DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future
“Doc. Ah… Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?”
Yes, the DeLorean DMC-12, the iconic car featured in the “Back to the Future” film series, was indeed built in Ireland. The DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) was founded by American entrepreneur John DeLorean in 1975, and its production facility was located in Dunmurry, just outside of Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The construction of the DeLorean DMC-12 began in 1981, and the car was designed by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The DMC-12 featured a unique stainless steel body and distinctive gull-wing doors. Later on, they did offer cars in painted stainless steel.
However, despite its mind-blowing design and the popularity it gained through the “Back to the Future” movies, the DeLorean Motor Company faced financial difficulties, and production of the DMC-12 was halted in 1982 after only around 9,000 cars were manufactured.
Today, the DeLorean DMC-12 remains an iconic symbol of pop culture and is highly sought after by collectors and fans of the “Back to the Future” franchise. In fact, our local St. Patrick’s Day festival in Orange County, California held a DeLorean car show in the park only recently. You’ve never seen a crowd of kids and adults getting so much out of these idolized automobiles. And even today, everyone knows the quote “One point twenty-one gigawatts!”
Design
The DeLorean DMC-12 was designed by Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Giugiaro is renowned for his work in the automotive industry, having designed numerous iconic vehicles throughout his career. He was the founder of Italdesign, an influential design and engineering company.
Giorgetto Giugiaro’s design for the DeLorean DMC-12 is characterized by its sleek and futuristic appearance. The stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and minimalist aesthetic contributed to the car’s distinctive and captivating design.
Revenue Streams
The expense of running a fledgling car company began to weigh on DeLorean. Trying to keep his automobile empire alive, DeLorean looked for other ways to generate revenue. The FBI set up a sting operation to attract the automotive entrepreneur.
In 1982, John DeLorean was arrested in Los Angeles on charges of drug trafficking. The FBI had been conducting an undercover operation involving DeLorean and a suspected drug deal, which ultimately led to his arrest.
During the trial, DeLorean’s defense argued entrapment, claiming that he was lured into the drug deal by the FBI in an attempt to save his struggling car company. They alleged that the FBI set up the operation and coerced DeLorean into participating.
In 1984, John DeLorean was acquitted of the drug trafficking charges after a highly publicized trial. The jury found him not guilty, accepting the defense’s argument of entrapment.
The DeLorean Motor Company was placed into receivership in February 1982 and filed bankruptcy on October 26 of that year, just a few days after the arrest of its founder, John DeLorean, on drug-trafficking charges.
Is there a New DeLorean in our Future?
Yes in fact the new DeLorean model is to be named “Model – JZD” in honor of John Z., and the company began assembly in January 2023 in the good old Motor City, Detroit, Michigan, USA. And now for a public service announcement, please do not drive and tipple, unless it’s the IrishTipple.com.
