DeLorean DMC-12 DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most recognizable automobiles in the world, its stainless steel body and gullwing doors having been immortalized by the Back to the Future film trilogy. But beyond its Hollywood fame, the DMC-12 is a fascinating case study in automotive ambition, innovation, and ultimately, the gap between vision and execution.
John Z. DeLorean, a former General Motors executive, conceived the DMC-12 as an ethical sports car -- affordable, durable (thanks to its unpainted stainless steel body), and fun to drive. The car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, engineered by Lotus (Colin Chapman personally oversaw the chassis development), and powered by a Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) 2.85-liter V6 producing 130 horsepower.
The stainless steel body panels, which could not be painted without losing their distinctive appearance, were mounted on a fiberglass underbody over a backbone chassis designed by Lotus. The gullwing doors, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, provided dramatic entry and exit but were heavy and could not be opened if the car was inverted. The overall design was clean and futuristic, and the unpainted stainless steel gave the car a unique visual presence.
The DMC-12's performance, however, was disappointing relative to its exotic appearance. The 130 horsepower PRV V6 struggled to motivate the 2,840-pound car with authority, and the rear-engine layout (the engine was mounted behind the rear axle, not in a mid-engine position) created handling characteristics that required careful management. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 10.5 seconds was slow by sports car standards, even in 1981.
The DeLorean Motor Company produced approximately 9,000 DMC-12s at its factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, before financial difficulties led to the company's collapse in 1982. John DeLorean's subsequent arrest on drug trafficking charges (he was later acquitted) added another dramatic chapter to the car's turbulent history.
Today, the DMC-12's cultural significance far exceeds its performance credentials. The Back to the Future films, in which the car serves as a time machine, have made the DeLorean an iconic symbol of 1980s pop culture. Values have risen dramatically, driven by nostalgia and the car's unmistakable visual presence. A dedicated community of DeLorean enthusiasts maintains these cars, and a company (DeLorean Motor Company of Texas) provides parts and support.
The stainless steel body should be inspected for dents, scratches, and corrosion at the panel edges. The PRV V6 is generally reliable but parts are becoming scarce for some items. The gullwing door mechanisms should operate smoothly. Check the fiberglass underbody for damage. The Lotus-designed chassis should be inspected for corrosion, particularly in the backbone. The DeLorean Motor Company of Texas is the primary parts source. VIN should be verified against the DeLorean registry.
Built at the DeLorean Motor Company factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. Approximately 9,000 units were produced between January 1981 and December 1982.