For fans of rear-engined, stainless-steel sports cars, 2010 is an auspicious date. It marks the 25th anniversary of the DeLorean DMC-12′s starring role in “Back to the Future.” The car was actually produced from 1981-1982, but it would have likely gone the way of the Bricklin if it weren’t for the classic 1985 movie.
The brainchild of auto-industry veteran John DeLorean—who also developed the iconic Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Firebird—the DMC-12 made its mark on film as a time machine, which was fitting because the car was so far ahead of its time when manufactured.
The DeLorean’s crisply styled body was penned by renowned Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, and with its hallmark stainless-steel panels and gull-wing doors, it made for a stark contrast to the awkward vehicles being built by Detroit during this time (see the 1982 Chrysler New Yorker).
However, while the DMC-12 avoided any hint of “early malaise” period automotive styling, it couldn’t escape the introduction of catalytic converters and other new emissions equipment. The result: The DeLorean’s all-aluminum V6, originally pegged at 170 hp, produced just 130 hp in U.S.-spec vehicles. That made for only adequate power, even considering the car’s 2,700-lb curb weight.
Changing U.S. regulations also impacted the car’s handling, which took a turn for the worse when the vehicle’s suspension—based on that of the agile Lotus Esprit—had to be modified to meet new bumper-height standards. Of course, a weight distribution of about 35/65 front/rear didn’t help either.
Yet despite these flaws, and the ignominious downfall of its founder, the DeLorean rode its star-making turn in “Back to the Future” to have a permanent impact on pop-culture history. And it’s not done yet: The DeLorean Motor Company is back in business.
Stephen Wynn, a Houston-area entrepreneur and former mechanic—specializing in DeLoreans, of course—has purchased the rights to the DMC name along with a significant quantity of original but unused DeLorean pieces. Today, he’s using these pieces to manufacture and sell DMC-12s built with what he calls, “new old stock (NOS), original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and our line of reproduction parts.” These include an optional 197-hp V6 and an enhanced Elbach suspension that, while still not able to help the DMC-12 travel through time, greatly improves performance. Other upgrades include a premium sound system with iPod interface, nav system, backup camera, satellite radio and heated seats.
It makes for an impressive piece of machinery with just one key drawback: A flux capacitor is not yet available.
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