The DMC was rear-engined with a composite molded chassis and gullwing doors. Styling was by Giorgio Giugiaro, derived from his Tapiro concept-car design of 1970. The bodywork was composed of brushed stainless steel, the idea being that it would never require painting and be resistant to superficial blemishes.
The DeLorean was intended to be safe, technically advanced, limited in production and high-priced. Millions of dollars were spent on 'engineering development.' Production began late, the cars proved disappointing and sold poorly, and a halt was called to the venture in 1982.
This is the 2nd DeLorean produced. The car is powered by Smokey Yunick's research hot vapor engine.
Sold for $23,100 at 2007 RM Auctions.
This 1981 Delorean DMC12 is a very original example with only 355 miles on the odometer. It is powered by a V6 engine that displaces 174 cubic-inches and produces 130 horsepower. There is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel independent suspension. Disc brakes can be found on all four corners and the wheelbase measures 94.8-inches. This car was put up for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Mead Brook where it was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $20,000 - $30,000.
Standard features on the DMC12 were electric windows and mirrors, air-conditioning, a Craig stereo, central-locking and leather seats. The chassis was constructed from a Lotus designed chassis and consists of a central box-section backbone, and 'Y' shaped sub-frames. The body was formed from glass-reinforced plastic, with Brushed Grade 304 stainless-steel panels attached.
This DeLorean remains in very original condition and attracted a high bid of $23,100. At auction, this car was sold.
By Daniel Vaughan
In the last sixty years, very few new car enterprises have been launched from the ground up. However, with years of experience in the auto industry, John DeLorean knew that if he wanted to build his own car design, creating his own company was the most direct way. Willing to build a factory in what ever country was going to assist him the most, DeLorean decided on Northern Ireland after the British Prime Minister gave him the nod to a deal that included around $100 million in support.
The car was designed by the Italian designer Giorgio Giugiaro, it has a Renault engine, a British chassis, a Lotus process developed structure, and was destined for sale to an American audience. The most striking feature of the DeLorean is its brushed stainless steel finish. It took the DeLorean workers 15 months to get the look they wanted. The stainless steel is scratch resistant and corrosion proof, but can be very difficult to repair if damaged.
For the better part of the last century, new car companies have opened and closed without ever completing one product model. John Delorean's company was able to produce more than 8500 DMC-12 models before production ceased. And the impact of the DeLorean's bold move remains in the background motivating new ideas in the auto industry.
Source - SDAM
The 'Back to the Future Car.' The trio of the time-traveling movie series has sent this car into a world of its own. Unfortunately for the owner of the Delorian company, Mr. John Delorian, that he stopped selling the vehicle in 1982 before it could become famous by the 1985 movie.
The Delorian has similarities to the Lotus Esprit, and thus it should. It was designed by the same individual, Giorgetti Giugiaro of Ital Design. The car featured a V-6 alloy engine developed by Peugot, Renault, and Volvo. The vehicles slated for the European market had an engine they could be proud of. However, those going to America received a detuned version that greatly deteriorated the horsepower. The engine was placed in the rear of the car and gave the vehicle a 65/35 weight distribution. The transmission used was a Renault-derived five-speed manual. The Flux capacitor, capable of producing 1.1 Jigawatts of electricity, was added in 1985.
The body was made of stainless steel-clad panels. It was hard to keep clean; finger prints would show, that is why the manufacturer would provide cleaning materials with every vehicle sold. The Mercedes-Benz 300SL was the influence for the gullwing doors.
Production ran from 1980 through 1982. The car stopped selling poor build quality, expensive American Federal emission regulations, and lousy performance (American models). It probably did not help that the owner, John Delorian, was arrested on drug charges but later acquitted. When the company finally buckled there were still 2000 unsold Delorians.
By Daniel Vaughan
Source: Internet
