Ex-Johnny Carson 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

Description

The DMC DeLorean was famously the only production model produced by the short-lived DeLorean Motor Company founded by former General Motors executive John DeLorean. The DeLorean had all of the indications of assured success; it was engineered in part by Lotus, its angular form styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and it debuted in 1981 with resounding acclaim. The car’s innovative features included a rear-mounted engine, dramatic gullwing doors, and a novel stainless steel finish to accompany its futuristic aura. It was clear that DeLorean was aiming high; the 1980 holiday season American Express catalog advertised a 24-karat gold-plated DeLorean for an astounding $85,000! It quickly became the car to own and be seen with. Those celebrities with automotive industry connections made use of them, with such luminaries as Sammy Davis Jr., Kenny Rogers, and Patrick Swayze all owning one.

Counted among the select group of early DeLorean drivers was none other than late-night television host and comedian Johnny Carson. Carson was a significant investor in the company, and according to internal DeLorean documents, "J. Carson" was given this very car, chassis number 2439. It arrived from Belfast, Ireland at the Port of Long Beach aboard the Continental Highway. This was Carson’s early production car that he was famously trapped in, culminating in a fire department rescue and many late-night barbs at the expense of his DeLorean’s electrical system. Carson later received another DeLorean (chassis number 4523) as a replacement. Of course, the DeLorean could not fulfill the lofty expectations placed upon it, but in the end, due to a number of celebrity owners and a healthy dose of Hollywood magic, the DeLorean remains an indelible part of automotive and cultural history.

Highlights

• First owned by television royalty and DeLorean investor Johnny Carson

• Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission

• The DeLorean Motor Company Florida completed a six-month restoration of this vehicle in 2023, with a total cost of $50,198.01

• Engineered by Lotus, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro

• Power comes from a "PRV" 2.85-liter V6, rated at 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque.

• Finished in a brushed stainless steel body with optional Gray leather interior

• 14 and 15 inch turbine-style aluminum wheels with four-wheel disc brakes

• A six month restoration of this vehicle was completed in 2023 by The DeLorean Motor Company Florida with a total of $50,198,01

• This DeLorean features a clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report, with the odometer currently displaying approximately 89,700 miles at the time of listing

Features

• Giugiaro-designed cast-alloy wheels

• Gullwing doors

• Louvered rear window

• Dolby sound system

• Air conditioning

• Power windows

• Power door locks

• Power side mirrors

• Early digital clock

Included

• Two keys

• Comes with a six month or 6000 mile major systems, mechanical warranty. This covers items on the restoration invoice and is honored at any of our 3 national locations in California - Texas - Florida

Known Imperfections 

• This 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections.

Ownership History 

According the VIN plate, chassis number 2439 was completed at the DeLorean Motor Company’s Belfast, Ireland plant in July 1981. Internal DeLorean documentation indicates this car was first delivered to early DeLorean investor and comedian Johnny Carson. The car was later returned to DeLorean with the attached CARFAX Vehicle History Report beginning in 1992 with California ownership noted and 87,386 miles on the odometer. In 2022 the car left California for Florida and shows no accidents or mileage discrepancies.

Additional Information

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: Kevin Kovac Phone: 224.595.9201 email: kkovac@hagerty.com

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,175. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.