DELOREAN DMC-12

It’s tricky to park and still get out of and it doesn’t handle well at all, but who doesn’t absolutely love the Delorean DMC-12? Will Holman certainly does.

First off, I love Back to The Future as much as anyone, but that’s the last we’ll hear of it in this piece. Let’s, instead, talk about the car.

In the early 1980s, a sleek and futuristic sports car emerged onto the automotive scene, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture – the Delorean DMC-12. Conceived by John Z Delorean, a former General Motors executive, the DMC-12 was a symbol of innovation and ambition. However, its journey was fraught with political turmoil, financial scandals and a production run that ended prematurely. Today, despite its rocky past, the Delorean DMC12 stands as a unique classic car investment, a stainless steel legend with a timeless appeal.

The story begins in the politically charged 1970s and 1980s, a time marked by economic uncertainties, oil crises and shifting automotive landscapes. John Delorean, a charismatic figure with a penchant for risk-taking, envisioned a stainless steel sports car that would defy conventions. He sought to create a car that would not only turn heads, but also serve as a symbol of American innovation. Delorean aimed to manufacture the car in Northern Ireland, bringing jobs to a region plagued by political strife and economic challenges.

However, Delorean’s ambitious project soon became embroiled in political turmoil. In 1981, he was arrested on charges of drug trafficking, accused of attempting to finance his struggling car company through illegal means. The scandal surrounding John Delorean added a layer of controversy to the DMC12 story, casting a shadow over the car’s initial promise and threatening to bring down Margaret Thatcher’s government. Despite being acquitted of the charges later, the damage to both Delorean’s reputation and the car’s prospects had been done.

Production challenges further hindered the Delorean DMC12’S success. Quality control issues and financial difficulties plagued the company, leading to the production of fewer than 9000 units before the doors closed in 1983.

Despite its brief production run, the DMC-12 left an indelible mark on automotive history, largely due to its unique features and iconic design. Decades after the turbulent times that surrounded its creation, the car has found a new lease on life in the classic car market. Today, its scarcity and the historical context surrounding its production contribute to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts, while the stainless steel body, gullwing doors and distinctive design have secured its place as a symbol of 1980s automotive culture.

One of the factors that make the Delorean DMC-12 a compelling classic buy today is its uniqueness. The car’s stainless steel exterior not only gives it a timeless and futuristic appearance, but also provides a level of durability that is rare among classic cars. This durability not only adds to the car’s aesthetic appeal, but also makes it a more practical choice for enthusiasts who wish to enjoy their classic cars on the road rather than simply hiding them away in the garage and polishing.

The gullwing doors add another layer of intrigue. Unconventional and eyecatching, these doors are a hallmark of the car’s design. While gullwing doors can be impractical in some situations, they contribute to the DMC12’S unique charm by providing an element of theatricality that sets the car apart from its contemporaries. Despite the challenges in their design and operation, these doors have become one of the defining features of the Delorean.

Moreover, the limited production run of the DMC12 adds to its allure as a classic car investment. With fewer than 9000 units ever produced, finding a wellpreserved Delorean in today’s market is tricky. This scarcity not only makes the car more exclusive, but also potentially more valuable over time. Not that we are saying it should be bought as an investment, because that would be missing the most enjoyable part of ownership. There is no denying that a potential profit is always preferable to a guaranteed loss, however...

Classic car enthusiasts often seek vehicles with a unique story and limited availability, and the Delorean DMC-12 fits the bill perfectly. Thankfully though, there’s nothing more exotic than a Renault V6 in the aft-mounted engine bay, so keeping one running is far more mundane than the car’s looks might suggest. This rear mounted powerplant also sadly makes the car’s handling rather less sporting than contemporary road testers were expecting, but that doesn’t matter today. When something looks this special, most of its work is done. Besides, it’ll still do more than 88mph quite safely.

[For those who would expect it to do considerably more than 88mph, I would refer them to the film that must not be named... – Ed]