The Rise and Fall of DeLorean.
The Real Story Behind DeLorean Cars After Back to the Future
Many people recognize the iconic DeLorean car from the “Back to the Future” movies, but what happened to the real company that manufactured it?
In the 1970s, John DeLorean, a former General Motors executive, founded the DeLorean Motor Company with the vision of creating a unique sports car. The car he created, the DMC-12, was made with a stainless-steel body and gull-wing doors, which made it stand out from other cars of the time.
Despite the car’s unique features and popularity, the company struggled financially. The production costs were high, and the car was not selling as much as expected. This forced DeLorean to seek outside investment, and he ended up getting involved in a drug trafficking scandal to raise the necessary funds.
The scandal and subsequent legal battles took a toll on the company, and it eventually went bankrupt in 1982. This marked the end of the DeLorean Motor Company, and the DMC-12 production came to a halt after only three years of production.
After the company’s bankruptcy, the remaining inventory of DMC-12s were sold off, and the car became a collector’s item due to its unique design and association with the “Back to the Future” movies.
Despite the short lifespan of the DeLorean Motor Company, the DMC-12 remains a beloved car by many enthusiasts and collectors. Today, there are still many operational DMC-12s on the road, and their distinct design continues to capture the attention of people around the world.
John DeLorean’s Early Life and Career in the Automotive Industry
Before he started his own car company, John DeLorean had already made a name for himself in the automotive industry. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1925, and from a young age, he was fascinated by cars. His father worked in a Ford factory, and he often took John to see the assembly line.
After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from the Lawrence Institute of Technology, DeLorean got his start in the auto industry working for Chrysler. He quickly rose through the ranks and was soon hired by General Motors, where he became one of their top executives.
DeLorean is best known for his work on the Pontiac GTO, which is considered by many to be the first muscle car. He also played a key role in the development of the Chevrolet Vega and the Pontiac Firebird.
Despite his success, DeLorean had bigger dreams. In the early 1970s, he left General Motors and started his own car company, the DeLorean Motor Company. He wanted to create a car that was unlike anything else on the market, and he believed he had the skills and experience to do it. Thus began the story of the DeLorean car, a car that would become an icon of the 1980s thanks to its starring role in the Back to the Future movies.
John DeLorean’s Risk-Taking and Success at General Motors
Before starting his own company, John DeLorean had an impressive career in the automotive industry, particularly at General Motors. Known for his willingness to take risks and think outside the box, he was able to turn around struggling divisions at GM and create successful new models.
One of his notable successes was the Pontiac GTO, which he helped create in the 1960s. The GTO was a high-performance version of the Pontiac Tempest and became one of the most popular muscle cars of the era. DeLorean’s success with the GTO earned him a reputation as a “car guy” who knew how to create exciting vehicles that people wanted to buy.
Later on, DeLorean was appointed the head of the struggling Chevrolet division at GM. He was tasked with turning the division around and making it profitable again. Rather than following the conventional wisdom of the time, which was to focus on building smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, DeLorean decided to take a different approach. He believed that people still wanted big, powerful cars, and that by improving their design and performance, he could make them successful again.
His approach paid off, and under his leadership, Chevrolet saw a significant increase in sales and profits. DeLorean’s success at Chevrolet earned him a promotion to the position of Vice President of Car and Truck Production at GM.
Overall, John DeLorean’s career at General Motors was marked by his willingness to take risks and his ability to turn around struggling divisions. His success at GM would later give him the confidence to start his own car company and create the iconic DeLorean DMC-12.
John DeLorean’s Charismatic and Unconventional Image
John DeLorean was not only a brilliant engineer and businessman, but he was also known for his charismatic and unconventional image, which helped to boost his career and influence in the automotive industry. He was known for his long hair, stylish clothing, and his love of the high life. DeLorean was also known for being a bit of a rebel and for taking risks, both personally and professionally.
His image and reputation made him a popular figure in the media, and he was often featured in magazines and newspapers. This helped to raise his profile and influence, making him a sought-after executive and consultant in the industry.
DeLorean’s unconventional image also played a role in the development of his signature car, the DeLorean DMC-12. The car’s futuristic design and stainless steel body helped to set it apart from other cars on the market and gave it a unique appeal. DeLorean’s image and personality also contributed to the car’s success, as it was seen as a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity.
Overall, John DeLorean’s charismatic and unconventional image was an important part of his career and legacy in the automotive industry. It helped to set him apart from his peers and gave him a unique appeal that helped him to achieve success throughout his life.
John DeLorean’s Departure from General Motors and the Birth of the DeLorean Motor Company
After a successful tenure at General Motors, John DeLorean made the bold decision to leave the company and start his own venture in the automotive industry. With a desire to create a revolutionary car that would stand out from the rest, DeLorean founded the DeLorean Motor Company in 1975.
To fund his ambitious project, DeLorean sought out investors from around the world, including the British government, which saw the project as a way to bring jobs to Northern Ireland. With a factory established in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, production of the DeLorean DMC-12 began in 1981.
Despite high expectations and immense public interest, the DeLorean Motor Company faced a number of challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. From financial mismanagement to manufacturing issues, the company struggled to turn a profit and ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 1982.
Nevertheless, the DeLorean DMC-12 will always hold a special place in automotive history, thanks in large part to its iconic appearance in the “Back to the Future” film franchise. John DeLorean’s legacy also lives on through his impact on the industry and his innovative spirit that inspired many to push the boundaries of what was possible in the automotive world.
The Challenges Faced by the DeLorean Motor Company
Starting a new car company is a daunting task, and John DeLorean faced numerous challenges when he decided to create his own car company. One of the biggest obstacles was financing the company. DeLorean secured funding from various investors, including the British government, but he soon discovered that this was not enough to cover the costs of building a new car.
Another challenge was finding a suitable location for the company. DeLorean chose Northern Ireland, where he could take advantage of the government’s investment incentives. However, this decision proved to be problematic due to the political situation in the region. The factory was located in a warzone, and the company had to deal with security threats and disruptions to its supply chain.
Despite these challenges, DeLorean was determined to make his vision a reality. He hired a team of experienced engineers and designers, and they worked tirelessly to create a unique car that would capture the public’s imagination. The result was the DeLorean DMC-12, a sleek, stainless steel sports car that became an instant icon.
Despite its fame, the DeLorean Motor Company struggled to stay afloat. The company faced financial difficulties, and production of the DMC-12 was halted after only two years. However, the car’s unique design and appearance, as well as its association with the Back to the Future movie franchise, ensured that it remained a popular cultural icon for years to come.
The DMC-12: A Unique Car with Distinctive Features
The DeLorean Motor Company’s only production car was the DMC-12, which was designed by renowned automotive engineer Colin Chapman. The car had a distinctive appearance with gull-wing doors and a brushed stainless steel body.
One of the unique features of the DMC-12 was its rear-mounted engine, which was a V6 designed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) and produced 130 horsepower. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission and gave the car a top speed of 130 mph.
The suspension system of the DMC-12 was also noteworthy, with a four-wheel independent suspension and coil springs on all four corners. The car’s steering was rack-and-pinion, and it had disc brakes on all four wheels.
Despite its distinctive appearance and features, the DMC-12 was not a commercial success. Only around 9,000 cars were produced between 1981 and 1983, and the company filed for bankruptcy in late 1982. However, the car’s popularity was revived in the 1985 film “Back to the Future,” in which a time machine was made out of a modified DMC-12.
The DeLorean Motor Company’s Demise and John DeLorean’s Legal Troubles
Despite the initial excitement surrounding the DeLorean Motor Company and its innovative car, the DMC-12, the company faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. Financial difficulties, mismanagement, and legal troubles all contributed to the demise of the company.
One of the major factors was the company’s overreliance on government funding, which left it vulnerable to changes in political priorities. The location of the factory in a warzone in Northern Ireland also created logistical challenges and security risks.
In addition to these challenges, the company faced legal issues related to the production and distribution of the DMC-12. The car was not meeting sales expectations, and the company was struggling to pay its bills. In an attempt to generate cash, John DeLorean became involved in a drug trafficking scheme that ultimately led to his arrest and a highly publicized trial.
The scandal surrounding John DeLorean and the DeLorean Motor Company marked the end of an era for the company and its founder. Despite the negative publicity, the DMC-12 has continued to be an iconic car that remains popular with collectors and enthusiasts to this day.
Conclusion
The DeLorean Motor Company may have only produced one model, but the DMC-12 remains an iconic car to this day, thanks in part to its appearance in the “Back to the Future” film franchise. Despite the company’s ultimate failure, John DeLorean’s influence on the automotive industry cannot be denied. From his successes at General Motors to his risky decision to start his own company, DeLorean was a charismatic and unconventional figure who made a lasting impact. Though the DeLorean Motor Company may have had a rocky road, it is still remembered as an important piece of automotive history.
