DeLorean: The Dream of a Rebel Automaker
Few cars in history are as instantly recognizable or have a story as dramatic as the DeLorean DMC-12. It is an automotive icon, a symbol of 1980s futurism, and a pop culture legend, forever immortalized as the time machine in the Back to the Future film trilogy. The story of the DeLorean is the story of its brilliant, ambitious, and controversial creator, John Z. DeLorean. It is a tale of reaching for the stars, a spectacular rise and a dramatic fall, and ultimately, an unexpected redemption that has made his creation more famous than he could have ever imagined.
The Genesis: A Superstar Founder and a Radical Vision
Founded in Detroit, Michigan, USA, in 1975, the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) was the singular vision of John Z. DeLorean. DeLorean was a rockstar engineer and executive at General Motors, the man behind legendary cars like the Pontiac GTO. But he grew disillusioned with the corporate culture of the big automakers and dreamed of building his own carâan "ethical" sports car that would be safe, long-lasting, and fuel-efficient, all while looking like it came from the future. With his celebrity status and engineering prowess, he secured funding and a deal to build his factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland.
Core Philosophy: Longevity, Safety, and Unmistakable Style
John DeLorean's vision for his car was built on several key principles that made it unlike anything else on the road. The original slogan was "Live the Dream."
- Longevity: The car's most famous feature is its unpainted, brushed SS304 stainless-steel body. The idea was to create a car that was corrosion-proof, a vehicle that would last. This gave the DeLorean its unique, futuristic sheen.
- Safety and Style: The iconic gullwing doors were not just for show; they were a key part of the design. Counter-balanced by cryogenically preset torsion bars, they required very little side clearance to open, making them practical in tight parking spaces.
- Performance (The Idea vs. Reality): The initial vision was for a lightweight, highly efficient, and great-handling sports car. The final product, however, would be a fascinating compromise of brilliant ideas and real-world limitations.
The DMC-12: Anatomy of an Icon
The sole product of the original DeLorean Motor Company, the DMC-12, is a masterpiece of design and a case study in automotive engineering.
The Giugiaro Design: A Stainless-Steel Masterpiece
The iconic wedge shape of the DeLorean was penned by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. It is a masterpiece of 1970s "folded paper" design, a low-slung, aggressive shape that still looks futuristic today. The stainless-steel construction, while visually stunning, presented challenges: it was difficult to repair and famously showed fingerprints, leading some owners to paint their cars.
The Lotus Connection: Engineering a Legend
When the initial engineering proved too complex, DeLorean turned to a legend: Colin Chapman of Lotus Cars. The final production DMC-12 is heavily based on the chassis of the Lotus Esprit. It features a steel backbone chassis, a design pioneered by Lotus, which provides a strong and rigid core for the car's fiberglass underbody and steel panels. This Lotus-engineered four-wheel independent suspension gave the DeLorean surprisingly capable and comfortable handling.
The PRV Engine: The Achilles' Heel
The most common criticism of the DeLorean has always been its engine. Originally intended to have a different powertrain, production realities led to the use of the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) 2.85-liter V6 engine. In its US-spec, emissions-controlled form, it produced a mere 130 horsepower. This meant that the car's performance never quite matched its supercar looks, with a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds. It was a reliable and well-known engine, but it lacked the "pizzazz" that the car's exterior promised.
From Showroom to Hollywood Stardom
The DeLorean's journey from a fascinating automotive failure to a global icon is a story in itself.
A Tumultuous Production and a Dramatic End
Despite a strong start and huge public interest, the DeLorean Motor Company was plagued by production issues, a difficult economic climate, and spiraling costs. The company went into receivership in 1982. The story took a dramatic turn when John Z. DeLorean was arrested in a controversial FBI sting operation, though he was later acquitted of all charges. By the end of 1982, the dream was over, and the factory in Northern Ireland was closed after producing approximately 9,000 cars.
"Back to the Future": Immortality on the Silver Screen
In 1985, the DeLorean was reborn. Its futuristic, stainless-steel look made it the perfect choice for director Robert Zemeckis to be converted into the iconic time machine in Back to the Future. Outfitted with a "Flux Capacitor" and needing to hit 88 mph, the DeLorean became a character in itself. The massive success of the film franchise transformed the car from a curious footnote in automotive history into one of the most famous and beloved cars on the planet, guaranteeing its immortality.
The Rebirth: DeLorean Motors Reimagined
The DeLorean story did not end in the 1980s. The passion for the car has led to a modern revival of the brand.
Keeping the Dream Alive: The Texas Era
For years, a separate Texas-based company, which acquired the original DMC parts inventory and branding, has been servicing, restoring, and even building "new" DMC-12s from the massive stock of original, unused parts, keeping the classic cars on the road for a global community of passionate owners.
The Alpha5 and an Electric Future
A new, separate entity, DeLorean Motors Reimagined, has launched a bold vision for the brand's future. Their first vehicle, the DeLorean Alpha5, is a stunning, all-electric luxury GT. While it is a thoroughly modern vehicle, it pays homage to the original with its massive gullwing doors and louvered rear window. It represents a new, high-performance chapter for the legendary name, proving that the dream, in fact, lives on.