DeLorean Values on the rise... (long)

[James Espey <james@xxxx>]

The talk a few weeks back about the values of DeLoreans "plummeting" 
(DOA board member David Knudsen's words) appears to be unfounded...

The National Automobile Dealers Association publishes several price 
guides, one of which is the "Classic, Collectible and Special 
Interest Car Appraisal Guide". This is the book that has DeLorean 
values in it.

The May-September 2000 edition arrived today, and the values are as follows:

1981-1983 DeLorean
Low - $9050
Avg - $14250
High - $23175

Compare this with the May-September 1999 edition:

1981-1983 DeLorean
Low - $9050
Avg - $13550
High - $17400

We contend, based on our experiences in the market that one year ago 
the high values were about $10,000 low, and today, in spite of the 
rise, they are about $8,000 to $10,000 low. Poor condition DeLoreans 
have stayed steady in the sub-$10K price range, and average condition 
cars have risen slightly. But the biggest shift has been in the 
"high" range - a nearly $6K increase in the last 12 months!

But what is a "low" DeLorean? An "average" DeLorean? A "high" DeLorean?

The NADA book generalizes the definitions as:

Low: This vehicle would be in mechanically functional condition. The 
exterior paint and trim would be in fair condition. The interior 
would show normal wear possibly needing minor reconditioning. Note: 
This does NOT represent "parts cars".

Average: This vehicle would be in good condition overall. It could be 
an older restoration or a well-maintained original vehicle. The 
exterior paint, trim and mechanics are in satisfactory condition. The 
interior would show minimal wear.

High: This vehicle would be in excellent condition overall. It could 
be a completely restored or an extremely well-maintained original 
vehicle. The exterior paint, trim and mechanics are not in need of 
work. Note: This does not represent a "100 point" or "#1" vehicle.

A more "DeLorean-specific" definition of these conditions is:

Low: The vehicle runs and drives normally, but with no recent service 
history. There is no fuel tank contamination or "hot start" problems. 
The brakes may pull or vibrate. The exterior stainless may have dents 
or dings, and the paint on the fascias may be worn, chipped or 
cracked. The fascias may be warped as well. The louvres may be 
cracked, and the exterior lights and lens are all in good condition. 
The interior shows normal wear, possibly with stains in the carpets 
and the dash and binnacle may be discolored or cracked. Headliners 
may be saggy or recovered with the incorrect material. The seats may 
show wear or be recovered in an incorrect material, and possibly torn 
or split at the seams. All operational systems (wipers, lights, air 
conditioning, windows, door locks, speedometer) are functioning.

Average: A daily driver type car with an "as necessary" service 
history, fascias are not warped, louvres are not broken. The exterior 
stainless steel has no dents or dings, but may have some light 
"cross-scratches" that require more than can be accomplished with by 
hand with a buffing pad. Runs and drives well, with a good interior 
that is free of tears, rips and shows no unusual signs of wear on the 
carpets, seats or headliners. The "average" condition DeLorean is the 
most treacherous area, as many of the cars advertised in that price 
range and NOT "average", but closer to "low", This is particularly 
true of the supposed "low mileage" DeLoreans that have been stored 
for years and are fraught with storage related maladies. "Caveat 
Emptor" applies here more than with either "high" or "low" condition 
cars.

High: A "high" condition DeLorean is one that has a recent, complete 
service history. Stainless, glass, fascias, louvres and exterior 
moldings and trim are flawless. The interior shows no signs of wear 
and is in excellent condition with the correct materials for seat, 
door panel, console and headliners. Operational systems are fully 
functional, with the necessary upgrades (metal header bottle, relay 
kit, braided steel clutch line, recalls, etc) performed. Potentially 
a "concours" competitor if in original condition.

This and more information about the values and conditions of 
DeLoreans will be posted on our website shortly. As always, if you 
are considering the purchase of a DeLorean, or just want to properly 
evaluate your own, download our "Vehicle Inspection Report". It's the 
same form we use in the shop to prepare estimates, and I think both 
current and prospective owners will find it useful.

http://www.usadmc.com/files/report.pdf

James Espey
DeLorean Motor Company
Houston, Texas

281/568-9573
800/USA-DMC1
http://www.usadmc.com