1981 Delorean DMC-12

Okay, look, this DeLorean DMC-12 does have a Hollywood connection in that

it is the original US movie car owned until 2013 by Emmy Award winning screenwriter and producer Steve Pepoon. Famous for programmes such as Alf and The Simpsons, he lent this very car for use in episode 1.18 of the series Eerie Indiana (1991-1992). He didn't want any money for it, so they thanked him by mentioning him by name in the series: "Where did you get this car from? I got it from Steve!”

He also made a YouTube video (https://bit.ly/3OC3VQa ) in September 2013 in which he walked through the car before taking it for a test drive.

Still only showing just over 64,000 miles on the odometer, it could easily be mistaken for a car with a quarter of the mileage. We are told that the bodywork is “absolutely flawless” and it comes with the original papers showing Steve Pepoon as its owner, as well as the original car cover, the DeLorean workshop manual, and a thick wad of original invoices.

Currently located in Germany, this DeLorean has never been registered there having spent the entire time in a collector's garage that has underfloor heating. The low VIN number and the tank flap integrated into the front hood (which later models did not have anymore) tell the experts that this vehicle is not just one with a Hollywood connection, it is one of the first Delorean DMC-12 ever built.

Looking at the photos we’d agree with the owner’s assessment of the car’s stainless-steel coachwork; after years of being carefully used before being placed at the centre of a classic car collection, it’s weathered the intervening four decades with impressive aplomb.

There’s no rust, of course, but the condition of the panels is remarkable even so; there are no dents or damage and certainly no rippling or car-park dinks. Even the area around the locks, a place notorious for collecting scratches over the years, are clear. It really is very good and a tribute to the care that’s been lavished on it over the years.

The black decal along the side is from its time with Steve Pepoon. Not an original sticker, it nonetheless suits the car’s lines perfectly and helps this DeLorean stand out from its brethren.

There’s another aftermarket badge on it in the form of stainless-steel letters set into the insets on the rear bumper to better spell out the car’s name. Again, it looks like a factory item and if it were ours we’d leave it there as another idiosyncratic link to its illustrious past.

Aside from the condition of the panels, the gullwing doors don’t sag, the glazing is all good, the light lenses are bright and free of damage, and rubber trim is still glossy and black.

The alloy wheels are in great shape too, but you’d kind of guessed that by now, hadn’t you?

Faults? Well, it’s a sign of just how very good this DeLorean is that the only thing we’d be tempted to remedy are the rusty screws holding the headlights in place. That all our classic cars woes should be so trivial, eh?

The black leather interior might be a bit bleak but there’s no questioning its condition as only very light creasing to the driver’s seat lets you know its not two years old rather than 41. (Yup, where did the years go?) The rest is in time warp condition, defying the years with Dorian Grey-like ease.

The windows rise and fall as they should, and all the switchgear operates just as well now as it’s ever done.

The original twin-spindle radio is a delightful period touch and all the better for still being there; it’s details like this that separate the good cars from the very best.

Speaking of which, even the lettering on the switches and centre console is still bright white and undamaged – again, you can’t hide wear here and the fact that there simply isn’t any to speak of speaks volumes as to the life it’s led.

That said, there is a little work to do. The driver’s seat could do with refurbishing, but only if patina isn’t your thing. The lettering on the gearknob has faded a bit too, the driver’s side carpet is showing a little wear and the pull rope of the front hood needs to be replaced.

None of it is serious and it could all be left as it is if you don’t mind a gently used look to your classic. Again, the fact that this is all we can see should reassure you that this is one of the very best examples on the market today.

The engine bay is tidy but a fastidious owner might like to have it professionally detailed, if only to bring it up to the same high standard as the rest of the car.

Those who have viewed the video will note the presence of the custom radiator overflow tank Steve mentions.

The underside looks to be strong and clean, as you’d expect of a car that’s spent the past few years in a heated garage.

The DeLorean does come with a genuine workshop manual, a State of Kansas Certificate of Title in Steve Pepoon’s name and a copy of DeLorean: Stainless Steel Illusion by John Lamm.

The market always favours the very best cars of their type and this is certainly one of the best, if not the best, DeLorean DMC-12 on sale today. With an interesting provenance and presented in a stunning condition, there is little to find fault with, which makes for a boring advert to read but a very satisfying car to own.

Trouble is, it isn’t going to be cheap. We think it should sell for somewhere between £50,000 and £70,000.

And yet, as we keep saying, a car’s value can only be fully assessed after you’ve sold it and while you might pay a premium for this one now, you will almost certainly get it all back when you come to sell, which should make this a cheaper car to own in the long-term than some of the more affordable examples you might come across elsewhere.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Weilrod, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.