Rare 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 Joins DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection in Fort Worth

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, recently expanded its collection with the addition of a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, a vehicle renowned for its futuristic design and iconic status from the 'Back to the Future' film series. This particular model, boasting only 13,000 miles, stands as a rare artifact of automotive history, maintained in near-original condition since its acquisition by its first owner in 1981.

Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro's Italdesign, the DMC-12 is celebrated for its unpainted stainless-steel panels, fiberglass underbody, and a Lotus-derived double-Y chassis. Its unique aesthetic is further enhanced by turbine-style aluminum wheels and a louvered engine cover, while the interior features a black leather cabin complete with power windows, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo. The car's 2.85-liter V6 engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle exemplifies the blend of design and mechanical innovation characteristic of its time.

Ron Sturgeon, the founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasizes the DeLorean's importance beyond its pop culture fame, viewing it as a symbol of the ambition and design ethos of its era. The museum, which prides itself on free admission and being pet-friendly, offers a distinctive venue for the public to explore this and other extraordinary vehicles, alongside a vast collection of toys, in an environment that honors the spirit of collecting.

The museum's recent move to a 150,000-square-foot facility in North Fort Worth signifies a pivotal moment in its efforts to make its collections more accessible to the public. Operating from Tuesday to Saturday, the museum not only showcases an impressive array of classic and exotic cars but also provides climate-controlled storage and event hosting services, establishing itself as a central gathering place for car aficionados and collectors.