Back to the Future III DeLorean Sells for $541,200 at Auction
One of the three remaining DeLoreans from Back to the Future Part III changed hands at a Profiles in History auction, fetching $541,200.
A DeLorean DMC-12 used in the filming of Back to the Future Part III has been sold for $541,200 at a Profiles in History auction, making it the only screen-used example from the film series to enter private ownership.
The car, which appeared in the 1990 film alongside Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, was one of seven modified DeLoreans built for the Back to the Future trilogy. Only three of the cars used in Part III remain, with this example the sole survivor outside studio or museum collections.
Screen history and provenance
The DeLorean DMC-12 became a cultural icon through its starring role as a time machine in the Back to the Future franchise. For Part III, several cars were adapted to suit the film's Old West setting, including cosmetic changes and modifications for stunt work. The car auctioned by Profiles in History is confirmed to have been used on screen during the production of the third film.
The auction, managed by Joe Maddalena's Profiles in History, included a range of film memorabilia, but the DeLorean attracted the highest bids. The final price of $541,200 reflects both its provenance and the enduring appeal of the Back to the Future films among collectors and enthusiasts.
The DeLorean DMC-12: from production to pop culture
DeLorean Motor Company produced the DMC-12 from 1981 until 1982, with an estimated 9,000 units built before the company ceased operations. The car's distinctive stainless steel body and gullwing doors made it instantly recognisable, but it was its role in Back to the Future that cemented its place in automotive history. Around 6,500 DeLoreans are thought to remain worldwide.
- DMC-12 production began in 1981 and ended in 1982.
- Estimated 9,000 units built; about 6,500 believed to survive.
- Iconic for its stainless steel panels and gullwing doors.
The car's enduring popularity has led to persistent rumours and occasional announcements about a possible DeLorean revival. At the time of the auction in late 2011, the company was promoting plans for an electric DMC-12, with prototype development underway and a possible production date mooted for 2013. No production electric DeLorean reached the market by that date, but the brand continues to attract attention from enthusiasts and investors.
Collector interest and auction context
Screen-used cars from major film franchises regularly attract strong interest at auction, particularly when their provenance is well documented. The Back to the Future III DeLorean's sale price places it among the most valuable film cars of its era, reflecting both its rarity and its cultural significance. With only three of the original Part III cars surviving and just one in private hands, opportunities for collectors to acquire such a piece are rare.
