The DeLorean DMC-12 is a two-passenger sports car produced and sold by John DeLorean's DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) from 1981 to 1983. DMC built this rear-engine sports car for the American market and was the only automobile introduced to the market by the small company.
History of DeLorean DMC-12
Production of DeLorean started in the 1970s, with the first concept emerging in 1976 and the first production vehicles going into operation in 1980 following so many developmental issues. Lotus founder and racing veteran Colin Chapman provided the engineering knowledge, while Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italy designed the raked bodywork. The Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) V-6 engine provided the power, giving this an Italian-designed, British-engineered American automobile produced in Ireland with a Franco-Swedish core driving the whole vehicle. DeLorean explored the market for the best start-up offer in an early push toward offshore production that would later be mainstream. His contract with Puerto Rico was ready to be finalized when a better offer came in from the British government, eager to revitalize Northern Ireland's sluggish economy and lower escalating sectarian tensions. An enormous production facility outside Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was developed, and the first DMC-12 was produced early in 1981. Unskilled workers resulted in problems with quality assurance.
Although the vehicle was visually appealing, it lacked power and was pricey compared to its rivals. All marks on the DMC-12's groundbreaking stainless-steel body were visible and challenging to paint. Because of this, every car that left the factory appeared the same, disappointing American buyers whose sporty purchase was expected to accentuate their uniqueness. When it was released, the DeLorean quickly became one of the unique automobiles in the industry. Every DeLorean, excluding five gold-plated models, left the plant with its naked stainless steel body panels boldly sporting no paint or polish. Minor scratches might be polished with sandpaper on the dull silver finish, giving it a striking appearance. After making gullwing doors popular in the mid-1960s, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, with its subsequent fame as a Hollywood classic, the DeLorean became an integral part of the car's design with its upward-hinged doors. Despite declaring that his company had cash in the account and a large order record, John DeLorean's company collapsed in 1982 due to a lack of investors, resulting in a loss of $100 million in investment and more than 2,500 jobs. In October 1982, DeLorean was caught up in a government sting investigation while trying to raise money for his bankrupt company by selling cocaine. However, they were convicted of entrapment, and DeLorean was declared not guilty in 1984. He famously said, "Would you buy a used car from me?" when asked whether he wanted to return to the automobile industry. Although the DeLorean is known for its poor build quality and unsatisfying driving experience, it nonetheless has a loyal fanbase thanks to its appearance in Back to the Future. About 6,500 DeLoreans are in use today.
Price
DeLorean connected the price tag of his vehicle with its nameplate "DMC-12." Initially, DeLorean priced his sports car for $12,000 upon release. However, he changed his mind and put the car on the market with a base MSRP of $25,000. Upon release in 1981, a DeLorean had a base MSRP of $25,000 ($79,071 in 2022). DeLorean increased the price in 1982, to $29,825 ($94,332 in 2022), and finally in 1983 for $34,000 ($107,537 in 2022).
Features
Interior Features of DeLorean DMC-12
These days, it's unusual to hear the door open with a gratifying sound, revealing a carpeted interior that proclaims the age in which it was created right away.
Unlike today's supercars, closing the door takes a little more effort. Despite this, a vibrancy resides within that has been overlooked. Switchgear and structure are more contemporary, sophisticated, and elegant than many other cars of the same age. It also avoids attempting to make everything on the DMC-12 as complicated as possible. You may find a total of two buttons and five settings on the primary control panel in the middle. In addition to the new radio, which is a source of internal conflict for the owner, the additional unlabeled knob is located slightly out of place right below the others. Within the DeLorean, the knob is probably the most bizarre choice. The Rheostat knob controls the brightness of the dash lights. Generally, the DeLorean's interior is more pleasant than its exterior suggests.
Exterior Features of DeLorean DMC-12
When DeLorean first introduced the model, it was a fresh idea that ran into manufacturing difficulties and was never replaced. Owners who admire the uniqueness of the design have made it more of a classic film in the automobile world. The DeLorean's Giorgio Giugiaro-designed bodywork had all the lines from the beginning. The gullwing doors, designed by Giugiaro, gave the automobile an unmatched low and broad appearance. The stainless-steel body panels of the DeLorean were enough to scare enthusiasts. It was a hefty and unrepairable option, but it was resistant to corrosion and had a wonderful sheen when it was fresh. The colored front and rear bumpers have a linked fiberglass undercarriage, then joined to the stainless-steel panels.
Specs
The DeLorean DMC-12 engine delivers 130 hp (97 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 153 lb-ft (207 Nm) at 2,750 rpm of torque. DeLorean DMC-12 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 8.0 seconds with a top speed of 110 mph (177 kph) and a curb weight of 3,131 lbs (1,420 kgs). The DeLorean was available in two transmissions, a 5-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions, powered by a 2.4L Peugeot-Renault-Volvo SOHC V6 engine.
Release Date
DeLorean Motor Company released the DeLorean DMC-12 in 1981 and ended in 1983 due to poor sales.