DeLorean: name translation, brand history and facts

Car DeLorean - This is perhaps one of the most recognizable cars in the history of world cinema and the automotive industry. When it comes to the iconic DMC-12 model, many people immediately think of the time machine from the Back to the Future trilogy. However, behind the screens and fan discussions lies a complex history of engineering decisions, financial fraud and attempts to create the perfect sports car.

For a Russian-speaking user, the question often arises about the correct spelling and pronunciation of this name. DeLorean is the surname of its creator, John Zachary DeLorean. In the Russian language, the pronunciation “DeLorean” has been established, although in technical documentation and on nameplates the original Latin spelling remains unchanged. This is not just a brand, it is a symbol of the era of the 80s, when futurism in design was combined with advanced, but sometimes crude technology.

In this article we will analyze not only the linguistic nuances of the translation, but also dive into the technical features that make this car unique. Stainless steel, guillotine doors and mid-engine layout all require detailed consideration. Understanding these details will help you distinguish the original car from the replicas and better appreciate its place in history.

Linguistic features: how to write and speak

Transliteration of the surname of the company founder John DeLorean into Russian has its own characteristics. Formally, the correct spelling is "DeLorean", where the stress often falls on the last syllable, although in the English-language tradition the emphasis shifts. In the automotive circles of the CIS, this very reading has taken root, becoming a kind of marker of belonging to the community of retro car connoisseurs.

Interestingly, John himself insisted on writing his name with a capital letter in the middle - DeLorean. It was part of his personal brand, designed to stand out from boring corporate names like Ford or General Motors. He wanted his name to be associated with luxury and innovation, like designer fashion houses.

• 🚗 Original writing: DeLorean (Latin).
• 🗣️ Russian transcription: DeLorean (the most common option).
• 📜 Official model name: DMC-12 (DeLorean Motor Company).
• 🎬 In movies: often referred to simply as "DeLorean" without translation.

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse the brand name with the model name. DeLorean is the brand (or the name of the creator), and DMC-12 - the only model produced in series. The use of the term "DeLorean 12" is erroneous, although it is used colloquially.

When searching for spare parts or documentation on the Russian-language segment of the Internet, it is important to use the right keywords. Search engines respond better to queries like "DeLorean DMC-12" or "DeLorean car." Using only the Latin alphabet may limit the issue to international auctions, where prices are quoted in foreign currency and delivery may be difficult.

In the technical literature of the Soviet and post-Soviet period, this car was often called the “stainless legend.” This nickname stuck thanks to the unique body, which did not require painting. This is an important point for understanding how the machine was perceived by engineers of the time - as an experiment in the field of materials science.

History of creation: from idea to assembly line

History DeLorean Motor Company began with the ambitious plans of John Zachary DeLorean, who left the post of vice president Pontiacto create your own car. His goal was to design a safe, reliable and stylish mid-range sports car that would avoid the disadvantages of muscle cars of the time - power consumption and poor handling.

Northern Ireland was chosen to implement the project. This decision was dictated by government subsidies aimed at creating jobs in a region with high unemployment. The Belfast plant became a symbol of hope, but also the site of drama over financing and build quality.

The first prototypes appeared in the late 70s. Engineers faced many challenges, from suspension tuning to engine selection. Initially it was planned to use a motor from Renault, but its power was not enough for a sports projectile. As a result, the choice fell on V6 from Peugeot-Renault-Volvo, which has undergone major modernization.

• 📅 Year the company was founded: 1975.
• 🏭 Place of assembly: Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• 👨‍🔧 Chief Designer: William Collins (under the direction of DeLorean).
• 💰 Project cost at the start: about 20 million dollars (at the exchange rate of the 70s).

The launch of the conveyor was accompanied by scandals. The quality of the first copies left much to be desired: the doors stuck, the electrics malfunctioned, and the gaps between the body panels were loose. Stainless steel, chosen for the body, turned out to be difficult to process - it did not forgive stamping errors and required manual polishing, which increased the cost of production.

⚠️ Attention: Many early DMC-12 models had frame welding defects. If you are considering purchasing an early example (1981), be sure to check the condition of the side members and suspension mounting points. The steel itself cannot corrode, but the steel frame underneath can rust.

Despite the problems, the car made a splash at exhibitions. His appearance was ahead of his time. However, time was lost: by the time mass deliveries began in the United States, the market had changed, the oil crisis had struck, and the demand for two-seater sports cars with automatic transmission had fallen. The company could not withstand the financial burden and was liquidated in 1982, having only existed for a couple of years of active production.

Technical characteristics and unique solutions

What did DeLorean DMC-12 so special from a technical point of view? First of all, this is the body material. The panels are made of 304 stainless steel, approximately 1mm thick. This material does not require painting or corrosion protection, which was a revolutionary solution. However, the steel turned out to be heavy, which negatively affected the dynamics.

The central engine layout is another key feature. The motor is located between the axles, which ensures ideal weight distribution. But to access the engine it was necessary to lift the rear bumper and open special hatches, or dismantle part of the trim. This made maintenance extremely inconvenient for the average user.

Why was the engine weak for such a car?

John DeLorean planned to use a turbocharged engine, but due to the rush to start production and problems with the reliability of the turbines, it was decided to leave the naturally aspirated option. Engineers did not have time to conduct full tests of the forced version, and the company’s budget was already exhausted.

Guillotine doors opening upward have become the hallmark of the model. This design, designed by an engineer Bill Collins, was dictated by the need to maintain body rigidity in the absence of traditional struts. In narrow parking spaces, such doors are really convenient, but in winter, when there is ice, opening them became a real problem.

The table below shows the main technical parameters of the standard DMC-12 model:

Parameter	Meaning	Note
Engine	V6, 2.85 l (PRV)	Developed jointly by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo
Power	130 hp (USA), 145 hp (Europe)	Depends on the environmental standards of the region
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	8.8 - 10.5 sec	Depends on the type of transmission (manual/automatic transmission)
Body material	Stainless steel	Thickness 1 mm, not painted
Drive	Rear	The engine is located in the middle

The transmission was offered in two options: 5-speed manual Renault or 3-speed automatic BorgWarner. The manual version was valued by enthusiasts more for its ability to unleash the engine's potential, although shifts were not always crisp. The automatic transmission, while reliable, completely stifled the already not very powerful engine.

DeLorean in popular culture and cinema

Impossible to talk about DeLorean, without mentioning his starring role in the Back to the Future trilogy. It was this film that gave the car a second life and turned it from a commercially unsuccessful project into a pop culture icon. Director Robert Zemeckis chose this model for a reason: the futuristic design of the 80s was ideal for a time machine.

Several cars were used for filming. Especially for the film, they installed (props) simulating the Mr. Fusion nuclear reactor and a complex system of lighting effects. It's important to note that in reality, no DMC-12 can fly or travel through time, although fans around the world continue to build functional replicas.

• 🎥 Movie: Back to the Future (1985).
• ⚡ Modification for cinema: added "Flow drive" and reactor.
• 📈 Price increase after the film: the cost of used cars has increased significantly.
• 🌍 Status: a symbol of the 80s on par with a Rubik's cube.

⚠️ Attention: If you see a car that claims to have been featured in a movie, ask for documentary proof (VIN, certificates). 99% of such offers are skillful replicas or simply the imagination of sellers who want to increase the price.

The popularity of the car in films led to the title DeLorean has become a household name. In games, music videos and other films, the appearance of a car with guillotine doors instantly sends the viewer to the image of a mad scientist or time travel. This is a unique case when the failure of a business was completely rehabilitated by art.

Current Status: Ownership and Maintenance

Today's possession DMC-12 - this is the lot of collectors and true fans. After the original company went bankrupt in 1982, the rights to the brand and remaining parts were purchased by various investors. The most famous company DeLorean Motor Company (USA, Texas), which restores and sells new (assembled from old parts) cars.

Servicing such a car requires specific knowledge. The PRV V6 engine, although common at one time in Volvo and Peugeot, in the context of the DeLorean has its own intake and exhaust characteristics. Fuel injection system Bosch K-Jetronic requires precise configuration, which not all modern services can perform.

The stainless steel body practically does not age visually if you take care of it. However, polishing is required regularly to remove minor scratches and maintain shine. It is important to use special formulations that do not contain chlorides to avoid pitting corrosion, which can still occur under certain conditions.

The cost of maintaining such a car is high. Spare parts are rare and expensive, and there are fewer and fewer specialists who know how to properly adjust a carburetor or mechanical injection on this engine. However, the owner community is very active, and many issues are resolved through specialized forums and clubs.

Legal aspects and market in Russia

In Russia DeLorean is extremely rare. In Soviet times, these cars were practically never officially supplied. Today's market consists of single copies imported by private individuals from the USA or Europe. When importing such a car, difficulties arise with customs clearance, since many models do not comply with modern environmental standards (Euro-4/Euro-5).

To register with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, you must go through the Single Vehicle Certification (SVTS) procedure. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that requires changes to the design (installation of catalysts, GLONASS, ERA-GLONASS) if the car does not have a valid OTTS. It is often easier and cheaper to buy a car that has already been cleared through customs and has Russian history.

Legally, the model name in documents may appear as “DeLorean”, “DMC-12” or “DeLorean DMC-12”. The translation of the name into Russian in the PTS is usually not done; the original Latin spelling or transliteration is left. This is important to consider when searching for spare parts in catalogs.

The used DeLorean market in Russia is unstable. Prices can vary from 1.5 to 5 million rubles and above, depending on the condition and year of manufacture. Restored examples (“frame-off restoration”) are valued significantly higher and often fetch at auctions for amounts exceeding the cost of new business-class cars.

Is it true that the DeLorean goes from 0 to 60 mph in 88 mph?

No, it's a popular joke from the movie. 88 miles per hour (about 141 km/h) is the speed required to activate the "stream drive" in the film's plot. In reality, the DMC-12 accelerates to 100 km/h in about 9-10 seconds, and the top speed is about 180-190 km/h, which was average for the 80s.

Can you buy a new DeLorean today?

Technically yes, but with caveats. DeLorean Motor Company (USA) assembles cars from original parts produced in the 80s and new parts made from old drawings. They are certified as new (for the US market), but structurally they are still the same DMC-12 model with minimal changes.

Why doesn't the body rust?

Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms an oxide film on the surface that protects the metal from oxidation. However, this does not mean that it is eternal: if the surface is damaged and there is an aggressive environment (salt, acid), corrosion is possible, although it develops more slowly than on ordinary steel.

How many DeLorean DMC-12s were produced?

The exact number of cars produced varies among different sources, but the most reliable figure is around 9,000 units. Of these, according to various estimates, from 6,000 to 6,500 cars have survived to this day. The rest were disposed of, broken or irretrievably lost.