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DeLorean DMC-12: Iconic ‘Back to the Future’ Car Nears Extinction on UK Roads
The DeLorean DMC-12, an iconic vehicle cemented in cinematic history by the film Back to the Future, is facing near extinction on UK roads. Recent findings indicate a mere 303 of these classic cars remain licensed for British roads.
DeLorean’s Declining Numbers
Distinguished by their signature gull-wing doors and unique brushed stainless steel exterior, approximately 9,000 units of this classic car were initially produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland.
Data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), analyzed by Collecting Cars, reveals that a limited number of DeLoreans were taxed for road use in the past year. Furthermore, 114 hold a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) – a road tax exemption – suggesting they are likely stored as collectors’ items rather than being driven regularly.
Skyrocketing Prices for a Legendary Car
This increasing scarcity has propelled the price of this legendary vehicle to unprecedented levels.
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According to Edward Lovett, chief executive of Collecting Cars, “Currently, a meticulously restored model, especially one enhanced with a replica conversion to mirror the film car, could command bids exceeding £80,000 (£106,000 USD).”
‘Back to the Future’ Phenomenon
Back To The Future, released in cinemas in the summer of 1985, dramatically boosted the DeLorean’s public consciousness.
In this science fiction classic, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown famously transforms the once-obscure sports car into a functioning time machine.
The DeLorean car is probably best known for appearing in the 1985 American sci-fi classic ‘Back to the Future’
Experts say this classic car is at risk of vanishing for good, with only 303 DeLorean DMC-12s left on Britain’s roads
Within the movie, the quirky scientist Dr. Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown engineers a time machine by modifying a DeLorean, utilizing plutonium to energize a fictional device known as the flux capacitor, enabling time travel once the vehicle reaches 88mph.
Doc Brown’s iconic line, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” has attained legendary status in pop culture, rivaling the DeLorean itself in recognition.
Even during its initial production run, the DeLorean was considered a rare and expensive car, but contemporary prices have risen significantly.
The inaugural DeLorean DMC-12 emerged from the production line in January 1981; however, the DeLorean Motor Company collapsed into insolvency the subsequent year.
An agreement to save the struggling manufacturer was devised, but ultimately fell apart following the arrest of John DeLorean, the company’s founder, on drug trafficking charges.
Mr. Lovett elaborated, stating: “Back in 1981, the sticker price hovered around £18,000, positioning it at a higher price point than a Porsche 911.”
“The confluence of their inherent scarcity and the enduring Back To The Future phenomenon has propelled prices to levels potentially exceeding public perception,” Mr. Lovett noted.
The DeLorean famously took to the skies at the end of Back to the Future Part II (pictured)
Even though the real DeLorean can’t fly, prices have soared due to scarcity and the car’s central role in this iconic film
A restored DeLorean converted to look like the prop from the film could sell for up to £80,000 according to car auction experts
Since commencing operations in 2019, Collecting Cars has facilitated the sale of only two DeLoreans, with the most recent transaction reaching £56,000 (£74,000 USD) in 2022.
Other Film Famous Cars at Risk
However, the DeLorean is not the only car from famous films facing the risk of disappearing from public roads.
As per DVLA data, analyzed by the How Many Left website, only 311 examples of the Aston Martin DB5, renowned from James Bond films, remained licensed for road use last year.
An additional 73 Aston Martin DB5s were registered as SORN, indicating they are predominantly used for special occasions such as track days.
The Lotus Esprit, famously driven by Roger Moore in the 1977 James Bond film *The Spy Who Loved Me*, has fared slightly better, with 330 examples currently road legal and 374 SORN.
Still Popular Silver Screen Cars
Certain vehicles from the silver screen remain remarkably popular, for example, the Mini Cooper from *The Italian Job*, with 950 still taxed for public roads.
Similarly, over 2,400 Ford Anglias, recognized as the flying car in *Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets*, are still licensed for road use.