Human Interest A Rediscovered 1981 DeLorean with Less Than 1K Miles on It Is Bringing Fans 'Back to the Future' The DeLorean, which is the same model as the time machine in 'Back to the Future,' was found in a barn in Wisconsin after almost 20 years By Lizzie Hyman Lizzie Hyman Lizzie Hyman is PEOPLE Magazine's Editorial Assistant. She provides administrative support to the Editor-in-Chief and writes content for both print and digital platforms. People Editorial Guidelines Published on October 25, 2023 03:30PM EDT 1981 DeLorean discovered in Wisconsin. Photo: DeLorean Nation A recent discovery has movie fans exclaiming “Great Scott!” A 1981 DeLorean, the same model made famous by the hit film series Back to the Future, was found in the back of a Wisconsin barn, covered in dust with only 977 miles on the odometer, per USA Today. When Mike McElhattan, owner of the restoration shop DeLorean Midwest, which specializes in repairs and sales of the classic car, received a call earlier this month about a DeLorean for sale, he wasn’t interested, that is until he found out the car only had 977 miles on it. Woman Whose Car Broke Down Finds Newlyweds' $15K Walking to Work and Returns It — Now She Has a New Ride 1981 DeLorean discovered in Wisconsin. DeLorean Nation Along with his social media partner, Kevin Thomas, McElhattan met with the 90-year-old owner of the recovered DeLorean, who was put in touch with the duo by his nephew, to make a deal. “It’s an absolute time capsule,” McElhattan said to USA Today. “To me, what’s cool about it, is it’s completely original down to the original tires that rolled out of the factory in Belfast, Ireland.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 1981 DeLorean discovered in Wisconsin. DeLorean Nation The car, which had roughly two decades of dust and dirt coating it (along with live mice running around inside), required some love and care. “It’s very rewarding to take a filthy car like this and really transform it,” McElhattan said. “People just want to see it brought back to its full glory.” New models of DeLoreans were made between 1981 and 1983, when the company went into bankruptcy after John DeLorean, the founder, was arrested on drug trafficking charges. The company also struggled with manufacturing issues, and only about 9000 DeLoreans were built before the Belfast, North Ireland factory closed, per CNN. Alabama Student Spotted Walking to Get to High School Graduation in Viral Photo Gets New Car 1981 DeLorean discovered in Wisconsin. DeLorean Nation While Back to the Future helped the car rise in popularity, McElhattan said his passion for the brand extends beyond its place in film history. “It really makes for a unique car,” he told USA Today. “If you could pick one car to sum up the 1980s, the DeLorean is the quintessential car.” McElhattan added that he is confident that he can bring the car “back to life.” He also told the outlet he will try to keep the DeLorean as “original as possible." But mostly he just enjoys what this car represents. “That’s what old cars are about for everyone, they bring you back to a certain time,” McElhattan said to NBC Chicago. “It’s so much about connecting with your past."