The Back to the Future movies established the DeLorean DMC-12 as the world’s most iconic futuristic car. But the definition of high-tech has radically changed since Paul Brian’s DeLorean rolled out of the factory 28 years ago. So the eBay seller, a long-time DeLorean fan, added a turbocharger and an iPad-powered dashboard—complete with head-up display.
Brian enjoyed monthly meetings with fellow DeLorean owners in the Las Vegas area. But when he was considered selling the car, he wanted to expand the universe of prospective buyers. Brian had previous success selling a Lotus Esprit on eBay a few years ago, so he returned to list the DeLorean.
The futuristic improvements—and its listing on eBay Motors—expanded interest well beyond Las Vegas, where the car was located. Brian said:
eBay allowed me to reach thousands of potential buyers that I could not normally reach.
A DeLorean Fan Since 1984
The DeLorean’s signature gull-wing doors.
Back in 1984, Brian worked for a Toyota dealership. The dealership was an authorized service shop for DeLoreans. Interest in the car skyrocketed when the movie came out in 1985—and Brian was hooked. After a brief spin in one of the stainless-steel wonders, he became determined to own one someday.
That day came in 1999 when he bought his 1983 DeLorean. The previous owner kept it garaged and in great shape, but it was mainly a showpiece. So Brian made the driving experience more exciting by rebuilding the engine, adding a BAE turbo kit. (Fun fact: the DeLorean Motor Company was planning to offer a turbo engine option before the company fell on hard times.)
The seller incorporated an iPad into the DeLorean.
Brian’s love of the DeLorean’s futuristic vibe never wavered. But a couple of years ago, he decided to bring the car’s interior into the internet age.
Brian said:
The car is so modern and future-looking, but the stock interior was awful.
He installed a dash-mounted iPad that connects to a hidden Sony head unit. The 1983 DeLorean now uses a smartphone app to start the engine remotely and control the doors and trunk.
Even Marty McFly would be impressed by Brian’s installation of a head-up display. That comes courtesy of a second iPhone added to the DeLorean’s native gauges. There are other slick improvements.
- Apple CarPlay provides infotainment.
- The lighting is LED throughout.
- The car now rides on MOMO rims in an anthracite finish.
- Many new engine parts feature a gold powder-coating.
The powder coating of the engine parts in gold looks great, but where is the flux capacitor?
A Successful Sale
eBay usually has a handful of DeLoreans for sale. But the response to Brian’s future-proofed example was fast and furious. He said:
On the first day, I received three decent offers on the car. I also received 10 or so messages just complimenting me on my build.
Fellow DeLorean enthusiasts appreciated the modern upgrades that still preserved the classic look and feel of the car. Brian was thrilled when the DeLorean sold a few days later. He said:
I would never have imagined that my $12,000 original investment in 1999 would go for $70,000. More than that, it’s been a blast getting all the positive feedback.
