When you think of iconic movie cars, the DeLorean DMC-12 instantly comes to mind thanks to its star role in the Back to the Future trilogy. But beyond its silver-screen fame, many fans and automotive enthusiasts often wonder: How many DeLoreans are there today? The answer is more complex than it appears, involving historical production numbers, long-term preservation challenges, and a passionate collector community. Let’s explore the origins, history of production, survival rate, and current ownership landscape of the enigmatic DeLorean DMC-12.
The Rise and Fall of the DeLorean Motor Company
Before we can tackle the current number of existing DeLoreans, we must revisit its past. The DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), founded in 1975 by former General Motors executive John DeLorean, aimed to build a sleek, stainless-steel sports car with gullwing doors that embodied innovation and futurism.
Dreams and Design
The design was overseen by famed Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, known for classic models from DeLorean to Maserati. The vehicle would feature a fiberglass rear panel, a unique PRV V6 engine co-developed by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, and a distinctive stainless-steel body designed to resist corrosion. The gull-wing doors and angular lines gave it a sci-fi aesthetic, long before Back to the Future made it legendary.
Production Dates and Figures
Production of the DeLorean DMC-12 commenced in 1981 at the company’s factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland—secured partly through substantial British government backing. However, financial mismanagement and legal scandals (notably DeLorean’s 1982 drug trafficking arrest, which was later overturned on appeal) severely impacted the company’s viability.
The factory ceased operations in February 1983, and the company ultimately declared bankruptcy. During this brief period, approximately 8,500 to 9,000 units of the DeLorean DMC-12 were produced, with final estimates from official serial numbers and production records leaning toward 9,200 units built before DMC closed its doors.
Current Population of DeLoreans: How Many Survive Today?
Estimating the number of existing DeLoreans requires examining several data points. According to research and surveys by enthusiast communities like DeLorean Owners Association (DOA) and the DeLorean Motor Company Registry, an estimated 6,500 to 7,000 units currently exist in some condition across the world.
Estimation Breakdown and Recovery
After the company’s collapse in 1983, thousands of cars remained in inventory. These were sold off at reduced costs. The combination of a large post-bankruptcy inventory and the car’s low resale value at the time led many owners to either ignore maintenance or discard the cars altogether.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, however, the DeLorean saw a wave of resurgence thanks to the pop culture longevity of Back to the Future, which kept brand interest alive. Enthusiasts began to restore, document, and preserve DeLoreans—many being pulled from garages and junkyards where they’d been hidden away.
Today, more precise tracking of surviving cars is possible. Some key insights:
- Approximately 5,500 DeLoreans exist in active or restorable condition in North America.
- 1,000 vehicles remain in Europe, many in the UK and France.
- Scattered units exist globally, with some in Japan, Australia, and Middle Eastern countries, totaling another 200–500 vehicles.
Condition Categories
To better understand what “survives” means, we can look at condition classifications derived from owner surveys and restoration tracking sites:
| Condition | Description | Estimated Number |
|---|---|---|
| Runs and Drives | Fully functional with proper maintenance | ~2,000 |
| Restorable | In complete or recoverable state, needing serious mechanical or cosmetic work | ~3,500 |
| Parts Car | Intact body, but engine or drivetrain severely damaged, often used for spare parts | ~1,000 |
| Total Junk (unrecoverable) | Broken beyond repair, rusted, stripped | ~200–500 |
The Impact of *Back to the Future*
No cultural event has arguably shaped DeLorean ownership as profoundly as the Back to the Future franchise. Debuting in 1985, the film reimagined the car as a time machine, propelled by a “flux capacitor” and powered by plutonium (and later lightning) to travel through time.
Cultural Revival
Long before its appearance in a science-fiction blockbuster, the DeLorean faced an identity crisis. Many consumers saw it as a symbol of financial imprudence, or worse, a failed luxury venture. But Back to the Future gave it the second life it needed.
Once the film became a massive hit, fans sought the car for its futuristic look and symbolic connection to time travel. By the early 2000s, Delorean had become a cult-classic car emblematic of both the 1980s and retro optimism.
Collector Market Growth
Parallel to this pop culture success came a renaissance in DeLorean restoration and ownership. As older cars began to attract buyers more interested in nostalgia than performance, prices for decent examples began to rise. In the 2010s, even rust-free shells were being sold and shipped globally for full-scale restorations.
The car’s unique construction—its stainless-steel body and distinct mechanicals—has become a point of fascination in the classic car community. The need for specialized parts and knowledge has only grown the sense of camaraderie among DeLorean enthusiasts.
Regional Distribution of Existing DeLoreans
The presence of DeLoreans across the globe is still heavily weighted toward the United States, particularly due to historical sales. Let’s look at major regions where DeLoreans continue to survive or thrive.
North America
North America remains home to the largest concentration of DeLoreans in the world:
- USA – Approximately 5,000–6,000 units
- Canada – Estimated 300–400 units
- Mexico – Approximately 100–200 units
The U.S. was the DeLorean’s largest market and now houses the most active collector and restoration communities.
Europe
DeLorean was also officially sold in portions of Europe, mainly in:
- UK – Estimated 700 cars (with many preserved due to stricter historic vehicle laws)
- France, Germany, Switzerland – Combined estimates of 200–300 units
Due to Europe’s stringent collector regulations, cars of historic interest are often better protected. However, a significant number were exported later by restorers and enthusiasts, meaning many now live outside of their original distribution channels.
Rest of World
Beyond these two primary regions, DeLoreans exist in:
| Region | DeLorean Estimate |
|---|---|
| Asia (Japan, UAE) | Up to 200 |
| Australia and New Zealand | Up to 100 |
| South America | Less than 50 |
Some DeLoreans were imported by collectors looking to replicate the Back to the Future car experience, while others were privately imported by enthusiasts.
What’s Happening in the DeLorean World Today?
Ownership of a DeLorean is no longer limited to nostalgic 80s kids. In recent years, a renaissance in electric vehicle conversions and retro-modern builds has turned the DeLorean into a canvas for new technology.
Electric DeLorean Projects
A San Diego-based company, DeLorean eMotors, began offering electric conversion kits. This process turns the original V6-powered car into a quiet, fast, and sustainable EV without altering the car’s iconic exterior look.
These retro-modern conversions have sparked a new interest among younger car enthusiasts and eco-conscious collectors.
New Parts Production
Unlike many classic cars, DeLoreans benefit from continual parts production. DMS (DeLorean Motor Sports) and the Ocala, Florida-based DMC restoration company (run by former DMC engineer Stephen Wynne) maintain extensive spare parts inventories. This ensures that even rare components—such as gullwing door hinges or specific dash trims—can be replaced or restored.
Future Projects: The DeLorean Alpha5
In 2021, the current DeLorean Motor Company, owned by Texas businessman Joel Woolf, unveiled the Alpha5, an all-electric fastback luxury coupe. It draws design cues from the classic DeLorean, bringing the brand into a new automotive era.
While unrelated to the DMC-12 in engineering, the Alpha5 reinforces the brand’s modern potential. With over $100 million raised and pre-leasing sign-ups underway, the DeLorean legacy is shifting from nostalgic relic to forward-looking innovation.
The Role of Enthusiast Groups and Organizations
Enthusiast communities have played a vital role in preserving the DeLorean legacy. Their passion for documentation, restoration, and advocacy has ensured many DeLoreans survive to the modern day.
DeLorean Owners Association (DOA)
Founded in 1986 and later restructured, the DOA boasts over 2,000 members worldwide. They maintain:
- DeLorean inspection and certification programs
- Periodic ownership surveys
- Events like annual meets and restoration competitions
Their data plays a key role in population statistics, tracking ownership trends, and offering restoration tips.
DMC Registry and Serial Number Tracking
One valuable tool in estimating the survival rate is the DeLorean Registry, which tracks car serial numbers. Since nearly every production car was assigned a VIN and serial number during the manufacturing process at its Northern Ireland plant, enthusiasts can cross-check numbers and better estimate totals.
DMClub Europe
In Europe, DMClub Europe helps preserve original models across the continent. Their members include historians, part collectors, and preservationists. They offer expert guidance for owners navigating European vintage car regulations.
Ownership Considerations: How to Find and Buy a DeLorean
If you’re looking to enter the world of DeLorean ownership, here’s what to expect in terms of purchasing, costs, and availability.
Where to Buy
Today’s potential owners can seek out DeLoreans on:
- Classic car sites like Hemmings, Mecum Auctions, and ClassicCars.com
- Private seller listings on forums (e.g. DMCTalk.org)
- DeLorean dealerships and restoration houses (e.g. DMC Houston, DMC Florida)
Price Ranges
Depending on condition and documentation, price points vary wildly:
| Category | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Junkyard shell | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Restorable | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Running and driving | $25,000–$40,000 |
| Top-tier or historically significant example | $50,000+ |
DeLoreans featured in high-profile sales (e.g., cars used in the Back to the Future trilogy, or those with celebrity provenance) have fetched over $100,000 at auctions.
Ownership Challenges
While owning a DeLorean can be rewarding, keep in mind:
- Parts may be rare, though production continues from restoration companies
- Electrical issues and body alignment problems are common
- Climate zones with high humidity corrode undercarriage fast
- Demand has increased, driving up values and interest
Conclusion: A Timeless Car That’s Not Going Back to the Past
So, how many DeLoreans are there today? While precise numbers are elusive due to undocumented losses and international sales, most estimates align with 6,500 to 7,000 units still in existence globally. These cars are preserved, restored, or waiting for someone with the passion to save them.
Far from being a niche automotive relic, the DeLorean DMC-12 remains vibrant through active enthusiast groups, new technologies, and the timeless allure of Back to the Future. Whether you own one, work to restore one, or just admire its design from afar, the DeLorean’s journey—through time, film, and automotive history—is as fascinating as the machine itself.
As new DeLorean-inspired models begin to roll out and electric conversions give new life to old ones, the legacy of the stainless gullwing icon looks brighter than ever. And with the right preservation effort, there’s a good chance those DeLoreans we have today will still be around—and even more cherished—30 years from now.
Keep Watching the Flux Capacitor Zone
How many DeLoreans are estimated to exist today?
The DeLorean Motor Company produced a total of 9,200 DeLorean DMC-12 cars between 1981 and 1983, making it a relatively rare vehicle right from the start. However, due to both natural attrition and the iconic status the car has gained, especially after its appearance in the Back to the Future film trilogy, an exact count of surviving models is difficult to determine. Experts and community members estimate that around 6,000 to 7,000 DeLoreans remain in existence today, scattered around the world in varying conditions—from fully operational machines to project cars stored in garages or warehouses.
The DeLorean Owners Club North America (DOCNA) and other enthusiast groups keep registries to track and document the remaining cars, though they admit many are unregistered or unknown. Due to their cult classic status and association with 1980s pop culture, many surviving DeLoreans have been preserved, restored, or even partially reconstructed, adding to the longevity of the model and contributing to its status as a collectible automobile.
Why did production of the DeLorean DMC-12 stop after only a few years?
The DeLorean Motor Company ceased production of the DMC-12 in 1983 primarily due to financial difficulties. Founded by John DeLorean, the company struggled with funding, production delays, and a controversial drug trafficking arrest of its founder in 1982. Although he was later acquitted, the incident gravely damaged investor and public confidence, leading to the company’s bankruptcy and the halt of vehicle production. The factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, was shut down with only partial production completed on the remaining frames.
Despite a relatively brief production run, the DeLorean DMC-12 gained fame far beyond its financial success. Although originally intended to be a futuristic sports car with cutting-edge design, its on-screen role in the Back to the Future films catapulted the car into automotive legend. As a result, the model’s legacy continued long after the company ceased operations, prompting restoration activity, aftermarket support, and even plans for limited rebirths of the car decades later.
Is there a market for restored or newly built DeLoreans today?
Yes, there is a robust and dedicated market for restored and reconditioned DeLoreans today due to their cultural significance, especially from Back to the Future. While original 1980s examples are still being found and restored by collectors and enthusiasts, several companies have capitalized on the car’s popularity by offering maintenance, restoration services, and parts. A vibrant ecosystem of mechanics, online communities, and businesses has grown to support DeLorean owners. Some companies, including the modern DeLorean Motor Company (Texas-based), offer certified restoration, upgrade packages, and even turnkey models for buyers who want a fully functional, modernized version of the DMC-12.
In addition, there is a trend toward building “new” DeLoreans from surplus original parts and improved modern replicas or conversions. Some companies have even created electric versions of the DMC-12, merging nostalgia with modern performance and sustainability. These builds, though not factory originals, are seen as legitimate extensions of the DeLorean legacy. Whether restored or newly assembled, DeLoreans remain highly desirable for collectors and fans alike, often fetching high prices at auctions and among niche auto markets.
How did the DeLorean become such an iconic symbol in pop culture?
The DeLorean DMC-12 owes much of its iconic status to its starring role as the time machine in the Back to the Future trilogy, which began in 1985. The choice of the DeLorean was initially unconventional, but its gull-wing doors, stainless-steel body, and unusual shape made it stand out to movie audiences. Over time, the car became a visual representation of the concept of time travel in popular imagination, becoming synonymous with adventure and futuristic thinking. The trilogy’s global success further cemented the DeLorean as a symbol of 1980s culture and science fiction nostalgia.
Beyond Back to the Future, the DeLorean’s unique design—spearheaded by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro—helped cultivate a lasting visual identity. Although originally unsuccessful as a commercial vehicle, the car’s aesthetic appeal and historical tie-in to the DeLorean Motor Company’s founder’s larger-than-life story added layers to its mystique. This mix of cinematic exposure, design charisma, and the car’s limited numbers has resulted in a continued resurgence in interest, particularly around retro-themed films, fashion, and car culture.
How can I find and purchase a DeLorean today?
To find and purchase a DeLorean today, you can start by searching through enthusiast forums such as the DeLorean Owners Club (DOC), where members often list cars for sale. Additionally, there are several specialty dealers and restoration shops that handle buying, selling, and trading of DeLoreans. Online auction sites, including ClassicCars.com, Bring A Trailer, and eBay Motors, also regularly feature DeLoreans, though buyers should be cautious and conduct thorough inspections or use third-party services for verification before making a purchase.
Another option is contacting the DeLorean Motor Company in Texas, which offers restored or rebuilt DeLoreans to modern drivability standards. The company also supports those who choose to source their own cars for restoration. Prospective buyers are encouraged to assess the car’s history, mileage, authenticity, rust level (common in older models), and any mechanical work done. Due to the high demand and cultural value of the car, it’s recommended to budget anywhere from $30,000 to well over $100,000 depending on condition, provenance, and modifications when seeking a quality example.
Are there replicas or alternative versions of the DeLorean available?
Yes, there are replicas and alternative versions of the DeLorean DMC-12 available for those who might not be able to find or afford an original car. Companies specializing in kit cars, restomods, and electric conversions often offer DeLorean-style vehicles built on modern chassis with updated mechanicals and performance systems. These alternatives mimic the iconic look while offering modern driving experiences, convenience, and reliability at a reduced cost compared to authentic models.
Another alternative comes from the rise of electric DeLorean conversions, particularly by companies like Evergreen Electric or the DeLorean Motor Company itself, aiming to preserve the car’s heritage while adapting it to modern standards. These conversions maintain the original body and styling while upgrading the drivetrain and electronics, merging nostalgia with technology. Although these replicas and conversions lack original car status, they offer fans of the DMC-12 a way to experience the design without the limitations of the aging original model.
Has the DeLorean officially returned for modern consumers?
As of now, the DeLorean has not officially returned as a full-scale modern production vehicle, but steps have been taken toward its revival. The DeLorean Motor Company (Texas-based), which acquired remaining parts and rights to the DMC-12, has been offering certified restorations and assembling cars using original or compatible components. In recent years, the company has announced plans to produce a limited run of new DeLoreans—called the Alpha5—with some all-electric performance upgrades. This marks the closest the brand has come to returning to active production since the original cars rolled off the factory line in the 1980s.
The Alpha5 represents DeLorean Motor Company’s vision for a 21st-century reinterpretation of the classic design, drawing inspiration from the DMC-12 while incorporating contemporary engineering, electric propulsion, and updated aesthetics. Though production numbers are limited and delivery dates are scheduled years ahead, the project signifies a renewed effort to bring the DeLorean brand back into the spotlight. While fans remain excited, many still rely on original or restored models as the modern revival phase unfolds.