Matt Buys a Barn-Find Delorean!

After 25 years of unhealthy obsession and six months of searching (with the help of DMC CEO Stephen Wynne), Matt finally finds the perfect Delorean to take home.
Update After carefully re-checking the VIN and build date, Matt's Delorean is actually a 1983 model, not a 1981 model. It was built in August of 1982. Matt doesn't care. Thanks DMC geeks for assisting with that.
www.delorean.com
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[@xBuzz996]

i play forza horizon on my xbox. Matt plays forza horizon in real life...

[@TheSmokingTire]

I drove and filmed the C7 yesterday. We have a very busy next few weeks, but will have the video up as soon as possible. The car is ridiculously good.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The original spec was shit. That's the problem. If the original spec was perfect, uncompromised design, a-la 911, Ferrari, or Lambo, I might be inclined to agree. But the fact is, US bumper height requirements, as well as emissions at the time and cheapness/laziness from the factory killed this car back in the day. I'm just restoring it in line with its original design before the accountants and government officials stepped in.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Thanks Jay, and after a few phone calls once others pointed it out, it turns out I was wrong and did indeed buy an 83 :) The build date is August 1982.

[@nobodyspecial313]

"It looks kind of ah, a mess." What are you talking about it? For a thirty year old car it looks great. The car to the left of it, now THAT one is a mess. Yours is just dirty.

[@minisoul01]

Yep this car just needs some minor work but the one to the left NEEDS A TOTAL restoration

[@Dadified86]

You're doing what so many guys (like you) would love to. It's really fun to see you geek out the same way most of us probably would!

[@rrpostalagain]

I vividly remember a new DeLorean puking it's guts out in a big traffic jam on the way in to Pine Knob music theater around 1987. the colors that fell out the bottom were amazing. They were pretty common in the Detroit area back then. So was cocaine, if I recall.

[@bsainc6444]

+rrpostalagain cocaine still is

[@rrpostalagain]

+Bsa Inc Like in the 80s? I've moved on, so I guess it could be me.

[@Dan4x2282]

great story !!!!! Love it !!!

[@JohnHeritage]

Matt, kudos for not being afraid to modify the car -- cars are meant to be driven, and should be fun. Thanks for sharing this with us :)

[@TheNoobtuberr]

For a second I thought my adblock failed but nah lol

[@TheSmokingTire]

as a dealer, or whatever it is you do, you know as well as anyone that repairing or replacing a damaged body panel does not taint a cars originality. Body panels are not VIN stamped, and if you break or bend one, you are free to fix it without affecting the value of a car.

[@CA18KE70]

amazing, so when the movies came out the previous owner actualy stoped using it

[@TheSmokingTire]

One is for going fast, one is for looking cool and nostalgia.

[@scotttox7815]

1:01 Matt says his Delorean is a mess, but look at the Delorean on the Left

[@TheSmokingTire]

If you go to Drive's main page, the individual shows are organized into playlists, and Tuned is right there. Unlike TST, Drive operates in seasons like TV. Tuned runs opposite Big Muscle, and will return to new programming in October.

[@hahah5739]

There's probably nothing more annoying to DMC or Delorean himself than the fact that people can't appreciate the car for what it is, instead of the BTTF correlation. Remember, BTTF used the car, not the other way around.

[@BIT1FFY]

ohhh, im sure Delorean made a MASS of sales of the back of BTTF

[@freddyen]

yeah, Mr Delorean must really have hated that a movie made hes unique car design to be noticed and remembered for generations after the company broke! really... haha Are you on drugs or plain stupid?? if not for the movie, delorean would be another Jensen interceptor! trolling is an art you dont master

[@toypop96]

Freddy Kristensen I think Ha Hah had a good point; it's great that the car became famous through the movie, but now there's just a glut of people who post stupid comments related to the movie instead of looking at the car itself. For example, there's a video of one of the extremely rare gold-plated DeLoreans, and all the guy filming was doing (rather than finding out about the history of the car or the company) was asking "where is the flux capacitor, hurrhurr" and stupid stuff like that. I mean, you just have to look at how many DeLoreans have been made into BTTF replicas. As far as I'm concerned, the history surounding the car and the little details and facts about it are much more impressive than knowing it was in a popular movie and blowing off dumb quotes.

[@rafaelmendoza3785]

where we're going, we dont need roads

[@TheSmokingTire]

Yes, I got confused because for the last six months I had been looking for 81's, and when DMC told me about this car, I just assumed it was an 81 as well. Upon further review it was an August 82 build.

[@albboy96]

that delorean is beautiful

[@michaelcooper5894]

its a piece of shit, no power, not confort, just a simple car worst than a renault twingo 1998 with some stupid opening doors which doesnt allow you to open them wen you are on a undergrownd car park, how can you say that thát junk car is "beautiful" ?

[@albboy96]

Michael Cooper well is just my opinion, not yours

[@RonnieTheFish]

albboy96 It is Beautiful i agree

[@SauceCO1]

Michael Cooper Why do you watch this video, if you dislike the car?

[@TheSmokingTire]

Everyone I've ever spoken to who has actually attempted an engine swap in a Delorean has reported a negative overall experience. Increasing the potency of the original engine gives me the power I need without the headaches associated with putting an engine where it was never meant to go.

[@JustAlex1]

I was at a open house sale. Guy was selling a Delorean with 1000 miles on it. He wanted 120k lol

[@squirrel17404p]

Whatever happened the DMC? Haven't heard a thing about it since this video.

[@coldsteelwonder]

Se sold it a few weeks back. He completely restored it and had it for a while but lost his storage space so had to unload it. Auctioned it on Bring a Trailer and ended up get $52,000 for it.

[@paulkirkland1535]

Shred Durst: Are you really serious $52000? Wow!

[@TheSmokingTire]

US Spec deloreans had to meet the bizarre US bumper height requirements, so all US cars were raised 2" in the front. Euro spec cars looked much more like the BTTF car, with the proper stance. The BTTF car actually had the US spec suspension but had many batteries in the front trunk for filming, so it actually sat at the proper Euro height.

[@suerte03211978]

Great scott! The flux capacitor is missing! You got ripped off, dude.

[@nastraightsix]

Congrats on the amazing find Matt! We can not wait to see how the restoration and modifications turn out!

[@zZrEtRiBuTiOnZz]

Hello, my name is Alex, and I use Adblock. Suck it, lol.

[@luigia2a]

Um, your names titled joe

[@zZrEtRiBuTiOnZz]

Andrew Inglis Yeah, cuz my real name is totally "Joe Blow". -_-

[@natemikevlogz9213]

+simonburkeisable he said his name is Alex

[@TheSmokingTire]

I've spoken to many people who have done engine swaps in DMC's, and they all said the same thing: cost way more than planned, huge pain in the ass, even if it went fast in a straight line it didn't drive the way they hoped it would, and sold the car at a huge loss. That doesn't sound like an experience I'd like.

[@evilwarcow]

Where did you find this? I am needing one for a school project of mine which I am going to make it the Time machine from BTTF.

[@sgtpepper1138]

+evilwarcow You need a Delorean for a school project? You DO realize they're not a cheap car, right? Plus, it sometimes takes people YEARS to source the parts for a time machine.

[@OF01975]

+sgtpepper1138 lol

[@gagansaini6572]

You can get 1 for 2,000 bucks

[@sgtpepper1138]

+Gagi Singh3 One that needs a major restoration/overhaul.

[@anthony.zepeda]

The Big G they're worth 30,000 not 2000

[@TheSmokingTire]

1) I'm not changing the tail pipes, don't know where you got that. 2) I am restoring the car using original NOS DMC parts, as well as doing all the updates DMC does to older cars in order to make them more driveable. In doing so I'm adding value to a non-running car. There are plenty of museum piece Deloreans out there; mine doesn't need to be one of them.

[@Roosterjello]

You sound just like Jimmy Kimmel

[@TheSmokingTire]

Dan is the man. We're doing something this weekend with his Time Machine

[@dav3fk]

You go find a 2k mile unicorn, and start "restoring" stuff..... Why? Why not get any one if it's all being done up?

[@TheSmokingTire]

tuned runs opposite big muscle. When Big Muscle's season is done at the end of September, Tuned returns.

[@rileynewton17]

Why would you ruin a barn find by modding the engine?

[@jamillebrowne5086]

+Riley Newton Because a Delorean engine is nothing noteworthy lol

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

+Riley Newton Not so much a mod as it is undoing the early 80's EPA stranglehold. The motor was always supposed to output around 200hp before regulations crippled it. I own an 83 an I'm all for keeping it NA. Not a fan of turbos or swaps, but bringing out the true potential of the motor? Yes please.

[@paulkirkland1535]

Tech Byte 950:How can you have an '83 when they weren't made after '82?

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

83's were produced in 82 (technically, a lot of 83's are "fixed" 81's) It's not uncommon to have model years actually built the previous year. There's a good chance if you check your cars vin badge, it will say "manufactured October 2015" despite it being a 2016. My DMC was manufactured August 1982, but it is a 1983 with a 1983 vin (#15575) 1982s were built in 81. 81's built in 1980.

[@TheSmokingTire]

it's not going to be a feature, but there will be quite a few videos about the restoration.

[@Rebecca_The_Dragon]

WTF MATT!!! You own not one...but two of my dream cars!? YOU LUCKY BITCH!

[@anthony.zepeda]

5dmc1 Same

[@anthony.zepeda]

5dmc1 I'm happy because I might get one once I graduate from high school or before

[@anthony.zepeda]

5dmc1 and you can get deloreans just check this site then go to the bottom for locations www.delorean.com/inventory-used.htm

[@hejmuesli]

This has been my absolute favourite TST video. Please keep us updated, and it'd be really interesting to see your Aston and other cars you have, too. :)

[@dajusta87]

How much did he buy it for?

[@Black91crx]

justun chan I would venture a guess of around $50K considering the mileage.

[@whoohaaXL]

Black91crx Sure, Mileage is low, but the condition isn't great. A Great condition/low mileage DMC might go for 50k, but I'd venture closer to 30k honestly.

[@TheSmokingTire]

dear "seekahaa" - As you can see by our release dates, we do upload videos more often than every 2 months. We also have to have jobs to pay bills, because The Smoking Tire does not bring in enough income to support all of us. We make videos for our other show Tuned and have spent the last 2 months filming the next season of that, while also filming a 60-minute TST feature film and working day jobs. If we had a weekly show, we would work very hard for not enough money and we would be out of biz.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I personally don't mind the painted ones. Some colors (black and red come to mind) look cool. Unfortunately it's usually the reason they get painted that bothers me: Bondo. Someone wrecked it, and rather than replace the stainless steel panels, they just bondo it up and paint over it.

[@TheSmokingTire]

yes, as the car was originally meant to have that power, and it was restricted due to US emissions ( which don't apply today, since the car is more than 25 years old I can scrap all that emissions garbage)

[@TheSmokingTire]

Larry's going to come out to detail the whole thing when the restoration is done.

[@TheSmokingTire]

There were about 9,000 cars originally produced, of which about 6,000 are still on the road.

[@johnypiston]

I like what you are doing i.e. going for retro cars (80s or 90s), cleaning them up and updating just one or two things. I have done it to a Z3 and am now looking for my next 90s project (probably an E36). I am liking your work - one can just sense you are a true car guy.

[@TheSmokingTire]

I would, but in California I can actually register the car and use it with those plates, so I think I'll clear coat the plates and stick them right back on the car :)

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

Thank you for not calling it a DMC-12

[@EricSiedlecki]

Congrats Matt. I'm excited for you. I can't wait to see it post-resto.

[@TheSmokingTire]

there was a law in the early 80's that speedometers couldn't go past 85. The delorean's original top speed was 130 mph, but the speedo just stopped at 85 lol

[@TheSmokingTire]

My definition of "original" is what the DMC community, the employees at DMC, and the market for DMC cars considers original. The car is in non-running condition, and doing an engine re-build at DMC with a stage 2 conversion is considered an OEM upgrade as far as the market for these cars are concerned. You said I am "ruining" the car, when I am saving an otherwise non-running brick.

[@TheSmokingTire]

i love people who call the delorean "heavy," because it's generally the first indicator that they know absolutely nothing about the car. The delorean weighs 2,750 lbs wet, or about the same as a contemporary porsche 911.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The top speed of the original Delorean was 138 mph, and mine makes 80 more HP than that. In the early 1980s there was a law that all speedometers had to stop at 85 mph, but it had nothing to do with the top speed of the original car.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The restoration is more than the cost of the car itself, and the total is less than the MSRP of the fully loaded 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited I just tested.

[@TheSmokingTire]

the restoration includes a brand new euro-spec suspension and complete set of new brakes.

[@TheSmokingTire]

You make a valid point, but no. These cars came out after people started the "collecting" trend, and there are literally hundreds of deloreans with less than 1,000 miles that are in museum-ready condition. If you want one of those cars, you can have one for a reasonable price. My demands were much higher. I wanted a museum piece that was ready to drive at any moment, and that means a restoration.

[@TheSmokingTire]

with the stage 2 engine upgrade, it will do 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds, so I'd say a rematch with the Sienna is in order.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Dillon Optics, the official eyewear of TST. Use the banner link on our site when you check them out and if you buy them we'll send you a free TST "Will work for keys" T-Shirt

[@TheSmokingTire]

agree, please see update to video description.

[@trinisuprazee]

regardless of how you feel about the presenter or the show in general, we can all feel his excitement and understand what it feels like to find the car you have been searching for for so long. congrats

[@TrippingHawk]

I like how everyone is complaining and telling him to "keep it original". All he's doing is replacing the underpowered engine (what a majority of DeLorean owners do) and updating the speedometer (The 85mph gauge was shoe-horned in by government laws). He clearly says everything else is being RESTORED. Not replaced.

[@TheSmokingTire]

That may be true for "true" barn finds; museum piece cars that probably wouldn't be driven anyway except for onto the lawn at Pebble Beach, but in terms of Deloreans, if it's not running, it's basically worthless. A running, restored DMC is worth more than a non-running unrestored one. Besides, I want a car not a brick, and having something that looks like 99 points and drives better than stock is perfect for me.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Welcome to 2013, where youtube is a commercial enterprise.

[@TheSmokingTire]

There are no examples of a non-running delorean being worth more than a running delorean. Furthermore, doing the stage 2 conversion through DMC adds to the car's resale value, it doesn't take away from it. Since the stage 2 conversion is considered an OEM upgrade and improves the drivability of the car drastically. There are at least 500 Deloreans out there with less than 1,000 miles on them; museum pieces I'll say. Good for them, but I want a car not a sculpture.

[@TheSmokingTire]

points for your geekiness, please read the video description.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Do I have to spell it out for you? The car DOES NOT RUN. I'm adding value by MAKING IT RUN. The performance upgrades are done BY DMC and considered ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT in terms of resale value. There are plenty of sub-1000 mile DMC's out there for the collector who wants a museum piece, not a driver. I want a driver. Taking a low mile - yet - non running car and making it run is adding value, not subtracting from it.

[@TheSmokingTire]

85 extra horsepower is more than 50% more power. That's not a "relatively small upgrade," in a 2,700 lbs car, 85 extra horsepower is very significant.

[@MrQuimby34]

This is so awesome, I'm looking forward to the finished car video. I think that those of us in the 25-40 age range do have a soft spot for the DeLorean because we grew up with them.

[@TheSmokingTire]

They weigh 2,700 lbs, so about the same as a 1980's 911. The handling, if you have one with the Euro-spec suspension, Identical to a contemporary Lotus Esprit's setup, isn't terrible but isn't great. If you have one with the raised US spec (awful) suspension, it's pretty terrible.

[@StangQuest94]

HOLY COW! What a find?!!??! LOL - The curse of the 80's headliner!

[@dudewuttheheck]

I am really looking forward to this being finished!

[@TheSmokingTire]

It wasn't bad. It was mid-priced for a Delorean. Of course, after the restoration, I will have paid quite a lot but it will be worth it.

[@TheSmokingTire]

the upgraded HVAC comes with the restoration.

[@TheSmokingTire]

1) I said changing the exhaust, which includes headers, muffler, and (removing of) cats for more power and better sound. The tips stay, and, like everything else, I'm keeping the original parts, worthless as they are. 2) Do you want to buy this car? If so, I'd be happy to sell it to you, as is, since you're so attached to the originality of it. I don't want an "old banger." I want a minty fresh car. One that can win a concours on any given weekend, and drive the way I want it to drive.

[@tab1990]

Awesome, my cousin bought one a few years ago and it's basically been sitting in my Grandma's garage since then. Can't wait for the Time machine video.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Who said I'm molesting it? I'm unlocking the engine's original potential before early 1980's emission controls came into play. Still considered original.

[@R3FINEDRAGE]

Dude that's awesome bro. Keep us all posted on the updates

[@TheSmokingTire]

the whole motor is being rebuilt. I expect no issues.

[@robertmorena9549]

love it. I have always liked those Deloreans for some reason to. Nothing like a barn find with original findings. I have a 99 Impreza L and was excited to find the original window sticker.

[@StreetCruizer]

I see your point. I did a little research and found out that the original concept was ment to be a mid-engine, not rear-engine mount. The motor they used was a compromise back then and even detuned for the US market to meet emissions regulations. So the engine they used for series production wasn't meant to go there either (somehow). By giving it more power you're probably moving the car closer to what was originally De Lorean's vision of a light weight sports car. Good luck with your project!

[@eazyd34]

I didn't want this video to end!

[@KooKL4]

Dammit, now I have to wait to see it finished... This really is one of those weird and goofy cars you just love for some reason. Congrats on the find, that thing is going to be super fun when you get to roll it out.

[@SKENGZEE]

We need to see more of this !!

[@TestMonkey31]

I'm really looking fwd to Matt's review video once his Delorean is restored. That should be way cool. Great vid Matt.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Pros: I like them all. Cons: They all cost money.

[@TheSmokingTire]

The chassis can't handle that much power. Swapped DMC's are money pits; nothing ever works properly, the car never drives the way you'd dream it would; even if it's fast in a straight line, the chassis just can't keep up, and people always end up selling them at a huge loss. I'd much rather just appreciate the car for what it is and pick up a different set of keys off the rack when I want to go fast.

[@Aearonjer]

Congrats matt, i love sitting in my cars thinking about what i want to do to them. Looking forward to the restoration review.

[@FlamingShutter]

Matt love the car...can't wait to see it fully restored!

[@Wetterflod]

Every one of us born in the early 80`s have a soft spot for the DeLoreans. Good find Matt, nice looking car.

[@DamianBlaze]

I can't wait to see it when it's finished.

[@TheSmokingTire]

RS7's won't be in the US fleets until the the early part of next year.

[@someusername121]

For the love of god, please have a 2 hour feature length video of this baby being brought back to life.

[@TheSmokingTire]

It's my money, and I'll spend it how I want. Since you say you own two deloreans, you are well aware that a non-running car is worth far less than a running car, DMC mods or not. By buying this car, restoring and lightly modifying it, I am not only putting a non-runner back on the road, but adding value to an otherwise bricked car.

[@TheSmokingTire]

That isn't possible. The reason none of these suggested engine swaps are a good idea is because there's more to a car than just power and suspension. The actual chassis itself wouldn't be able to handle that much power, and would probably twist from the torque. A Delorean will never be a supercar, so you should either just enjoy it for what it is, or buy something faster.

[@Supradrew]

Too Cool Matt. I was in High School when those came out and have wanted one ever since. Maybe someday, lol. I'll be looking forward to the next installments in your Deloeran resto. Drew

[@jake3333333333333333]

Thats so sick! I can't wait to see the finished project

[@ross46x]

Cool matt. Can't wait to see it when it's all finished! I work near the old dmc factory in Belfast. Love these cars

[@TheSmokingTire]

I always ask them how they can keep track of the 30-or-so nearly identical cars at the lot lol.

[@TheSmokingTire]

DMC does movie quality BTTF conversions on your Delorean for about $45k.

[@TheSmokingTire]

That's his address on the original registration.

[@ArtByAusup]

You HAVE to keep us updated on the process. Maybe even talk about it with DeLorean and do a special series on their restoration? Kind of like Drive Clean meets the Koenigsegg documentary?

[@Freedomlover55]

I've been waiting since FOREVER for this video !

[@Wind65737]

That is a great find, and with so few miles, very nice!

[@CBKillas]

I have always wanted one. Saw one in San Diego as a kid, and knew it was great.