When we hear a phrase DeLorean Back to the FutureIn the imagination, the image of a time machine with doors open up, illuminated by lightning instantly pops up. However, behind the glossy facade of the Hollywood blockbuster hides the real story of the car, which in life was much more complicated and tragic than its on-screen counterpart. DMC-12 It was conceived as a revolutionary sports car, able to compete with the best European brands, but became a symbol of ambition ahead of its time and technology.
The history of this unique vehicle is full of drama, financial fraud and engineering compromises. John DeLorean, former executive General MotorsHe dreamed of creating an “ethical” car that was safe, durable and beautiful. These principles formed the basis of the concept, although the real implementation of the idea faced the cruel restrictions of mass production in the 1980s.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical features, myths and facts surrounding the legendary coupeWe will also find out why it is still the object of desire of collectors around the world. You will learn what a real car and a time machine have in common, and how they are fundamentally different.
John DeLorean and the Birth of a Legend
John Zachary DeLorean was not just an engineer, but a star in the automotive world when he decided to start his own company. His purpose was to create unique sports carIt was a stereotype of the boring American cars of the time. He wanted to combine Italian design, German engineering precision and affordable price, which, in the face of economic instability in the late 70s, seemed almost impossible.
The project was implemented on the island of Northern Ireland, where the UK government provided generous subsidies to create jobs. The Belfast plant was supposed to be the flagship of the new industry, but lack of experience with local staff and logistical problems constantly hampered the process. Engineering solutionsThe silk that DeLorean considered advanced, in practice, often turned out to be raw and required refinement on the go.
The financial model of the company was built on pre-sales to dealers, which eventually led to the collapse. When it became clear that the real cost of production exceeds the planned, and the quality of the first copies leaves much to be desired, investors began to panic. Critical error The car was positioned as affordable, but at cost approached luxury competitors, without having their trim level.
⚠️ Warning: The initial price of $25,000 by the time sales started had risen to nearly $30,000, making the car unaffordable to the middle class it initially aimed at.
Stainless Body and Giugiaro Design
Appearances DMC-12 It was developed by the famous Italian studio Italdesign under the direction of Giorgetto Giugiaro. The main feature was a stainless steel body, which did not require painting and had to resist corrosion. Sheets of metal less than a millimeter thick were attached to a plastic frame, which created the effect of a “silver bullet”, but in practice was vulnerable to dents.
Gull-wing doors became the hallmark of the model, although John DeLorean originally planned traditional options. Engineers insisted on vertical opening, as the spatial frame of the car had very high thresholds, which would be difficult to step over. This one design Added drama to the appearance of the car, but created problems with the tightness of the cabin in the rain.
Stainless steel body is not polished by conventional means - to care for DeLorean requires a special abrasive paste, otherwise you can damage the structure of the metal.
The aerodynamics of the car were far from ideal. Despite its futuristic appearance, the drag coefficient was 0.34, which was considered a mediocre result for a sports car. Heavy body and inefficient aerodynamics adversely affected the dynamics of acceleration, making speed-response below what would be expected for a car with such a look.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Body material | Stainless steel | Mark 304, 0.8 mm thick |
| Rama | Steel space frame | Designed by Lotus |
| Weight. | 1230 kg | It was considered hard for the class. |
| Clearance. | 140 mm | Low for bad roads |
Specifications and engine
Under the hood DeLorean The V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.85 liters, developed by the French company, was hidden. Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV). Initially, it was planned to use a more powerful engine, but the fuel crisis and the desire to improve efficiency forced engineers to choose a less productive unit. In the stock version, he gave only 130 horsepower, which was frankly not enough for a sports coupe.
Engine problems were exacerbated by the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, which was difficult to set up and often operated unstablely. Owners have faced difficulties in starting in cold weather and thrust failures. Later, for the American market, the power was artificially lowered to 103 hp. due to the strict environmental regulations, which ultimately killed sportiness car.
Why was the engine called the French engine? The PRV engine was developed by a consortium of Peugeot, Renault and Volvo, so in automotive circles it is often called French, although it was produced in different factories.
The transmission was also not perfect. The five-speed mechanics from Renault differed in fuzzy switching, and the three-speed Borg-Warner automatic made the acceleration even more sluggish. SuspensionThe , tuned by Lotus engineers, was comfortable, but in the corners there was a noticeable rollingness due to the high center of gravity and the soft adjustment of the shock absorbers.
⚠️ Attention.
When buying an instance of the 80s, be sure to check the condition of the cooling system - plastic pipes eventually bluff and burst, which leads to overheating of the engine.
DeLorean in the cinema: The Time Machine
Real immortality. DeLorean Back to the Future It was created by Robert Zemeckis' trilogy. He was looking for a car that looked futuristic in 1985, but could be mistaken for a car from the past or the future. Initially, it was considered Plymouth ProwlerBut it looked too much like a hot rod. Corvette It was too mundane.
Production designer Ron Cobb suggested using the DMC-12 because of its unusual silhouette. Several cars were purchased for the filming, which were heavily modified: turbines, glowing elements, exhaust pipes and, of course, a “flow storage device” were added. In the film, the car developed 88 mph (about 141 km / h), which is for a real stock market. DMC-12 It was a speed limit that was very difficult to achieve.
Interestingly, for scenes where the car flies (the second and third parts), special versions with wheels rotating independently of the body were used to create the illusion of soaring. Today, these movie replicas are more expensive than the original restored ones, as they feature dozens of light and sound effects.
Ownership issues today and maintenance
Possession DeLorean Nowadays - this is the lot of real enthusiasts, ready to put up with the whims of old technology. The main problem is corrosion, which, contrary to the myths about stainless steel, still affects the car. It is not the body itself that rusts, but the steel frame inside, as well as the exhaust system and suspension elements. The humidity and salt on the roads quickly do their job.
Parts for the car are still produced by the company. DeLorean Motor Company (not related to the original plant, but owning rights and stock). However, the prices for the original components are high, and many elements have to be searched for at the disassembly or order replicas. Electrician. The car also requires constant attention: contact oxidation and aging of wiring are common causes of failures.
☑️ Checklist before buying DeLorean
The owner community is very active. There are forums, clubs and annual meetings where they share their experience in repair and modernization. Many owners are doing the same. swapBy installing more modern and powerful engines, such as those from Chevrolet or even electric powertrains, to finally unleash the bodywork's potential.
| Component | Frequent problem | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Doors. | Slack, gas stops leaking | Replacement of stops, adjustment of hinges |
| Engine. | Trots, bad launch. | K-Jetronic setting, candle replacement |
| Electrician. | Oxidation of contacts | Cleaning contacts, relay replacement |
| Kuzov | Stainless steel dents | Polishing, editing (difficult) |
Cost and investment attractiveness
Today. DeLorean DMC-12 It is a complete collectible object. Prices for good specimens range from $40,000 to $80,000 and above, depending on the condition, year of issue and ownership history. Low-mileage cars with a documented history can be even more expensive. Remarks from the film are being sold for amounts in excess of $150,000.
The investment appeal of the car is high, but requires deep knowledge. Buying a “project” (a car in poor condition) can end up costing more than buying a restored copy, due to the high cost of work and spare parts. The market is full of offers, but find a really high quality DMC-12 It's hard.
⚠️ Beware of scammers selling “refurbished” cars using unoriginal low-quality body panels – they can cost half the market price.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that DeLorean It is more than just a car. It is a symbol of the era, a dream come true and a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can be reborn through culture. Whether you see it as a time machine remains or a classic car, it The only car whose fame surpassed its technical flaws..
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy a new DeLorean DMC-12 today?
No new cars have been produced since 1983. However, the DeLorean Motor Company offers fully refurbished new vehicles assembled from original warehouse parts (NOS), which can legally be considered a new car of the current year of release.
Is it true that the body doesn't rust?
It's a myth. Stainless steel does not rust, but the steel frame on which it is attached is subject to corrosion. In addition, in the places of welding and joints of panels, rust may appear if the tightness is broken.
How much did the DeLorean cost in 1981?
The base price was to be $12,000, then planned at $25,000. However, the real price at the time of the start of sales in the United States reached $ 29,825, and taking into account delivery and additional options, exceeded $ 30,000.
What engine was on the car in the movie?
The films used a standard V6 PRV engine of 2.85 liters. Pyrotechnics and additional equipment were used to create effects (flame from under the wheels, light), but technically the “time machine” was based on a stock power plant.