The DeLorean DMC-12, instantly recognizable by its gleaming stainless steel body and iconic gull-wing doors, is more than just a car; it’s a cultural icon forever etched in our minds thanks to its starring role in the “Back to the Future” trilogy. This vehicle represents a blend of futuristic vision and cinematic magic, but behind its fame lies a compelling story of ambition, technical hurdles, and a surprisingly short production life that continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts.
For years, we’ve all wondered about the exact number of these legendary cars produced, what they’re truly worth today, and the fascinating life of John DeLorean himself. This article aims to shed light on these mysteries, using solid facts and historical context to trace the DeLorean’s incredible journey from concept to screen legend. We’ll explore its unique design, innovative engineering, and the dramatic business story behind this remarkable, though challenging, automotive creation.
Get ready to dive deep into the specifics and practical details that define the DeLorean’s enduring appeal. We’ll uncover the reasons behind its creation, how it performed on the road, and the significant events that ultimately dictated its fate. From its inception as a safe, fuel-efficient sports car to its explosion into popular culture, understanding the DeLorean means appreciating both its engineering brilliance and the captivating human story woven into its brief but impactful history. Join us as we celebrate the fascinating adventure of this cherished, albeit troubled, automotive icon.
1. **The Iconic Pop Culture Status and Initial Design Vision**
It’s nearly impossible to mention the DeLorean DMC-12 without conjuring images of time travel, flux capacitors, and the unforgettable adventures of Doc Brown and Marty McFly. The “Back to the Future” film trilogy didn’t just feature the DeLorean; it transformed it into a global pop culture icon, cementing its status as one of “our coolest cars with the flapping doors” and a perennial symbol of innovation and adventure. This cinematic fame is arguably the single greatest factor in the car’s enduring appeal, transcending its original commercial challenges.
Beyond its starring role as a cinematic time machine, the DeLorean’s design was genuinely groundbreaking for its time. Conceptualized by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro at Ital Design, the DMC-12 boasted a futuristic look that was a bold departure from the typical cars of the early 1980s. Its sleek silhouette, low stance, and especially its brushed stainless steel body and distinctive gull-wing doors, gave the car an unforgettable, almost extraterrestrial appearance that immediately captured the public’s imagination.
The choice of brushed stainless steel for the body was not only innovative but also highly unconventional. Unlike traditional painted bodies, this material offered unmatched durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the car retained its striking looks with minimal effort. This design choice, combined with the practicality of its gull-wing doors, underscored the decade’s fascination with technology and bold innovation. The DeLorean’s iconic look has undeniably ensured its prominent place in automotive history, making it a highly recognizable and sought-after collector’s item today, long after its brief production run.
Car Model Information: 1981 Delorean DMC-12
Name: DMC DeLorean
Alt: 1983 DeLorean
Caption: 1983 DeLorean
Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company
Production: January 21, 1981 – December 1982
ModelYears: 1981–1983
Assembly: Dunmurry
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Doors: Gull-wing doors
Engine: 2.85 L
Abbr: on
Powerout: 130 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual ,3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 4267 mm
Width: 1988 mm
Height: 1140 mm
Weight: 1233 kg
Sp: us
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Automobiles with backbone chassis, Automobiles with gull-wing doors
Summary: The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) for the American market from 1981 until 1983—ultimately the only car brought to market by the fledgling company. The DeLorean is sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, although this was not used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean is noted for its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels, as well as its lack of power and performance. Though its production was short-lived, the DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films.
With the first production car completed on January 21, 1981, the design incorporated numerous minor revisions to the hood, wheels and interior before production ended in late December 1982, shortly after DMC filed for bankruptcy and after total production reached an estimated 9,000 units.
Despite the car having a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfactory driving experience, the DeLorean continues to have a strong following, driven in part by the popularity of Back to the Future. 6,500 DeLoreans were estimated to still be on the road as of 2015.
Get more information about: DMC DeLorean
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: DeLorean Model: DMC-12
Price: $37,500 Mileage: 0 mi.
2.Before diving into the ambitious (and ultimately challenging) venture of his own car company, John DeLorean had already built an impressive career in the automotive world. He left General Motors in 1973 after a nearly two-decade tenure where he became a legendary figure, known for his innovative ideas and talent for revitalizing struggling car brands. His early education at the Chrysler Institute of Engineering and his subsequent roles at Packard Motor Company, where he eventually led research and development, provided a strong foundation for his future aspirations.
General Motors recognized DeLorean’s talent and hired him in 1956, tasking him with the revitalization of the “lackluster Pontiac line.” Over the next 17 years, DeLorean proved his mettle, introducing a series of groundbreaking innovations that would become industry standards. These included practical advancements like “wide-track wheels and recessed and articulated windshield wipers,” which significantly improved vehicle stability and visibility, showcasing his focus on both performance and user experience.
However, DeLorean is perhaps best remembered for his pivotal role in developing some of the most iconic muscle cars of the era. Under his leadership, Pontiac roared back to life with legendary models such as the GTO in 1964, followed by the Firebird in 1967 and the Grand Prix in 1969. These powerful, stylish vehicles not only redefined performance automobiles but also solidified DeLorean’s reputation as a visionary within the car industry, earning him widespread acclaim before the changing tides of the 1970s energy crisis forced a dramatic shift in automotive priorities.
3. **The Genesis of the DeLorean Motor Company**
The landscape of the American automotive industry underwent a dramatic transformation in 1973, sparked by the Arab oil embargo. This event led to “fuel shortages around the globe, quadrupling the price of oil in the United States and effectively killing off these powerful cars” that John DeLorean had helped champion. Public attention pivoted swiftly from gas-guzzling V8s to a demand for “smaller, safer, and more fuel-efficient vehicles.” Recognizing that the “Big 3” automakers were slow to adapt, DeLorean perceived a significant market opportunity.
In response to this vision, he departed from GM in 1973 to establish his own company, the John Z. DeLorean Corporation (JZDC), with the specific goal of “building an American-made sports car – much like the coupes BWM and Mercedes were making – to meet the public’s needs.” His ambition extended beyond just performance; he also prioritized advanced safety features. He secured the rights to use innovative impact-resistant foam panel technology, developed through Royal Dutch Shell’s elastic reservoir molding (ERM), creating lightweight yet incredibly strong panels that formed the basis of his unique, chassisless vehicle design.
To bring these groundbreaking panels to life, DeLorean founded a subsidiary called Composite Technology Corporation, and soon after, the DeLorean Motor Company was established, with JZDC eventually becoming the DeLorean Manufacturing Company, underscoring his serious commitment to production. Furthermore, early development received a crucial financial injection when Allstate Auto Insurance “ponied up $500,000 for DeLorean to create an example of an idyllically ‘safe’ automobile,” aligning with government safety initiatives. Although Allstate later withdrew from the project, they “let DeLorean keep the seed money,” providing essential initial capital that fueled his ambitious automotive dream.
4. **Engine Specifications and Performance**
At the heart of the DeLorean DMC-12 lay a rear-mounted 2.8-liter, all-aluminum V6 engine, a product of a collaboration between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo, often referred to as the PRV engine. While innovative for its lightweight construction and European lineage, this engine’s performance characteristics were, by modern standards, rather modest for a sports car. It “produced a mere 130 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque,” figures that left some enthusiasts wanting more, particularly those accustomed to the powerful V8s of DeLorean’s earlier muscle car creations.
The relatively conservative power output meant that the 2,700-pound vehicle, with its sleek stainless steel body and futuristic appeal, wasn’t exactly a drag-strip king. It accelerated to “60 mph in a leisurely nine seconds,” with some sources even claiming it took “over 10” seconds to reach that benchmark. Official statistics generally list the 0-60 mph time at around 10.5 seconds, placing it more in the realm of a comfortable grand tourer than a nimble sports racer, especially when compared to its European contemporaries.
While the DMC-12 could reach a top speed of around 110 mph, which was decent for its era, it wasn’t exceptionally fast, and its fuel economy of approximately 19 mpg reflected the market’s growing demand for efficiency after the oil embargo, though it wasn’t a leader in this regard. The PRV V6 engine provided adequate power, but its performance was often seen as a contrast to the car’s striking appearance, leading to criticism that the DeLorean prioritized style and safety over outright speed and power.
Car Model Information: 1981 Delorean DMC-12
Name: DMC DeLorean
Alt: 1983 DeLorean
Caption: 1983 DeLorean
Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company
Production: January 21, 1981 – December 1982
ModelYears: 1981–1983
Assembly: Dunmurry
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Doors: Gull-wing doors
Engine: 2.85 L
Abbr: on
Powerout: 130 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual ,3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 4267 mm
Width: 1988 mm
Height: 1140 mm
Weight: 1233 kg
Sp: us
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Automobiles with backbone chassis, Automobiles with gull-wing doors
Summary: The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) for the American market from 1981 until 1983—ultimately the only car brought to market by the fledgling company. The DeLorean is sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, although this was not used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean is noted for its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels, as well as its lack of power and performance. Though its production was short-lived, the DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films.
With the first production car completed on January 21, 1981, the design incorporated numerous minor revisions to the hood, wheels and interior before production ended in late December 1982, shortly after DMC filed for bankruptcy and after total production reached an estimated 9,000 units.
Despite the car having a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfactory driving experience, the DeLorean continues to have a strong following, driven in part by the popularity of Back to the Future. 6,500 DeLoreans were estimated to still be on the road as of 2015.
Get more information about: DMC DeLorean
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: DeLorean Model: DMC-12
Price: $37,500 Mileage: 0 mi.
5. **Initial Production Goals vs. Reality**
John DeLorean’s vision for the DMC-12 included an ambitious pricing strategy, aiming for an initial sale price of “$12,000,” a figure that even inspired the “12” designation in the car’s name. This aggressive target reflected his desire to make a distinctive sports car accessible to a broader market, much like the European coupes he admired. However, the realities of development, manufacturing, and global economics quickly pushed this initial aspiration far out of reach, setting a precedent for the company’s financial struggles.
Upon its launch in 1981, the DeLorean’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) had ballooned to “$25,000.” This was already more than double the original target. The price continued to climb, increasing to “$29,825 in ’82,” and remarkably, despite the company’s declaration of bankruptcy in 1982, another price jump occurred in 1983, reaching “$34,000.” These escalating prices, combined with a challenging economic climate, significantly impacted the car’s market viability and sales performance.
The sales figures paint a stark picture of the discrepancy between ambition and reality. Sales dropped precipitously year after year, with only “3,012 selling in 1981, 2,660 in ’82, and 1,009 in its final 1983 year.” Quick calculations reveal that “less than 6,700 of the original 9,000 units were sold” through official channels during its brief production run. This underperformance in sales was a critical factor in the DeLorean Motor Company’s rapid decline, demonstrating that even a striking design and innovative features couldn’t overcome an uncompetitive price point in a difficult market.
6. **The Journey from Prototype to Mass Production**
With seed money secured and a design vision in place, John DeLorean set about bringing his dream car to life. He had a clear set of non-negotiable requirements for the DMC-12: the distinctive “stainless-steel bodywork and gullwing doors” were paramount. Additionally, the interior had to be generously spacious, designed to comfortably accommodate “six-foot-plus tall passengers,” ensuring practicality alongside its futuristic appeal. These core tenets guided the early development phases, defining the car’s unique character from the outset.
The pivotal design process was entrusted to the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro at “famed Ital Design in Turin, Italy,” a move that brought world-class automotive artistry to the project. Giugiaro’s expertise translated DeLorean’s vision into the instantly recognizable form we know today. By 1976, a significant milestone was reached when “Kar Kraft in Detroit assembled the prototype DMC-12 with a transversely mounted four-cylinder Citroën engine,” a crucial step in proving the concept’s feasibility and showcasing its potential.
The public unveiling of the “futuristic stainless steel wonder” occurred a year later at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) meeting in New Orleans. This event was strategically aimed at attracting the substantial financial support needed to transition to mass production. The strategy proved successful, as DeLorean managed to secure commitments from “nearly 350 dealerships to invest $25,000 each.” This, combined with “another $1 million from private investors,” boosted his seed money to almost $10 million. However, this sum was overshadowed by a far more substantial offer: “$100+ million Northern Ireland offered, which came with one caveat: the cars had to be manufactured in Belfast.” Despite the geopolitical complexities involving the Irish Republican Army’s conflict with Britain, DeLorean agreed, hiring the British company Lotus to develop the final production version of the DMC-12. The Belfast plant was “erected in under two years” with multiple buildings to mitigate risk, and “astonishingly, it was never attacked, and the first DMC-12 rolled off the production floor in 1981,” marking a significant triumph against considerable odds.
Car Model Information: 1981 Delorean DMC-12
Name: DMC DeLorean
Alt: 1983 DeLorean
Caption: 1983 DeLorean
Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company
Production: January 21, 1981 – December 1982
ModelYears: 1981–1983
Assembly: Dunmurry
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Doors: Gull-wing doors
Engine: 2.85 L
Abbr: on
Powerout: 130 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual ,3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 4267 mm
Width: 1988 mm
Height: 1140 mm
Weight: 1233 kg
Sp: us
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Automobiles with backbone chassis, Automobiles with gull-wing doors
Summary: The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) for the American market from 1981 until 1983—ultimately the only car brought to market by the fledgling company. The DeLorean is sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, although this was not used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean is noted for its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels, as well as its lack of power and performance. Though its production was short-lived, the DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films.
With the first production car completed on January 21, 1981, the design incorporated numerous minor revisions to the hood, wheels and interior before production ended in late December 1982, shortly after DMC filed for bankruptcy and after total production reached an estimated 9,000 units.
Despite the car having a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfactory driving experience, the DeLorean continues to have a strong following, driven in part by the popularity of Back to the Future. 6,500 DeLoreans were estimated to still be on the road as of 2015.
Get more information about: DMC DeLorean
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: DeLorean Model: DMC-12
Price: $37,500 Mileage: 0 mi.
7. **The Downfall of DeLorean Motor Company**
The initial excitement surrounding the DeLorean DMC-12, fueled by its futuristic design and even a limited edition “24-karat gold version” offered by American Express, quickly collided with harsh economic realities. The car entered the U.S. market during a period described as the “worst economic recession the U.S. had seen since the Great Depression.” This challenging environment, coupled with the car’s escalating price point and performance that didn’t quite match its exotic looks, meant that despite the buzz, the DeLorean “sold poorly,” leading to significant financial strain for the nascent company.
As sales faltered, DeLorean sought assistance, attempting to secure help from the British government, which had heavily invested in the Belfast plant. However, their intervention was not in the form of a bailout, but rather they “instead placed the company into receivership.” This move signaled the beginning of the end, as the company lost control of its operations. The Belfast factory, which had seen production rates as high as “80 cars per day” in its early days, dramatically scaled back to a single shift, producing a mere “35 to 40 cars per week” as receivership took hold from February 1982 until its eventual closure on May 31, 1982.
John DeLorean’s ambitious venture finally ran out of time in a dramatic fashion in October 1982. Within a mere “span of a few days,” two catastrophic events sealed the fate of both the man and his company. He was “arrested for trafficking 55 pounds of cocaine,” a charge that irrevocably damaged his reputation and leadership. Almost simultaneously, the “DeLorean Motor Company was forced into bankruptcy.” This abrupt and shocking conclusion brought an end to the company’s “short-lived production run,” ensuring that the DeLorean DMC-12, despite its engineering and design prowess, would remain a rare vehicle, defined as much by its spectacular downfall as by its initial, audacious promise.
Car Model Information: 1982 Delorean DMC-12
Name: DMC DeLorean
Alt: 1983 DeLorean
Caption: 1983 DeLorean
Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company
Production: January 21, 1981 – December 1982
ModelYears: 1981–1983
Assembly: Dunmurry
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Doors: Gull-wing doors
Engine: 2.85 L
Abbr: on
Powerout: 130 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual ,3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 4267 mm
Width: 1988 mm
Height: 1140 mm
Weight: 1233 kg
Sp: us
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Automobiles with backbone chassis, Automobiles with gull-wing doors
Summary: The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) for the American market from 1981 until 1983—ultimately the only car brought to market by the fledgling company. The DeLorean is sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, although this was not used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean is noted for its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels, as well as its lack of power and performance. Though its production was short-lived, the DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films.
With the first production car completed on January 21, 1981, the design incorporated numerous minor revisions to the hood, wheels and interior before production ended in late December 1982, shortly after DMC filed for bankruptcy and after total production reached an estimated 9,000 units.
Despite the car having a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfactory driving experience, the DeLorean continues to have a strong following, driven in part by the popularity of Back to the Future. 6,500 DeLoreans were estimated to still be on the road as of 2015.
Get more information about: DMC DeLorean
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: DeLorean Model: DMC-12
Price: $129,950 Mileage: 3,145 mi.
8. **The Enduring Population and Rarity of the DeLorean**
Despite its tumultuous history and brief production run, the DeLorean DMC-12 continues to captivate enthusiasts, with an estimated worldwide population of around 6,500 units still in existence today. These iconic vehicles, instantly recognizable by their signature gull-wing doors and brushed stainless steel body panels, have firmly cemented their place as a symbol of 1980s automotive ambition and a lasting cultural artifact. The enduring interest in this distinctive car has ensured that a significant number remain preserved and cherished.
While most of these surviving DeLoreans are now in the United States, their global appeal is undeniable, with significant numbers also found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Germany. This widespread distribution highlights the car’s immense impact and the dedication of its international fan base, proving that the DeLorean has resonated with people far beyond its original market, becoming a universally recognized classic that transcends borders.
The concept of rarity is often subjective in the collector car world, but the DeLorean certainly hovers on the threshold of what is generally considered rare. Its unique stainless steel skin and distinctive gull-wing doors significantly contribute to its distinctiveness and appeal, making it a standout among classic vehicles. This inherent uniqueness, combined with its profound pop culture status, amplifies its desirability among collectors seeking a vehicle that is both mechanically interesting and historically significant.
Car Model Information: 1982 Delorean DMC-12
Name: DMC DeLorean
Alt: 1983 DeLorean
Caption: 1983 DeLorean
Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company
Production: January 21, 1981 – December 1982
ModelYears: 1981–1983
Assembly: Dunmurry
Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
Class: Sports car
BodyStyle: coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Doors: Gull-wing doors
Engine: 2.85 L
Abbr: on
Powerout: 130 hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual ,3-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2413 mm
Length: 4267 mm
Width: 1988 mm
Height: 1140 mm
Weight: 1233 kg
Sp: us
Categories: 1980s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, Automobiles with backbone chassis, Automobiles with gull-wing doors
Summary: The DMC DeLorean is a rear-engine, two-seat sports car manufactured and marketed by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) for the American market from 1981 until 1983—ultimately the only car brought to market by the fledgling company. The DeLorean is sometimes referred to by its internal DMC pre-production designation, DMC-12, although this was not used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean is noted for its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels, as well as its lack of power and performance. Though its production was short-lived, the DeLorean became widely known after it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future films.
With the first production car completed on January 21, 1981, the design incorporated numerous minor revisions to the hood, wheels and interior before production ended in late December 1982, shortly after DMC filed for bankruptcy and after total production reached an estimated 9,000 units.
Despite the car having a reputation for poor build quality and an unsatisfactory driving experience, the DeLorean continues to have a strong following, driven in part by the popularity of Back to the Future. 6,500 DeLoreans were estimated to still be on the road as of 2015.
Get more information about: DMC DeLorean
Buying a high-performing used car >>>
Brand: DeLorean Model: DMC-12
Price: $129,950 Mileage: 3,145 mi.
Over the years, the total number of DeLoreans has naturally changed, especially since production ended in the early 1980s. However, thanks to a thriving collector market and the tireless restoration efforts by enthusiasts, the number of these cars has remained remarkably stable. This enduring commitment to preserving the DeLorean, combined with its timeless design, suggests a bright future for this automotive icon within the classic car community.
