A DeLorean DMC-12 that sat untouched for as long as 30 years inside a Minnesota garage has emerged from storage, offering a rare look at both the challenges and sentiment attached to one of the most recognizable cars ever built. The stainless steel coupe, parked for decades by a family overwhelmed by the attention it attracted on the road, recently received its first full cleaning in more than a generation.
The car belonged to a collector who kept a small stable of vintage exotics, but the DeLorean carried a significance the accompanying Ferraris did not. Purchased in California, it was driven home to Minnesota by the owner and his son, forming lasting memories during a trip marked by constant curiosity from other drivers. That attention never faded. The late owner’s wife recalled that the DeLorean drew so much interest on the highway that changing lanes became nearly impossible, eventually leading the family to retire the car from use.
When a detailing team arrived to uncover the DMC-12, they first had to remove years of accumulated clutter—including lumber stacked beneath the chassis. The stainless steel exterior, dulled by dust and mold, required careful handling. Because the panels lack paint or clear coat, harsh chemicals could cause permanent staining. The cleaning process relied entirely on pH-neutral products and meticulous polishing aligned with the steel’s grain, a method specific to the DeLorean’s unusual construction.
Beneath the surface grime, the mechanical story remained rooted in the compromises that defined the model. The car is equipped with the rear-mounted, 2.85-liter PRV V6 and a preferred five-speed manual transmission. Despite its futuristic styling, the engine delivered modest U.S.-market performance, with 130 horsepower and period test figures showing a 0–60 mph time of around 10.5 seconds. The car’s staggered wheel setup and grand-touring intent stood in contrast to the exotic image it projected.
Inside, the cabin revealed the eccentric details that helped cement the DMC-12’s cult following. The spacious interior, oversized switchgear and unique warning lights highlighted its era-specific quirks. Even the family’s memories echoed the cultural lore surrounding the car: the owner’s wife once reached 80 mph but never achieved the famous 88 mph associated with cinematic time travel.
Production of the DMC-12 lasted from 1981 through 1983, with roughly 9,200 units built before the company’s collapse. Rising sticker prices and limited performance contributed to its commercial failure, yet those same attributes have fueled its modern appeal. Today, clean examples commonly sell for more than $64,000, with low-mileage cars bringing significantly more.
For this family, however, the DeLorean’s value lies beyond market metrics. When the freshly cleaned car was revealed, the late owner’s wife saw not just a revived classic but a restored connection to her husband and their shared history. What emerged from the garage was more than a stainless steel icon—it was a preserved piece of personal time, finally allowed to shine again.
