Just 303 Original DeLorean Cars Remain Registered in the United Kingdom
Forty years after the release of the blockbuster film “Back to the Future,” a remarkably small number of the iconic vehicles – specifically, just 303 DeLorean cars – are still operating on British roads. This scarcity has transformed these automobiles into highly coveted collector’s items and valuable pieces of cinematic history.
Data obtained through analysis of records maintained by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) illuminates this unusual situation. Furthermore, a further 114 DeLorean vehicles are currently listed under a “Statutory Off Road Notification” (SORN), indicating that they are being stored rather than actively driven.
The limited availability of these distinctive cars has undeniably fueled their rising value amongst automotive enthusiasts and collectors specializing in film memorabilia. Characterized by their instantly recognizable features – notably the signature gullwing doors and unpainted stainless steel exterior – the DeLorean DMC-12 continues to hold a special place in popular culture.
Production History and Decline
Initially, approximately 9,000 DeLorean DMC-12s were manufactured between 1981 and 1983 at the DeLorean Motor Company’s assembly line located in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. However, the company’s success proved fleeting.
Just a year after production began, the DeLorean Motor Company declared insolvency, coinciding with the film’s burgeoning global popularity. This compressed production timeline significantly contributes to the car’s current rarity and desirability.
Dramatic Price Increases
“A combination of their scarcity and the ‘Back to the Future’ phenomenon has pushed prices higher than people might imagine,” explains Edward Lovett, chief executive of Collecting Cars.
When the DeLorean was first released, its price tag reached approximately £18,000 – a substantial investment at the time, even surpassing the cost of a Porsche 911.
Today, a meticulously restored model can command a price exceeding £80,000 when sold at auction. Collecting Cars has facilitated just two DeLorean sales since its inception in 2019; most recently, one achieved a sale price of £56,000 in 2022.
Special Editions and Film Influence
Versions specifically adapted to replicate the DeLorean featured prominently in “Back to the Future” often command even higher prices. The film’s depiction of Dr. Emmett Brown’s time-traveling vehicle—powered by plutonium, a fictional flux capacitor, and achieving speeds of 88mph – has cemented its place in cinematic history.
“Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,” the film’s famous quote remains an enduring cultural reference.
Future Prospects
Recent reports suggest that the DeLorean may even feature as part of the upcoming Universal Studios theme park planned for the United Kingdom.
