The DeLorean DMC-12 might have been lost in the dustbin of automotive history if it weren't for the "Back to the Future" trilogy. John Z. DeLorean himself, following his acquittal for drug trafficking, was able to enjoy his stainless steel-covered sports car's new lease on life thanks to those movies. He died in 2005. The former high-flying executive of GM left the automaker to start the DeLorean Motor Company, which was shuttered in the fall of 1982.

Today, unused parts and the machinery from the Belfast, Northern Ireland production plant are in Houston, Texas where original DeLoreans and new build examples can be maintained for deeply loyal owners. And every once in a while, a DeLorean build project appears that's truly out of this world. This is one of them.

A 1981 DeLorean was just sold on Bring A Trailer for $243,000. There's not an extra '0' in there. Instead of the horribly underpowered 2.85-liter Peugeot-Renault-Volvo V6, there's a Kia Stinger-sourced 3.3-liter V6 fitted with a pair of Garrett turbochargers. Its six-speed transaxle and a limited-slip differential are from a 996.2 Porsche 911. The brake calipers are sourced from a Ferrari 348 Challenge. There's also a three-inch center-exit dual exhaust, Recaro seats, and an Alpine stereo.

The Giugiaro-designed body panels have been re-grained and the front and rear fascias are now finished in matte silver. The 15-inch turbine-style wheels are all original. And yes, that is an exposed engine bay at the rear.

The Lotus-tuned chassis has been upgraded with a reinforced lower rear cross-member and powertrain mounts, and the fuel system underwent a number of modifications. Either e85 or 91+ octane fuel works. The interior retains a mostly stock look with the exception of a 996 911 shifter assembly, a new shift knob, a boost gauge, and aftermarket speakers. The 85 mph speedometer probably needs to be replaced because the car can now certainly go much faster. It can do the quarter-mile in 11.65 seconds at 124 mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Its new owner also receives the car's original window sticker that lists the MSRP of $26,175.

This DeLorean was left in storage for 20 years until 2019 and now look at it. Marty McFly would've outrun the Libyans with absolute ease.