Delorean Wanted - maybe!

[SteveyP]

I imported my D from the US about 16 months ago now, and I think this is a good option for you. For me it was mostly a very straightforward and painless experience. Just do your research, set your budget and know your total costs (and that's import duty, shipping charges, handling fees etc...)

There will be the inevitable headaches of unforeseen issues/problems with the car that weren't fully disclosed. And maybe the possibility of damage caused by the shippers (I know mine had an interior panel tear, door dent and chassis gash that the PO knew nothing of).

I would say one thing though, that even if you do the majority of the work yourself - and I'm sure there will still be some specialist help you will need along the way. That the parts bill alone can get very large very quickly (remember parts are either coming directly from the US or Ed Uding in Holland, so plenty of import duty and carriage fees added per shipment to factor in.) But then I was in a rush to get it sorted. If you plan to do it over 2 to 3 years then this may not be such a big issue for you.

Don't be scared by the import process from the US. Plenty on here have done it. Remember the US has inevitably loads of D's for sale at any one time. So it is the best hunting ground for one in any condition really. Just do your homework and go in with your eyes wide open.

Best of luck.

Steve

[Chris P]

One of the problems in the UK and Europe in general, is lack of cars coming up for sale. so it is very difficult to have any sort of guide price.

in your position i'd go down the USA route as has already been described. Prices are on the rise, so its a bit of a race against time. There have been some "cracking cars" imported for modest prices….and a few dogs! Get help from the USA news groups, I'm sure they are just like ours, helpful.

My shopping list would be something like this:-

Spec…..Grey or Black, Auto or manual? Grey manual is the most popular choice.

Condition of Chassis frame…very important, get a good one, there are plenty about.

Condition of panels quite important, expensive to fix.

It would be nice if the engine ran…but it would not put me off if it didn't.

It would be nice if the interior was not too badly sun damaged, expensive and time consuming to fix.

Same with the front and rear facials but as new ones are now being made in the UK not too much of an issue.

Count on having to do fuel and electrical work and upgrades. I'd never re-wire one and can't see why you would have to. Repair whats there.

Help will be available once you get it here.

This is based on my personal experience as a moderately able mechanic and owner of 13 cars over 15 years with prices ranging from £6-35K ,.. one bought in bits, one with a blown engine and everything in between! I've never lost money on any of them. ( but personally id never do it with borrowed money).

good luck..get cracking!

[Andy]

Chris P Wrote:Same with the front and rear facials but as new ones are now being made in the UK not too much of an issue

Sorry to go off topic, but could you tell me where I could find these? I've been looking fo a new or secondhand one at an affordable price ...

[Starglider]

Andy Wrote:Sorry to go off topic, but could you tell me where I could find these? I've been looking fo a new or secondhand one at an affordable price ...

P J Grady Europe (i.e. Chris N) are making fibreglass versions, but it would be hard to say 'affordable', as a lot of labor is involved. I don't know the list price but I suspect it's actually higher than what DMC Europe charge for original injection-moulded fascias (e.g. around 1500 euros). Of course the fibreglass version is stronger and won't sag/warp but is also more brittle. Chris also makes front & rear fascias out of stainless, but the price is eye-watering (due to being ridiculously labor intensive), AFAIK only one person has commissioned them so far.

[Chris P]

There is someone else making them….or at least there was, i'll check and get back to you.