When it comes to iconic cars in the history of cinema, one particular model immediately comes to mind, which has become a symbol of an entire era. DeLorean DMC-12 It is not just a vehicle, but a full-fledged character whose charisma has eclipsed many live actors. Steel doors, futuristic design and reputation of the time machine made this car immortal in pop culture.
Film Back to the future. It was released more than thirty years ago, but the interest in the machine Dr. Brown traveled through time is not fading. The unique appearance and dramatic history of the creation of the brand make this object of study worthy of attention of any motorist. Let’s see what’s hidden under the hood of this legend.
Many people mistakenly believe that the car was created specifically for filming, but the reality is much more prosaic and interesting. Engineers and designers were looking for a machine that looked unusual enough to make the viewer believe in its ability to travel through time. Choice fell DeLoreanThis decision changed the fate of the model forever.
History of creation and choice of car for filming
Finding the perfect candidate for the role of a time machine has been a long and difficult process. Initially, the option of c was considered. plasma-engineIt was installed on a conventional sedan, but this idea was quickly abandoned. Designer Ron Cobb and production designer needed something more visually striking to explain the concept of time travel to the public.
John DeLorian, the founder of the company, dreamed of creating a sports car that was safe, reliable and affordable. However, the reality was harsh: production faced numerous challenges and assembly quality was often criticized. It was this “alienness” and some detachment from the real world that caught the attention of the filmmakers.
⚠️ Despite its iconic status, the original DeLorean DMC-12 had a reputation for being unreliable with problems in electrics and engines in the early years of production.
The key factor in steel seagull-wing doors. They opened upwards, which created an incredibly spectacular visual image. The script even featured a scene where Marty McFly hides inside a car, which would have been impossible in a conventional coupe. This decision finally tipped the scales in favor of DeLorean.
Technical characteristics and device of the car
Under the hood DeLorean DMC-12 The V6 engine of 2.85 liters, developed by the company, was hidden Peugeot-Renault-Volvo. It was located at the back, which provided a rear drive layout. Power was about 130 horsepower, which for a sports car of the 80s was a rather modest indicator, but for the image of a “time machine” this was enough.
The body of the car is made of stainless steel, which became a unique feature of the model. The body panels were not painted, but polished.This gave the car a distinctive metallic luster. It also protected the car from corrosion, although it made it quite heavy.
The transmission could be both mechanical and automatic. The film used a manual transmission, which added drive to the scenes of acceleration up to 88 miles per hour. The suspension was independent in the front and rear, which theoretically had to be handleable.
DeLorian’s stainless steel bodywork eventually fades and becomes covered with micro scratches, so owners often use special polishes to restore shine.
Here are the main technical parameters of the standard model:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine. | V6, 2849 cc. centimeter |
| Power | 130 hp (later 145bhp) |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 8.8 - 10.5 seconds |
| Maximum speed | 175 - 190 km/h |
| Weight. | 1230 kg |
Modifications for shooting: from the runoff to the time machine
Several cars were built for the trilogy filming, and each of them underwent significant changes. The basic model became overgrown with details, turning into a complex mechanism. The main visual element of steel flow-off Flux capacitors and various sensors throughout the body.
In the first part of the film, the car looked relatively simple: added boxes with “plutonium”, copper tubes and the famous flow capacitor. By the third part, when the action is transferred to the Wild West, the car is overgrown with wooden panels and a steam engine, imitating a locomotive.
⚠️ Attention: For the shooting of the flight scenes in the second part, a special car with increased clearance and hidden wheels was used to create the illusion of soaring.
Engineers of the Universal Studios film company tried to make the interior as futuristic as possible. Digital watches, a lot of levers and luminous elements created the feeling of a high-tech laboratory on wheels. All of these elements were functional on set, lighting up and making sounds on command.
☑️ The elements of the body of the Time Machine
The DeLorean Motor Company
History DeLorean Motor Company The DMC is full of drama and ambition. John DeLorian wanted to challenge the giants of the auto industry by creating a car for the people, but with the character of a supercar. The plant was built in Northern Ireland to help solve the region’s economic problems.
However, financial fraud, quality issues and poor sales led to the company's bankruptcy in 1982, just two years after production began. About 9,000 cars were produced, making the model relatively rare, but not exclusive in an absolute sense.
Despite the collapse of the original company, the brand has been revived thanks to fans. New company, DeLorean Motor Company (based in Texas), she was busy restoring old cars and making new parts. They even plan to release modern versions of electric cars under this name.
The secret of brand survival
A Texas company bought out a huge stockpile of original parts from the bankrupt, allowing the DeLorians to be restored to this day using original 80s components.
Cultural influence and appearance in other media
It’s hard to find another car that’s so recognizable in one movie. DeLorean DMC-12 He has appeared in dozens of other films, TV shows, and video games, often as a direct reference to Back to the Future. Its silhouette is recognized even by those who have never been interested in cars.
In the series Back to the Futureand Fortnite and Rocket LeagueThe time machine is a playable transport. This confirms that the image of the car is firmly entrenched in the minds of several generations of gamers and moviegoers.
The collectible value of original copies, especially those used in the filming or officially certified, is estimated at millions of dollars. Auction houses regularly exhibit such lots, and demand for them remains consistently high.
It was cinematic fame that saved the DeLorean DMC-12 from complete oblivion, turning a failed commercial project into one of the most coveted classic models in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many DeLoreans were filmed for the film?
For the filming of the trilogy "Back to the Future" 6 DeLorean DMC-12 cars were built and used. One of them was destroyed during the filming of the first part, and the rest are either stored in museums or are in private collections.
Can I buy a new Delorian today?
The original new cars have not been produced since 1982. However, DeLorean Motor Company is offering refurbished vehicles assembled from original parts and is also planning a limited series of 100 retro-style electric models.
Do doors open only when the engine is running?
No, it's a myth. The doors of the type "gull wings" open mechanically and do not depend on the operation of the engine. However, the film often showed that they open automatically, which added to the technological image.
What is the real maximum speed of DeLorian?
The actual maximum speed of the standard DeLorean DMC-12 is about 175-190 km / h (depending on the modification and condition). The famous 88 mph (141 km/h) car reached easily, which was used in the script.