The film "Back to the Future" (1985) became a cult film not only thanks to the brilliant plot and acting, but also thanks to the unique car that turned into a time machine. DeLorean DMC-12, driven by Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), became a symbol of the 80s, combining futuristic design with innovative (and not always reliable) technical solutions. But what kind of car was it really? Why did director Robert Zemeckis choose her? And how did this car influence pop culture?
In this article we will look at technical specifications DeLorean DMC-12, let's talk about her unique features (including gullwing doors), we will open filming secrets featuring the car and explain why it remains an object of admiration among collectors. You will also find out how much the original copy costs today and where you can see the very cars used in the trilogy.
Who created the DeLorean DMC-12 and why did it become a time machine?
Car DeLorean DMC-12 was released in 1981 by the company DeLorean Motor Company (DMC)founded by an eccentric entrepreneur John DeLorean. The idea was to create a luxury sports car with stainless steel instead of traditional paint and innovative features such as gullwing doors. However, the project turned into a financial failure: due to poor build quality, engine problems and a drug scandal (DeLorean was arrested on charges of cocaine smuggling), production stopped after two years.
Exactly this commercially unsuccessful car attracted the attention of the creators of Back to the Future. Screenwriters Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis We were looking for a car that would look futuristic, but would also be recognizable to 80s audiences. DeLorean was ideal: its design was associated with the future, and its low popularity made it easy to find several copies for filming. In addition, the stainless steel case fit perfectly with the idea of a “time machine” - it seemed “timeless”.
Technical characteristics of the DeLorean DMC-12: engine, body and gullwings
DeLorean DMC-12 equipped 2.8 liter V6 engine from PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo), who developed modest 130 hp - not enough for a sports car weighing more than a ton. Acceleration to 100 km/h took about 10 seconds, and the maximum speed was only 190 km/h. For comparison: Porsche 911 at that time was almost twice as fast.
However, the main feature of the car was not the engine, but:
- 🚗 Stainless steel body - did not require painting, but was heavier and more expensive to produce. Over time, the steel dulled, and many owners polished it to a mirror shine.
- 🚪 Gullwing doors** — opened upwards, like supercars Mercedes-Benz 300SL 50s. The mechanism was unreliable: in the film, doors often had to be opened manually.
- ⚡ Electronics — for the 80s, the car was “stuffed” with gadgets: a digital dashboard, electric windows, even audio system with cassette recorder was considered a luxury.
- 🔋 Battery - due to the poor quality of electricians, many DeLorean suffered from dead batteries. This became a real problem on set.
Interestingly, in the film the time machine was equipped nuclear reactor (according to the plot), but in reality there was an ordinary gasoline “six” under the hood. Used for filming three main copies and several doubles - some of which were later sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Why did the DeLorean fail in the market?
The main reasons for the collapse were poor build quality (many cars arrived to customers with defects), a weak engine, a high price ($25,000 in 1981 - like the Porsche 928) and a scandal with the DeLorean itself. In addition, the car did not live up to expectations in terms of dynamics: despite its futuristic appearance, it drove like an ordinary sedan.
How the DeLorean became a time machine: filming secrets and special effects
To create the “time jump” effect, the film team used a combination practical effects and optical tricks. Here's how it worked:
- Glowing wheels: neon tubes were installed on the hubs, which rotated with the wheels, creating the illusion of a “light tunnel”.
- Fire trail: cables with pyrotechnics simulating a jet stream were pulled behind the car. Used in some scenes two-meter torches.
- Electrical discharges: High voltage wires were attached to the body, creating sparks (the actors were safe due to the insulation).
- Layout for “flight”**: a miniature model was used in the take-off scene over the city DeLorean on cables.
Fun fact: in the first part of the trilogy there is a time machine didn't fly — she only drove at high speed (88 mph, or ~142 km/h). The ability to fly appeared only in the second part, where the DeLorean was equipped anti-gravity device (according to the plot).
⚠️ Attention: In reality DeLorean DMC-12 unable to reach 88 mph on the rear wheels - the center of gravity is too high and the car will simply roll over. Special mounts and cables were used for filming.
How much does the DeLorean DMC-12 cost today and where can it be seen?
Original DeLorean DMC-12 today - a rarity. In total, approximately 9,000 copies, and many were cannibalized for parts or abandoned due to engine problems. However, after the release of the film, demand for the car increased, and now it is considered collectible.
| Model/Condition | Approximate price (2026) | Where can you see |
|---|---|---|
| Regular DeLorean DMC-12 (in good condition) | $40 000 – $60 000 | Private collections, auctions eBay Motors |
| A copy from the film (replica or original) | $200 000 – $500 000+ | Museums of film technology, for example, Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles) |
| Refurbished DeLorean with tuning | $80 000 – $150 000 | Vintage car exhibitions, e.g. Goodwood Festival of Speed |
| Not running (restoration project) | $15 000 – $30 000 | Sites like Bring a Trailer |
The most famous specimens from the film:
- 🎬 "Hero" car (used in most scenes) - currently in Universal Studios in Florida.
- 🔥 "Burning" DeLorean (from the second part) - restored and exhibited in Hollywood Museum.
- ⏳ A car with flying wheels — sold at auction for $541,200 in 2011.
If you want to buy a DeLorean, check the car's history: many examples have chassis and electrical problems. It is better to contact specialized dealers, for example, DeLorean Motor Company of Texas (they restore original cars).
Is it possible to turn an ordinary DeLorean into a time machine? (Spoiler: almost impossible)
Fans of the film have repeatedly tried to recreate the time machine from DeLorean DMC-12. There are tuning kitswhich include:
- 🔧 LED tube set to simulate a “light tunnel” (price: ~$1,500).
- 🎛️ Digital dashboard with "88 mph" animation (~$2,000).
- 🔥 Fire trail simulation system (pyrotechnics or LED strips, ~$3,000).
- 🚀 Body trims for a “futuristic” look (~$5,000).
However there is insurmountable technical limitations:
⚠️ Attention: Even with tuning DeLorean will not be able to:
- Fly (there is no anti-gravity, and the aerodynamics are not designed for flight).
- 88 mph on the rear wheels (requires heavy-duty suspension and 400+ hp engine).
- Move through time (this is not possible yet, but who knows what will happen in 30 years?).
The closest project to the original is DeLorean Time Machine from the company DMC Houston. They release certified replicas time machines with license Universal Studios, but the cost of such a car starts from $100 000.
Buy DeLorean DMC-1981-1983|Install LED tubes on the wheels|Replace the instrument panel with a digital one|Add decorative elements (for example, a “plume” on the rear bumper)|Check the electrics - the original wiring often lights up-->
DeLorean in pop culture: from Back to the Future to modern times
DeLorean DMC-12 became an icon not only because of the film. Here's where else you can find this car:
- 🎮 Video games: appears in Grand Theft Auto (under the name Dukes in GTA IV), Forza Horizon and Need for Speed.
- 🎬 Other films: Mentioned in Avengers: Endgame (2019), Blue Beetle (2023), and even in the animated series The Simpsons.
- 🎵 Music: group Daft Punk used the image DeLorean in the video Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.
- 🤖 Artificial Intelligence: in 2023 neural network MidJourney generated thousands of images of "DeLoreans in different eras."
In 2022 the company DeLorean Motor Company (already new, without connection with John DeLorean) announced electric concept DeLorean Alpha5, which was supposed to be released in 2026. However, the project stalled due to financial problems. However, the legend lives on: in 2023 at auction Barrett-Jackson original DeLorean from the film was sold for $550 000.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is the only production car that has become a symbol of science fiction without originally being one. Its value today is determined not by technical characteristics, but by cultural heritage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the DeLorean and the time machine
How many DeLoreans were used in the filming of Back to the Future?
For the first part of the film they used three main copies and several backups (about 7–8 cars in total). One of them was dismantled for parts, the other burned down during the filming of the second part, and the third is now in the museum Universal Studios.
Is it possible to buy the original time machine from the movie?
Theoretically yes, but it will be very expensive. In 2011, one of the original DeLorean went from auction for $541,200, and in 2023 - for $550,000. However, most copies from the film are in museums or private collections and are not for sale.
Why does the time machine go exactly 88 mph?
The writers chose speed 88 mph (142 km/h) because it looked “round” and was easy to remember. In addition, this was the maximum speed that he could reach. DeLorean on the set without the risk of capsizing. In reality, the car barely reached 190 km/h.
Are there modern replicas of a time machine?
Yes, companies DMC Houston and DeLorean Motor Company of Texas release licensed replicas with original parts and modern improvements (for example, a more reliable engine). The price starts from $100,000. There are also unofficial kits for tuning regular DeLorean.
Is it true that the DeLorean was a bad car?
By the standards of the 80s, yes. The car suffered from weak engine, bad build (many copies arrived to buyers with defects) and electrical problems. However, today it is valued as cult artifact, and not as a vehicle.