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DeLorean is no longer just a thing of the past
The DeLorean DMC-12 was originally manufactured in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. Most people know it simply as the DeLorean, and think that the car disappeared along with the company in the early 80s. However, the DMC-12 is still produced made to order at the DeLorean Motor Company of Texas.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
The original DeLorean Motor Company factory was geared up to build 30,000 cars per year. They only built about 9,000. The remaining parts from the factory stock, the parts from the U.S. warranty parts center, as well as parts from the original suppliers that had not yet been delivered to the factory were all shipped to Columbus, Ohio in 1983-1984. A company called KAPAC sold these parts to retail and wholesale customers via mail order. In 1997, DeLorean Motor Company of Texas acquired this inventory.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
The DeLorean is powered by a 2.8L V-6 engine. John DeLorean was shooting for 200 horsepower but because installation of catalytic converters was required to comply with U.S. emissions, the DeLorean ended up with only 130 horsepower and 153 ft lb of torque. This was good for a 10.5 second 0-60 run.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
If you’re not happy with the original performance of the DeLorean, DMC of Texas offers various performance upgrades. These upgrades can range from a free flowing exhaust system to a full-on performance engine swap.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
Most of the engineering and development of the car was done by Lotus, and the DeLorean even borrows a good chunk of the Lotus Esprit's styling. The DeLorean drives on 14-inch rims in the front and 15-inch rims in the back. It also has a 35/65 front to rear weight balance.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
One unique feature of the DeLorean is that the body panels are made of brushed stainless steel. Some owners actually paint their DeLorean but this isn’t suggested as it diminishes the value of the vehicle.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
Another feature that sets the DeLorean apart is its gull-wing doors. The heavy doors are supported by cryogenically treated torsion bars and gas-charged struts. The cool part is they don’t need a lot of clearance to fully open so there is no need to worry if you’re parking in a crowded lot.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
There are various facilities in the U.S. and even Europe where one can get parts and service for the DeLorean. The largest of these facilities is located in Texas. Some DeLorean owners even ship their car to the Texas facility for their expertise and professionalism.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
Like leg warmers and Pac-Man, the DeLorean is an 80’s icon. This was due to its starring role as the time machine in the 1985 blockbuster “Back to the Future”. The movie put DeLorean on the map and rekindles interest every time it’s shown.
Photo Credit: Oliver Bentley
So if you’re into the 80’s and you’re trying to outdo your friend who just purchased the “Back to the Future” trilogy on DVD, look into getting a DeLorean DMC-12. They’re no longer just things of the past.
Photo Credit: Ron Perry