DeLorean classic car auctions for $29,700 at American automobiles sale

Made famous by the Back To The Future films, the 1981 DMC-12 was an auction star at the weekend

Given all the fuss which greeted the recent sale of a pair of replica trainers from the Back To The Future film series, it's perhaps of no surprise that this classic 1981 DeLorean sports car came with a whisker of its high estimate at American Auctions' October 1 sale.

The legacy of the DMC-12, manufactured by the controversial entrepreneur John Delorean before his drug-related downfall, has been more than slightly helped by the timetravel film series starring a time machine built from a Delorean.

Yet this model gave collectors a chance to spot an unspoiled original model of the car which remains one of the most distinctive cars of the 1980s.

Inside and out: the classic 1981 DeLorean sports car

This DMC-12 boasts all the marque's original features, including its inimitable stainless steel body parts, gull-wing doors and cryogenically pre-set torsion bars.

With only 6,000 miles on the clock, the Delorean didn't quite reach its $30,000 high-estimate but came impressively close, rocketing at 88mph to $29,700.

At the car's aft is a light-alloy 90 V6 engine with overhead camshafts, complemented by a five-speed transmission. The motor is also fitted with Goodyear Formula 1 Rain Tread tyres. There is no Flux Capacitor, however.

Because of the hype, DeLoreans could be bought for the same amounts spent on a Porsche or a Ferrari back in 1981, while bystanders marvelled at its stainless steel bodywork and futuristic gull-wing doors.

This 1976 Delorean prototype auctioned for $110,000 at RM a few years ago

Decades later, little has changed and the car has enjoyed much success at the world's top classic car auctions.

Notable sales include the fascinating inclusion of a 1976 DeLorean DMC-12 original prototype sold at RM Auctions a few years back. It brought $110,000 - way more than the example sold at American Auctions due to the car's unique features which were modified on later models.

However, American Auctions' 1981 DeLorean still gave a respectable performance at the weekend's sale. It remains a singular and remarkable automobile, for sure - but also has Hollywood partly to thank for its fame and notoriety.

Recent and related articles

·  'Most individual' road-going Jaguar E-Type car sells for undisclosed sum | 21 September 2011

·  William H Bunch auctions a collection of classic cars, art and jewellery | 19 September 2011

·  Aston Martin classic car owned by Shane Filan of Westlife sells for $606,044 | 19 September 2011  

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Images: American Auctions