The car from the cult film trilogy "Back to the Future" is officially called DeLorean DMC-12This model was chosen by the filmmakers to become a time machine. In the story, a legendary car equipped with flux-capacitorIt is capable of moving passengers through time at speeds of 88 miles per hour. Many people mistakenly believe that the car has its own unique name, but in reality it is a production model, released in a limited edition in the early 1980s.
Uniqueness DeLorean DMC-12 The film is not only about its ability to travel, but also about its memorable design, which is perfect for the image of a futuristic vehicle. The body of the car is made of stainless steel, which gives it a characteristic silvery shine even without painting. This visual aspect has played a key role in the time-storage It has become recognizable all over the world, and the question of what it was called remains popular among fans.
In the context of the automotive and film industries, this vehicle holds a special place, combining the engineering solutions of John DeLorian and the imagination of the writers. Although in reality the car had a number of technical shortcomings and did not meet the expectations of the manufacturer, in the movie he found immortality. A detailed study of the history of this model allows you to understand why the choice fell on it, and what improvements were required to create an iconic image.
History of creation and choice of model for the film
The choice of a specific car to screen the script of Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis was not accidental. Initially, the possibility of using a refrigerator or even a nuclear reagent was considered, but something was needed that could move along the roads. DeLorean DMC-12 It attracted the attention of the creators with its futuristic look, which in 1985, when the first shots were released, looked really ahead of time. The body design, developed by Giugiaro, had a low clearance and angular shape, which created the effect of an alien from the future.
One of the main reasons for choosing was the design of the doors. Seagull wing doorsThe sliding upwards became the hallmark of the model. The script required that the character be able to appear and disappear spectacularly, and the automatic opening of the doors in the film perfectly solved this problem. In addition, the presence of free space in the rear of the body (where in reality the engine was located) allowed the writers to logically fit the installation of the fictional version of the game. flux-capacitor.
⚠️ In reality, the engine of the DeLorean DMC-12 is located behind, not in the front, as is often mistakenly believed due to the layout in the film. In the movie, the “motor” compartment was redesigned for the time system.
The car was produced in Northern Ireland at the Dunmoor plant, which added to the project’s international reach. At the time of filming, the manufacturer was already experiencing financial difficulties, which made the cars available for rent by the film studio at reduced prices. This coincidence of circumstances allowed the film to get several pieces of equipment for shooting stunts and static plans.
Technical characteristics of a real prototype
Unlike its on-screen counterpart, the real thing is DeLorean DMC-12 He had no supernatural powers, but he had some interesting engineering solutions. The car was equipped with a V-shaped six-cylinder engine of 2.85 liters, developed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo. This power unit developed a power of about 130 horsepower, which for a sports car was considered a rather modest indicator.
The body of the car was attached to the central carrier spar, which provided the necessary rigidity of the structure. The weight of the car was about 1230 kilograms, which was quite a lot for such engine power. Dynamic characteristics DMC-12 In the runoff state, they left much to be desired: acceleration to 100 km / h took more than 10 seconds, which did not correspond to the image of a high-speed sports car.
One of the key features that affected safety and handling was the suspension. The engineers used a circuit with double transverse arms at the front and diagonal arms at the rear. However, due to the weight shift to the rear axle (about 65% of the mass was in the rear wheels), the car tended to be oversteering, especially on slippery roads.
- 🚗 Engine: V6 PRV, 2849 cc. see, 130 hp.
- 🚗 Transmission: 5-speed mechanics or 3-speed automatic
- 🚗 Drive: rear
- 🚗 Brakes: discs on all wheels with ABS (optional)
For the filming of the car underwent a major modification. To make the machine look more powerful and correspond to the image of a “rocket on wheels”, a turbocharger was installed on it. This allowed for increased power and improved sound performance, although in reality the standard engine could hardly deliver the movie’s stated acceleration dynamics to 88 mph in an acceptable time.
Structural features and body design
The main visual dominant of the car is the body material. stainless-steel. John DeLorian insisted on using this material because it did not require painting or corrosion, which was supposed to be a revolution in the automotive industry. Sheets of stainless steel thickness of about 1 millimeter were attached to a plastic frame, which, in turn, was mounted on a steel frame.
However, the material was not perfect. On the polished surface, any, even the smallest scratches and fingerprints were visible. In addition, in the production process, difficulties arose with welding aluminum and plastic, which led to problems with the geometry of the body. In the film, this shine was enhanced by special lighting, creating the effect of a chrome car.
Painting secrets
Despite the fact that the body is made of stainless steel, many parts of the car were still painted. For example, the sills and some interior elements were black, and some early prototypes even tried to apply a lacquer coating that quickly peeled off.
The doors of the gull-wing doors have become not only a style, but also a functional element. They opened upwards at an angle of about 80 degrees, which allowed you to get into the car even in very narrow parking lots, where it would be impossible to open a regular door. The opening mechanism included a complex system of thrusts and gas stops that required regular lubrication and tuning.
It is important to note that in rainy weather or when washing a car, water often flowed inside the cabin through door seals. It was one of the typical “diseases” of the model, which had to put up with the owners. In the movies, this flaw was ignored for aesthetics and the car always looked perfectly dry inside.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4216 mm | Compact sports car |
| Width | 1857 mm | Broad enough for 2 seats |
| Height. | 1140 mm | Low center of gravity |
| Clearance. | 140 mm | Little ground clearance. |
| Tank volume | 90 litres | Large range |
Modifications for filming and movie effects
In order to The DeLorean DMC-12 became a recognizable time machine, and special effects artists led by Michael Shane made a number of significant changes to the design. Exhaust pipes were installed, brought forward, flame simulators from under the wheels and the famous glowing strips. All of these elements were not functional in the real world, but created the necessary atmosphere on the screen.
Particularly noteworthy is the system of “flux capacitor”, which in the film was placed between the seats. In reality, this place was the elements of ventilation and part of the transmission. For shooting, the interior was completely redesigned, additional screens, levers and light indicators were installed, which lit up at the right moment on the command of the operators.
⚠️ Warning: The film shows that plutonium is required to activate the time machine. In reality, no DeLorean modification contained radioactive material, it is pure fiction of the writers.
Different versions of the car were used to film the stunts. There were public road cars that looked like regular DeLorean cars and special stunt replicas. Some of them were equipped with air suspension to simulate flight or jumping. Large scale models were also used to shoot general flight plans over the city.
Advice to collectors: When buying a DeLorean model for restoration, pay attention to the condition of spars. Rust is often hidden under plastic linings and may not be noticeable on external inspection.
The fate of the model after the release of films
After the release of the first film, popularity DeLorean DMC-12 The company was already in bankruptcy, even though the company itself had already gone bankrupt. The car, which in real life was considered unsuccessful due to low reliability and high price, overnight became a cult. Fans began buying up spare parts and entire cars left in warehouses, saving them from destruction.
Today, owning the original DeLorean DMC-12 is considered a sign of good taste and a love of automotive history. The market for these cars was formed separately from the general market for classic cars. Prices for good-quality copies can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if the car has documentary evidence of filming in movies.
There is even a separate community of owners who are engaged in the restoration and modernization of these machines. New engines, improved cooling systems and modern interiors have been developed, allowing you to operate the car in everyday life without fear of its capriciousness of the 80s.
- 🔧 Engines: Often changed to modern V6 or V8 from Chevrolet
- 🔧 Transmissions: Installed with reliable 5-speed Aisin mechanics
- 🔧 Electricity: Complete replacement of wiring with modern
- 🔧 Body: Pollination and restoration of the geometry of doors
Comparison of the cinematic version and reality
The differences between the screen machine and the real prototype are enormous. If the car in the movie is capable of speeds that are not available to most supercars, and flying, in reality it was quite heavy and slow gran tourism. The cinematic image created a myth that completely eclipsed the technical characteristics of the original.
In the film, the car looks aggressive and powerful, while the real DMC-12 was often criticized for its boring dynamics. However, it was this “imperfectness” combined with its futuristic design that made it the ideal candidate for the role of a time machine. It looked like an experimental prototype, which was exactly the same as Dr. Brown, a mad scientist.
☑️ Testing knowledge about DeLorean
⚠️ Note: When watching the movie, pay attention to the license plate of the car. It changes depending on the era in which the hero falls, which is an important plot detail.
Despite all the technical inconsistencies, DeLorean DMC-12 It will forever remain a symbol of the 80s and one of the most famous machines in the history of cinema. The question of “back to the future” will be relevant as long as there are fans of cinema and cars. The time machine has become more than just a vehicle, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Why did DeLorean get chosen for the film?
The choice fell on this model because of its futuristic design, the doors of the “gull wing” and availability at the time of filming. The stainless steel body was ideal for the image of a car from the future or the past.
How many DeLorean cars were used in the filming?
About 6-7 DeLorean DMC-12s were used to film the trilogy. Some were broken in the process of stunts, others were remade for different scenes (flight, interior, statics).
Can I buy a DeLorean today?
The DeLorean DMC-12 is still available today. There is an active market for used cars, and DMC (DeLorean Motor Company) offers refurbished models and new parts.
What is the DeLorean’s real top speed?
The actual top speed of the stock DeLorean DMC-12 is about 170-180 km/h (approximately 105-110 mph). To reach 88 mph (141 km/h), the car did not require any superpowers.
Who designed the car design?
The design of the car was developed by the famous Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. He gave the car its recognizable angular shape and proposed the concept of doors that open upwards.