That work has already been undertaken here.
This is a carefully maintained, properly exercised and mechanically sorted example that can be bought with the intention of actually getting in, turning the key and enjoying it.
The current owner has owned the car since 2018 and is only offering it for sale because it simply isn’t receiving the use it deserves. With several other cars in his collection, the time has come for the DeLorean to pass to its next custodian.
For anyone who has always promised themselves a DMC-12, VIN 7174 represents a particularly compelling opportunity.
A very late 1981 chassis, desirable 5-speed manual transmission, beautifully preserved grey interior, just 17,808 miles displayed, documented at only 4,998 miles earlier in its life, known specialist attention in the United States and substantial subsequent maintenance.
Add to that the extraordinary stainless-steel Giugiaro bodywork, gullwing doors and unmistakable presence, and this is a DeLorean that offers considerably more than simply its famous appearance.
A beautifully preserved, low-mileage and properly sorted example of one of the most recognisable motor cars ever produced.
Viewings are welcomed and can be arranged by appointment through Hamilton Gray’s
Please Note:
The above Specification is as accurate as we can establish,
but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Purchaser to
check the details of the vehicle to their satisfaction before
buying. Hamilton Gray’s are Not Responsible ‘Post Sale’
We have the V5 logbook and will look after your cherished transfer with the DVLA if you own a cherished plate.
Any inspection is welcome and viewings are highly recommended at our indoor showroom. We are based in Loughborough, Leicestershire which is just 5 minutes drive from Junction 23 of the M1.
We accept all major debit or credit cards and finance is available, subject to status.
Legal Disclaimer: Hamilton Gray’s Ltd make every effort to ensure that information contained in their adverts is accurate and complete, however, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of said information, and therefore cannot be held liable for any reliance which you may place upon it.
