When it comes to iconic cars in the history of cinema, a silver silhouette with doors open upward immediately comes to mind. The phrase "DeLorean back to the" has become synonymous with time travel, but behind the image lies the complex engineering history of the actual vehicle. Car DMC-12 was only produced for two years, but its influence on pop culture remains colossal even decades after production ceased.
Many enthusiasts and collectors are looking for information about this car, not only as a movie prop, but also as an actual item to own. Stainless steel, used for the body, became the hallmark of the model, although it brought many headaches to the engineers in terms of safety and painting. In this article we will analyze the technical nuances, history of creation and modern aspects of owning this legendary specimen.
It is worth noting that the machine’s popularity increased sharply after the release of Robert Zemeckis’ trilogy, where it appeared as a time machine. However, the real DeLorean bore little resemblance to the futuristic car from 2015, shown in the second part of the film. It was more of a grand tourer with ambition that faced the harsh realities of the 1980s market.
History of creation and John DeLorean
The history of this car is inextricably linked with the personality of its creator, John Zachary DeLorean. He was a charismatic engineer and manager who worked in Pontiac and General Motorsbefore starting your own company. His goal was to create a safe, reliable and stylish mid-engine sports car that would be accessible to a wide range of consumers, not just the elite.
To implement the ambitious project, it was decided to build a plant in Northern Ireland, in Belfast. The decision was driven by government subsidies from the UK as it seeks to create jobs in a region with high unemployment. However, logistics and production management thousands of miles away from the Detroit office created serious problems with quality control at early stages.
⚠️ Warning: The first production runs in 1981 were often plagued by assembly defects, including problems with roof sealing and the fit of stainless steel body panels.
Financial fraud in which the company's founder was involved led to his arrest and the bankruptcy of the company in 1982. Despite the short life cycle of the original company DeLorean Motor Company, production was approximately 9,000 units. Today, these cars are coveted pieces in collections around the world.
Technical characteristics of DMC-12
From a technical point of view, the car was equipped with a 2.85 liter V6 engine developed by a French company Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV). This power unit was originally designed as a V9 for racing cars, but was adapted and derated for the production version. In stock form, it produced about 130 horsepower, which was a modest figure for a sports car of that time.
The car body was attached to a central spar frame made of steel. It was this design that made it possible to use panels from stainless steel 1 mm thick without additional painting. Gull-wing doors were an engineering compromise: regular doors were originally planned, but during crash tests the safety cage deformed, blocking the openings, and engineers had to redo the upward opening mechanism.
The dynamic characteristics of the car were often criticized by auto journalists. Acceleration to 100 km/h took more than 10 seconds, and the top speed was limited to 175 km/h. Later, for the American market, a fuel injection system was introduced Bosch K-Jetronic, which improved the situation a little, but did not make the car a racing projectile.
Why was the engine called PRV?
The engine was developed by a consortium of Peugeot, Renault and Volvo. The abbreviation PRV comes from the first letters of the names of these companies. The DeLorean was equipped with a version with a cast-iron cylinder block, which made it heavier than its aluminum counterparts.
The transmission was offered in two options: 5-speed manual transmission Renault or 3-speed automatic General Motors. Most enthusiasts agree that manual transmission better reveals the engine's potential, although it requires more careful attention to shifting due to the less precise lever travel.
Car in the movie Back to the Future
It's hard to imagine the history of this car without mentioning the Back to the Future trilogy. Director Robert Zemeckis initially considered other candidates, including Citroën DS, but in the end the choice fell on DeLorean. Screenwriter Bob Gale explained this by saying that if you're going to build a time machine out of something, it should be something that looks futuristic even if it's made from trash.
Several modified copies were prepared for filming. Famous elements added to the film: flux capacitator, a plutonium reactor (later replaced by Mr. Fusion), and exhaust pipes protruding from under the rear bumper. Interestingly, in the script for the second part, the time machine was supposed to be made in the form of a steam locomotive, but the studio's budget restrictions did not allow this idea to be realized in full.
After the release of the film, interest in the model skyrocketed. Cars that had previously been gathering dust in warehouses or were sold at a discount suddenly began to cost more than their original price. Cinematic fame saved the brand from complete oblivion and created a powerful community of fans around it.
⚠️ Warning: Cars featured in films have often undergone major modifications. When purchasing a movie replica, it is important to check the documentation, as many have been dismantled or sold at auction.
The influence of the film is so great that people still associate many of the technical solutions shown in it (for example, hoverboards or self-tying shoelaces) with the brand, although in reality they had nothing to do with the car. This is a unique case when a fictional image completely eclipsed the real prototype.
Ownership and Maintenance Issues
Possession DeLorean DMC-12 Nowadays, this is the lot of real enthusiasts who are ready to put up with a number of specific problems. The main difficulty is finding original spare parts, although the company DeLorean Motor Company (new, based in Texas) has a huge warehouse of mothballed parts. Engine PRV V6 known to be prone to overheating and problems with the cooling system.
One of the main pain points is electrical. The wiring in these cars often oxidizes, contacts come loose, and relays fail. The owner must be prepared to constantly check electrical circuits and have connection diagrams on hand. There are often cases when a car simply refuses to start due to a banal fuse or poor ground contact.
☑️ Checklist before buying a DeLorean
Stainless steel bodywork, contrary to popular belief, does not rust as much as regular steel, but it can become stained and require polishing. Moreover, if washed incorrectly or using aggressive chemicals, the metal structure can be damaged. It is also worth remembering that body panels do not have a load-bearing function, and their replacement requires the dismantling of many interior elements.
| Parameter | Meaning/Description |
|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 2849 cc cm, PRV |
| Power | 130 hp (carburetor), 145 hp (injector) |
| Drive | Rear (RWD) |
| Weight | Approx. 1230 kg |
| Years of manufacture | 1981–1983 |
The cost of maintaining such a car can significantly exceed the cost of a regular classic car. There are few specialized services, and often owners have to do the repairs themselves, studying manuals and forums. However, the owner community is very active and willing to share experiences.
Collector car market
Today DeLorean is considered a full-fledged collector's item. Prices for specimens in good condition are rising steadily. If in the 90s this car could be bought for mere pennies, now the price for a restored example can reach 60-80 thousand dollars and more. Cars with low mileage and original interior color are especially valued.
There is a gradation in the condition of these cars. There are completely stock versions, there are “time replicas” (Time Machine replicas), recreating the look from the film, and there are so-called restomod versions. The latter are a hybrid of a classic body and modern technologies: new engines, improved suspension, modern audio systems and climate control.
When purchasing a DeLorean, be sure to check that the VIN numbers on the body, engine, and documents match. Due to the high cost and rarity of the model, there are many fraudulent schemes on the market involving substitution of numbers.
The investment attractiveness of the model is high, but it requires deep knowledge of the market. Buying a "project" (a car that needs restoration) can be more expensive than buying a finished one due to the complexity and cost of the work. The market is narrow, and liquidity is lower than for more mass-produced classic cars like Porsche 911 or Mustang.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars assembled from kit cars. Some enthusiasts build DeLorean replicas based on other platforms that have nothing in common with the original DMC-12.
Auction houses regularly offer rare items, including those that were featured in films or belonged to famous personalities. Such lots go under the hammer for amounts amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. For the average collector, standard versions are more accessible, but they also require careful inspection before the transaction.
DeLorean Alpha5 and the future of the brand
In recent years, there have been news of attempts to revive the brand. Company DeLorean Motor Corporation announced the concept Alpha5. This is an all-electric grand tourer that should retain the DNA of the original but offer modern performance. The design of the new product has caused heated discussions: it retains the general features, but looks much more aggressive and futuristic.
Expected new Alpha5 will have a power reserve of about 480 kilometers and will be able to accelerate to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds. This is a stark contrast to the sluggish dynamics of the original DMC-12. If the project is implemented in full, it will be a landmark event for the industry, combining nostalgia and green technology.
For now Alpha5 remains a concept and subject of speculation. Investors and fans are hopeful about the development, fearing that the project will suffer the same fate as John DeLorean's original company. However, the presence of modern technology and capital gives a greater chance of success than in the turbulent 80s.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it true that the DeLorean can fly?
No, in reality it's a car DeLorean DMC-12 can't fly. The ability to float in the air and reach speeds of 88 miles per hour to travel through time is an invention of the writers of the movie Back to the Future. In reality, this is a heavy, rear-wheel drive vehicle not designed for flying.
How many DeLoreans were produced?
During production, which lasted from 1981 to 1983, approximately 8,583 cars were assembled. The exact number sometimes varies between sources due to the presence of prototypes and machines dismantled for spare parts, but most experts agree on a figure of about 9 thousand units.
Can you buy a new DeLorean from the factory?
Original new cars have not been produced for many years. However, the company DeLorean Motor Company in the USA, it collects new cars from original warehouse stocks (NOS - New Old Stock), which were mothballed decades ago. Formally, they can be considered new, although their year of manufacture may be 1982-1983.
Why do DeLorean doors open upward?
Initially, ordinary doors were planned. However, during body strength tests, it turned out that the side sills were deformed upon impact, which could block the opening of the doors. Engineers were forced to rework the design, making the doors open upward on gas struts to ensure that passengers could exit even if the body was damaged.
What engine does the DeLorean DMC-12 have?
The car was equipped with a 2.85 liter V6 petrol engine, developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo (PRV). Depending on the year of manufacture and market, it was equipped with either a carburetor or a Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system.