There’s only about 9000 in existence and can resell for up to six figures, so imagine finding a DeLorean DMC-12 with all its original parts, right down to the tyres and just 977 miles (1572 kilometres) on the odometer… partially sunk in the dirt in an old mice-infested shed in Wisconsin, USA.

That’s exactly what happened to Michael McElhattan, the owner of an auto restoration company that specialises in DeLoreans, and Kevin Thomas, his social media sidekick.

Kevin Thomas and Michael McElhattan

With its brushed stainless steel body and distinctive gull-wing doors, the DeLorean DMC-12 was made for just three years from 1981-1983 before the manufacturer went bust.

In a chat with CNN, Michael described it as a genuine time machine, transporting us back to 1981. It’s like finding a piece of automotive history frozen in time, parked up for 20 years.

The 1981 DeLorean with only 977 miles on its odometer was found in a barn in Wisconsin, USA.

In a video posted to YouTube (check it out below), Michael explained that the owner, now in his 80s, was having issues with his vision and was interested in selling the vehicle.

“The guy is real sharp and knew a lot about the car, he’s an original owner,” he said, adding that “it’s always cool to see another [DeLorean] come out of the woodwork that’s kind of been lost to the community.”

Micheal and Kevin plan to resurrect the relic and get it back on the road… or where their going, they may not need… roads.

All pics: Michael McElhattan