When it comes to iconic cars in the history of cinema, the imagination instantly draws a silver silhouette with open doors and clouds of steam from under the wheels. This is precisely the symbol of an entire era that has become DeLorean DMC-12, who played the role of a time machine in the Back to the Future trilogy. This car is not just a vehicle for the main characters, it is a full-fledged character, whose charisma has eclipsed many contemporary sports cars.
Interestingly, the filmmakers initially planned to use a different model, but it was DeLorean fits perfectly with the concept of a futuristic device from the past. John DeLorean's unique design, which combined the features of an American muscle car and a European sports car, allowed viewers to believe that this car was capable of breaking the time barrier when achieving speed. 88 mph.
In this article we will examine in detail the history of the appearance of the car on the screen, its real technical characteristics and the myths that the film gave rise to. You will find out why the choice fell on this particular model, how much it cost to turn a production car into a time machine, and whether it is possible to purchase a similar copy today for personal garage experiments.
The history of choosing a car for filming
Screenwriter Bob Gale and director Robert Zemeckis spent a long time searching for the perfect vehicle for time travel. The original idea was to use a refrigerator, but this was quickly abandoned due to safety concerns for child spectators. Then attention turned to the car. Various options were considered, including Chevrolet Corvette and even a Plymouth Prowler, but they didn't give the desired "alien" visual effect.
Appearance was the key factor DeLorean DMC-12. The stainless steel body, lack of paint in the basic version and guillotine doors created the image of a technological artifact from the future. Production designer Ron Cobb drew sketches where an ordinary car is overgrown with wires, a reactor and strange devices. Visually it looked convincing, as the car itself already seemed like an alien from the 80s to viewers.
⚠️ Attention: 6 DeLoreans were used for filming. One was the main stunt, one was for interior close-ups, and the rest were for destruction or difficult angles. Neither machine was a fully functional replica of the fictional device.
However, the choice also had its technical difficulties. Engine PRV V6, installed on the DeLorean, was considered too weak for dynamic chase scenes. Therefore, for some takes where agility was required, they used specially prepared modifications or even other cars disguised as a DeLorean, although they tried not to show this in the frame.
Technical characteristics of DeLorean DMC-12
In reality DeLorean DMC-12 was created as a grandiose project by John DeLorean, a former top manager General Motors. The car was produced in Northern Ireland from 1981 to 1983. Its main feature was a stainless steel body attached to a plastic frame, which in turn was attached to a central fiberglass load-bearing member. This design was supposed to ensure durability and safety.
There was a gasoline engine under the hood V6 2.85 liter, developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo (hence the abbreviation PRV). In stock form, it produced only 130 horsepower, which was frankly not enough for a sports coupe. Acceleration to 100 km/h took about 10.5 seconds, which in the world of motor sports was considered a mediocre result.
The transmission could be a 5-speed manual from the French company Renault or an automatic 3-speed from BorgWarner. The suspension was completely independent, which provided good handling, but the softness of the chassis was often criticized by auto journalists of the time. The car weighed approximately 1230 kilograms, which was quite a lot for its size.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6 PRV, 2849 cm³ | Developed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo |
| Power | 130 hp (97 kW) | At 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 215 Nm | At 2750 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.5 sec | With manual transmission |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h | Limited by aerodynamics |
The DeLorean's stainless steel body was not painted, but was polished. Over time, scratches could appear on it, which owners often tried to polish, which sometimes led to a change in the texture of the metal.
Modifications for the film: The Time Machine
Transforming a production car into a time machine required a tremendous amount of work by artists and engineers. Externally, the car acquired the famous “flux-capacitator” in the form of three chrome-plated tubes on the rear bumper, time emitters on the doors and a massive installation of a “flow drive” in the luggage compartment. All of these elements were functional only in the frame and were often powered by hidden batteries for illumination.
The interior space has also undergone changes. The cabin was filled with dozens of analog instruments, switches and screens that were supposed to show the date and time. To control the “time machine,” Martin McFly used special keys reminiscent of an organ. It is important to note that none of these systems affected the vehicle's movement.
For scenes where the car was supposed to fly (in the second and third parts of the trilogy), special suspensions and cables were used, which were then removed in post-production or retouched manually. The wheels in “flight mode” rotated 90 degrees, simulating jet propulsion, although in reality DeLorean was exclusively rear-wheel drive.
The secret of the smoke trail
The spectacular white steam escaping from the wheels when the time machine was activated was created using dry ice and special nozzles pointing downward. It had nothing to do with engine performance.
The fate of the DeLorean Motor Company
The history of the creation of the car is tragic and full of drama, which only adds a mystical flair to the entire project. John DeLorean, an ambitious engineer, dreamed of creating a “car for the people,” but the project ran into financial difficulties. The plant in Northern Ireland was built with public money, which later led to scandals and accusations of misuse of funds.
The company did not last long. In 1982, just a year after mass production began, DeLorean Motor Company went bankrupt. The reasons lie in a combination of the high price of the car, which turned out to be higher than planned, and poor build quality in the early stages. In addition, John DeLorean himself was arrested on charges of drug trafficking (later acquitted), which completely undermined the brand's reputation.
⚠️ Please note: The original DeLorean Motor Company ceased to exist in 1983. All cars sold today as "new DeLoreans" are rebuilt from old parts stocks or built under license by new companies using old blueprints.
Despite the collapse of business, the car survived thanks to fans and the film industry. Spare parts for DMC-12 are still produced by third-party companies, and the community of owners actively exchanges experience in repairing and restoring these rare cars.
Where to buy and how much it costs today
Buy original DeLorean DMC-12 today is not an easy task, but it can be done. Due to the limited edition (only about 9,000 units) and high popularity among collectors, prices for these cars are consistently high. The condition of the car is key: restored examples can cost a fortune, while restoration projects are cheaper but require a huge investment.
There are several ways to purchase:
- 🚗 Auctions: Major auction houses (Barrett-Jackson, RM Sotheby's) regularly put the DeLorean up for auction. Here you can find both regular models and replicas from the film.
- 🔧 Specialized dealers: Company DeLorean Motor Company (new, based in Florida) has a huge inventory of original parts and occasionally sells rebuilt vehicles.
- 🌍 Private advertisements: Searching through international sites requires a thorough check of the car’s history, since many cars have a complex fate and many owners.
The average price for a working DeLorean DMC-12 ranges from $40,000 to $100,000. Time Machine replicas from the film can be worth significantly more, especially if they have documentary evidence of participation in the filming or were created by official partners of the franchise.
☑️ Check before purchasing DeLorean
Myths and facts about the car from the film
The film gave rise to many misconceptions about the car's capabilities. Many people still believe that special training is required to reach 88 mph (about 141 km/h). Actually stock DeLorean it easily reaches this speed on any straight road, although acceleration dynamics remain sluggish.
Another common myth concerns the “plutonium reactor.” In the first part of the film, Doc Brown uses plutonium obtained from terrorists for the first jump. He later replaces it with “Mr. Fusion,” a device that recycles household waste. In reality, none of these systems exist, and the car in the film was powered by hidden electrical cables or moved by cables.
There is a legend that wing doors (“gull wings”) were made this way because of safety requirements during a coup. This is not entirely true. Originally, regular doors were planned, but during crash tests the safety cage deformed, blocking the regular hinges. Guillotine doors solved this problem, allowing the opening to be opened even with the body upside down.
The DeLorean DMC-12 became a legend not because of its technical excellence, but because of its unique design and successful entry into the culture of the 80s, cemented by the cult status of the film.
Is it true that the DeLorean was rusting?
The stainless steel body is practically not subject to corrosion in the usual sense (red rust spots). However, the aluminum used in some frame and suspension components could oxidize. The main problem is electrochemical corrosion at the points of contact between steel and other metals if the insulation is damaged.
How many cars were filmed for the film?
Several cars were used for the filming of the Back to the Future trilogy. According to various sources, from 4 to 6 cars were modified as a “time machine”. Some of them were broken during stunts, one was donated to a museum, and the fate of the rest is still being tracked by fans.
Can you buy a new DeLorean today?
Formally, yes, but it will not be a completely “new” car. DMC in Florida assembles cars from old but mothballed parts, adding some new components (for example, the engine). Completely new production from scratch is not carried out at factories in Europe.
Why a DeLorean time machine?
Director Robert Zemeckis explained the choice by saying that if a time machine were made of ordinary metal, it would look like any other car. The stainless steel gave it the futuristic appearance of an "appliance" rather than just a vehicle, which was perfect for the concept of time travel.