The Evolution of The DeLorean DMC-12 Car
The legacy of DeLorean cars is one steeped in ambition, innovation, and cultural significance. Founded by automotive engineer John DeLorean in the early 1970s, DeLorean Motor Company aimed to create a revolutionary sports car that would capture the imagination of drivers worldwide. While only a few models were produced, the DeLorean remains iconic, particularly due to its appearance in popular media and the visionary design it featured. This article explores the evolution of DeLorean cars, their models, and trim levels throughout their brief but impactful production history.
The Genesis: 1975-1982
The DeLorean Motor Company was founded in 1975 in Northern Ireland, and the company quickly gained traction with the DMC-12 model. The DMC-12 was envisioned as a cutting-edge sports car, and its design was led by esteemed automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The DMC-12 would ultimately become synonymous with the DeLorean name; however, its journey was anything but straightforward.
DMC-12 (1981-1983)
- Production Years: 1981-1982
- Trim Levels: The DMC-12 was released in a single trim level. However, customers had the option to add several features, like a manual or automatic transmission, air conditioning, and a premium sound system.
Design and Features
The DMC-12 featured an eye-catching stainless-steel body, gull-wing doors, and a minimalist interior. One of the most distinctive features of the DMC-12 was its design method – the car’s body was made from unpainted stainless steel, giving it a unique, futuristic appearance.
Under the hood, the DMC-12 was powered by a 2.85-liter V6 engine sourced from Peugeot, which produced around 130 horsepower, allowing for acceptable performance for a sports car of its era. However, many critics felt that the DMC-12 was underpowered compared to its competitors.
Production and Challenges
DeLorean planned to produce 15,000 cars a year, but in reality, the company struggled with manufacturing issues, management problems, and ultimately, financial ruin. By 1983, only about 9,000 DMC-12s were produced, as the company was beset by legal battles and increasing debt. Production ceased in December 1982, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1983.
Resurgence and Legacy: 1995-Present
Despite the challenges of the early 1980s, the DeLorean name would not fade into obscurity. It would go on to experience a renaissance fueled by nostalgia and pop culture references, particularly its role in the “Back to the Future” film trilogy.
DeLorean DMC-12 (Reissue)
In the 1990s, efforts to revive the DeLorean brand emerged. In 1995, a new company, the DeLorean Motor Company of Texas, was formed to produce a small number of remanufactured DMC-12s.
- Production Years: 1995 onwards
- Trim Levels: In this limited production era, customers could order various customizations and modifications, including engine enhancements and upgraded interiors.
The remanufactured DeLoreans, which used new old stock (NOS) parts and upgraded elements while retaining the characteristic design of the original models, catered primarily to collectors and devoted fans, rather than the mass-market appeal sought in the 1980s. Only a handful of these vehicles were produced, and they typically came with upgraded features and options.
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Speed was always a running joke about the DMC-12 cars (it couldn’t really get to that “88MPH” that we’re all too familiar with). The laughs taken with these vehicles back then are like the funny Dodge Challenger memes of today’s society. Oh, the antics…
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The Electric DeLorean and Future Developments
As of recent years, DeLorean has once again captured attention with plans for an electric-powered DeLorean. In 2020, the DeLorean Motor Company announced intentions to launch a new model dubbed the DMC-12 Alpha.
DMC-12 Alpha (TBD)
- Expected Production: 2024 and beyond
- Key Features: Styled similarly to the original DMC-12, the Alpha intends to blend classic design with modern technology, including electric vehicle (EV) architecture, infotainment systems, and updated safety features.
The concept has excited both automotive enthusiasts and collectors, as it aims to revitalize the brand while respecting the design principles established by John DeLorean himself.
The Cultural Impact of DeLorean Cars
The DeLorean brand, particularly the DMC-12, transcended mere automotive product; it became a cultural phenomenon. Its appearance in “Back to the Future,” where it was famously modified to function as a time machine, ingrained the car into the lexicon of popular culture. It sparked interest in both the car and the life of John DeLorean, who became a controversial figure due to his tumultuous career and legal troubles.
The DeLorean also symbolizes the 1980s’ quest for innovation and the time when cars were not just modes of transportation but representations of personal identity and aspiration. The craftsmanship of the DMC-12, with its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body, has earned it a place in automotive history, and its allure continues to attract enthusiasts and collectors.
Conclusion
The history of DeLorean cars is a remarkable journey that reflects the ambitions and dreams of their creator. From the original DMC-12 to the limited reissues and anticipated electric models, the DeLorean’s evolution stands testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Though its production was limited and its road was fraught with challenges, the DeLorean has secured an everlasting niche in the automotive world—a blend of style, innovation, and nostalgia that continues to inspire future generations of car enthusiasts.
