For those like me who were manufactured in the early 1970s, the Back to the Future saga, episodes one, two and three, is as much a part of the DNA as Motta swirls, lacquer-sculpted topknots and foam shoulder pads under jackets.The silent protagonist of that series of films that have become cult hits for many generations after mine is the DeLorean DMC-12, aka the time machine that Doc Emmett Brown sets up in his laboratory as a mad scientist in small-town America and in which he zooms back and forth with his young friend Marty McFly, for 1985 alternative, new Blade Runner-themed millennia, or a postcard-perfect Wild West just as one imagines it.The fact that remains is that the DeLorean DMC-12 is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. It has been beloved since its origin not only for its futuristic design, but also for its role as a Hollywood diva, precisely. And despite its short production run and the tricky difficulties that the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), had to face, this car has left an indelible imprint on the world of sports cars and especially on the collective imagination of all of us.
The DeLorean Motor Company was founded in 1975 by John Zachary DeLorean, an engineer and visionary executive in the automotive industry.After working at General Motors and contributing to the success of iconic models such as the Pontiac GTO, DeLorean, John decided to start an independent project, following his own personal insight. His goal is to create a sports car that combines technological innovation, cutting-edge design and safety on the road.The DMC-12, initially christened the DSV (DeLorean Safety Vehicle), and the initial design envisions it as a revolutionary car.DeLorean obtains significant funding from private investors and the U.K. and U.S. governments, attracted more by the promise of job creation at the Dunmurry plant near Belfast, Northern Ireland.However, these funds will not be enough to avoid the financial difficulties that will mark the company's ill-fated history.The DMC-12 project begins with great ambitions.The design is assigned to none other than Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the world's most celebrated designers, who comes up with the idea of a body with sharp lines, completely covered in unpainted stainless steel. This material, in addition to providing superior strength, gives the car a distinctive, futuristic appearance.The engine that is initially chosen must be a rotary Wankel, but due to technical and availability problems, DMC opts for a 2.85-liter V6 PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) engine.This powerplant, positioned at the rear, develops about 130 horsepower, offering good performance for the time, but not exceptional compared to its main competitors.The structure of the car involves the use of ERM (Elastic Reservoir Moulding) technology for the chassis, but that unfortunately soon proved unsuitable for mass production.In an attempt to solve the technical problems that the fate of the future movie diva held for the company, DeLorean turned to Colin Chapman, founder of Lotus, who in no time redesigned the chassis, using a steel spine structure, similar to that of the Lotus Esprit.This approach dramatically improves the structural rigidity and handling of the vehicle and sends it right off the assembly line for production and delivery to the world.
Production of the DMC-12 began in 1981 at the Dunmurry plant itself, which was supposed to be a symbol of economic revival for the region that had been mowed down more than others by the coming crisis.However, the production process was marked by a number of problems, including some serious delays in the delivery of components and technical difficulties in manufacturing leading to quality failures in the first models to leave the Irish factory.In addition, the final selling price of the car, which was initially supposed to be $12,000, rises to about $25,000, making it far less competitive in the market for that range of cars.These inconveniences, combined with a worldwide economic recession and a highly competitive automobile market, lead the DeLorean Motor Company to file for banking bankruptcy only a year after the project began in 1982.In total, about 9,000 examples of the DMC-12 were produced, which became famous for its gull-wing doors, one of the most distinctive design elements.These doors are mounted on a steel and fiberglass frame, and are not only an aesthetic element but also a functional solution to facilitate access to the interior in rather narrow spaces.Stainless steel bodywork is a unique innovation that eliminates the need for painting and ensures a long service life.However, this choice also brings challenges, such as the inability to easily repair scratches.Inside, the DMC-12 there is a modern interior for the time, with wraparound leather seats and an ergonomic dashboard.The car has a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, and the suspension system, derived from Lotus, provides a sporty but precise ride.
Yet, as happens in any good story, around the corner there is a twist.Three years after the failure of company and project, comes the real consecration of the DeLorean DMC-12.In 1985, for the first film in the series, Robert Zemeckis has Doc Brown's character transform the car into a time machine powered by plutonium and later by a “Mr. Fusion,” a device capable of generating power from recycling waste.The trilogy made the DMC-12 a true cultural icon, giving it legendary status.Even today, the car is closely associated with the imagery of science fiction and the 1980s.Its role in the film has inspired collectors, fans and restorers to keep it alive through the ages.During the production of the first film in the Back to the Future trilogy, the DMC-12 time machine went through several modifications and reinterpretations.In the first draft of the script, it was supposed to be a laser device contained in a room.Later, the idea morphed into a device mounted on a refrigerator and taken to a nuclear test site.However, Steven Spielberg rejected the idea, fearing that children might dangerously emulate what they saw by trying to get into refrigerators.Eventually, it was Robert Zemeckis himself who suggested the use of the DeLorean: its mobility, unique design and distinctive gull-wing doors would give the vehicle a UFO-like appearance in the eyes of a 1950s family.The creation of the DeLorean as a time machine takes place under the supervision of Lawrence Paull, who works with artist Ron Cobb and illustrator Andrew Probert to create an “assembled” look from common components.At that point all eyes are on the project and everyone wants to be a part of it.The Ford Motor Company offers $75,000 to use a Ford Mustang in place of the DeLorean, but fortunately producer Bob Gale flatly refuses, stating that “Doc Brown would never drive a fucking Mustang.”
Michael Fink, hired as head of the art department, helped turn Cobb's initial drawings into a functional design and supervised the construction of the time machine.Among the distinctive elements that struck the fancy of our inner child and beyond are the flux capacitor (Flux Capacitor) we all fantasized about quite a bit, built with a NEMA box and high-voltage relays, and the time display, assembled from LMB boxes.When Fink leaves the project, he is replaced by Michael Scheffe, who completes the construction of the flux capacitor and makes “Mr. Fusion,” the reciprocating power supply, using a Krups coffee grinder.As many as three original 1982 DeLoreans, purchased from a collector, are used for the film.Each car is designated for specific purposes: one for stunts, one for special effects, and one for ordinary filming.However, the cars are notoriously unreliable and break down frequently.To simulate the 142 mph needed for time travel, a special speedometer is built, since a 1979 law had limited speedometers to 137 mph.
The flight sequences of the DeLorean are created with a combination of live footage, animation, and a 1:5 scale model built by Steve Gawley and his team.This model is about 84 cm long, the details are absolutely perfect, and it is created using epoxy resin, steel and aluminum, with halogen lamps mounted on the tires to simulate the thrusters.To simulate the effect of cold after time travel, liquid nitrogen is poured on the car.Other details, such as the nuclear reactor, are made using a Dodge Polara hubcap, airplane parts and flashing lights. While the DeLorean's exhaust gases are created with CO2 fire extinguishers hidden inside the vehicle.For the third film in the trilogy, some off-road scenes require other significant modifications to the DMC-12.A Volkswagen Beetle chassis is mounted under the DeLorean's body to make it suitable for rough terrain, with whitewall tires and “baby Moon” hubcaps.In addition, the production makes a life-size fiberglass model for scenes in which the DeLorean floats or interacts with actors.For engine sounds, special effects use a combination of the roar of a Porsche 928 V8 engine and the sound effects of the Star Wars “speeder.”
Since the closure of the DeLorean Motor Company, several initiatives have sought to revive the brand.In 2022, Texas-based DMC announced a new electric version of the DMC-12, called the Alpha5, which combines classic design with modern technologies.In addition, Kat DeLorean, daughter of John DeLorean, said she plans to produce a new version of the car in honor of the 100th anniversary of her father's birth, scheduled for 2025.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is now not just a car, but a true symbol of innovation, creativity and resilience.Despite its flaws and the challenges faced by the DeLorean Motor Company, the car continues to inspire car enthusiasts and pop culture fans around the world.Its story is an example of how design and engineering can leave an indelible mark, turning a brief and unfortunate industrial adventure into a wonderful, timeless legend.
And for those who would like to see it fly again, there is always Back to the Future, the Musical that is currently playing in London's West End and in whose final scene, the legendary DMC-12 once again takes flight over the heads of the spectators in the audience, their noses up and their mouths open.
And for those who would like to see it fly again, there is always Back to the Future, the Musical that is currently playing in London's West End and in whose final scene, the legendary DMC-12 once again takes flight over the heads of the spectators in the audience, their noses up and their mouths open.
