Why the DeLorean Car Still Feels Like a Diamond in the Rough
Owning or even just understanding a DeLorean car means you’re part of something bigger than yourself, bigger than a set of stainless steel panels and gull-wing doors. The DeLorean is a fascinating paradox: flawed yet iconic, underpowered yet unforgettable, a car that failed in showrooms but lives on as a cultural legend, perhaps even more so than classic muscle cars like the Pontiac GTO or the Pontiac Firebird.
Think back to the first time you stood next to a DeLorean at a small car show—maybe in Colorado Springs. It wasn’t the shiniest car there, and the gull-wing doors creaked when they opened, but everyone gathered around it like it was a rare jewel. And that’s really what it felt like. It’s imperfect, yes, but those imperfections are what make it valuable. People weren’t just seeing a car. They were seeing a story.
In this article, you’ll see why the DeLorean car still turns heads and commands high prices today, even decades after production stopped. And more than that, you’ll see how it became a symbol of imagination and why it continues to inspire collectors, fans, and even modern electric car designers.
What You’ll Learn
In the next few minutes, you’ll get answers to three big questions people often ask about the DeLorean car.
What is the true story behind the DeLorean car’s rise, fall, and surprising comeback?
Why is the DeLorean car so iconic today, and what makes it such a prized collectible?
What does the future hold for the DeLorean name and its place in car culture?
Summary
When people talk about the DeLorean car, they’re usually thinking about more than just a car. Some focus on its unique design, others remember it for its famous movie role and its connection to Marty McFly, and many see it as a collectible or even a future-forward electric concept. What matters most depends on what excites you: its history, its style, its cultural impact, or its legacy, which stands out from other iconic vehicles like the Pontiac GTO or the Pontiac Firebird.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
The story behind the DeLorean car
The DeLorean car was created in the early 1980s by John DeLorean as an “ethical” sports car. It was built with stainless steel panels and gull-wing doors, but struggled with underpowered performance and production issues. After the company went bankrupt, the car became a rare collectible that people still talk about today.
Why did it become iconic
The DeLorean became world-famous after starring as the time machine in the Back to the Future movies. Its futuristic look and quirky details made it unforgettable. Although it sold poorly when new, its movie fame transformed it into a symbol of creativity and nostalgia.
Why collectors love it
With only about 9,000 units built, the DeLorean is a rare vehicle. Collectors appreciate its distinct look, the cultural story behind it, and its rising value. Many restore originals, build movie replicas, or even buy parts from the revived company to keep the legend alive.
The future of the DeLorean name
The DeLorean name lives on with new projects, such as the Alpha5, an electric sports car inspired by the original. Modern designers are reimagining the brand while staying true to what made it special in the first place.
The Origin of the DeLorean Car: A Dream with Sharp Edges
John DeLorean wanted to build a sports car that didn’t just look different, but was different; an “ethical” sports car that blended style, safety, and innovation without cutting corners. After leaving his high-ranking job at General Motors, he founded the DeLorean Motor Company in 1975.
To save money, he built the factory in Northern Ireland, where government incentives promised jobs for a struggling community. Initially, this appeared to be a win for everyone. However, problems soon accumulated: inexperienced workers, a rushed production timeline, and rising costs. What was supposed to be a $12,000 car ended up selling for about $25,000, which was difficult to justify given that it didn’t quite perform as well as its competitors.
In 1982, with the company already in financial trouble, John DeLorean was arrested in a sting operation and charged with drug trafficking. Even though he was later cleared, the damage was done. The company collapsed, leaving behind around 9,000 cars and one of the most dramatic stories in automotive history.
Details That Made the DeLorean Stand Out
Even with its flaws, the DeLorean turned heads the moment it rolled out of the factory. The two most striking features were its brushed stainless steel body and gull-wing doors.
The stainless steel gave the car a raw, metallic shine that never needed paint and resisted rust, but it also showed every fingerprint and added extra weight. The gull-wing doors created a dramatic entrance no one could ignore.
On paper, these numbers didn’t impress serious sports car buyers. Competitors were faster and handled better. But the DeLorean wasn’t about blending in or beating lap times. It was about standing out.
The Cinematic Resurrection: Back to the Future
In 1985, the DeLorean became the star of Back to the Future, chosen by filmmakers for its sharp, otherworldly design. The gull-wing doors and stainless steel body gave it a look that resembled an alien spaceship, perfectly fitting the idea of a time machine.
For the movie, the car was modified with unforgettable details:
Flux Capacitor: the fictional device that made time travel possible.
Mr. Fusion: added in the sequels, replacing plutonium with garbage as fuel.
Plutonium Chamber: the “power source” for the flux capacitor.
Time Circuits: digital displays showing your destination, present, and last departure time.
Thanks to Back to the Future, the DeLorean became a pop culture icon, appearing at conventions, in video games, art, and sparking nostalgia and imagination like few other cars can, often associated with its driver, Marty McFly.
Replicas and Collectibles: Keeping the Legend Alive
Collector Market
Today, owning a DeLorean means owning a piece of history. The collector market for DeLoreans has grown steadily; a car that originally sold for about $25,000 can now sell for anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000, depending on condition. With only about 6,500 cars believed to exist, each one feels like a rare treasure.
Movie Replicas
Many enthusiasts take their passion a step further by transforming their cars into exact movie replicas. These builds include every detail from the films, such as flashing time circuits, a glowing flux capacitor, and even a Mr. Fusion unit mounted on the back. These replicas appear at conventions, museums, and special events, delighting fans of all ages.
Restorations and New Builds
The revived DeLorean Motor Company, now based in Texas, services existing cars and assembles a limited number of “new” DeLoreans using original parts and VINs.
For those who want the DeLorean experience without hunting down an original, these builds offer a rare chance to own a factory-fresh example of the legend.
The Legacy and Impact of the DeLorean Car
The DeLorean car isn’t just remembered for its appearance or the story of its downfall. Its influence reaches far beyond the short years it was built, shaping car culture, pop culture, and even design thinking.
Inspiring Future Car Designs
Elements of the DeLorean’s design, like gull-wing doors and stainless steel finishes, have shown up in supercars and concept vehicles for decades. Its mixed-material construction influenced how manufacturers think about combining form and function.
Collectors continue to restore, preserve, and showcase DeLoreans, ensuring the story never disappears. Enthusiasts continue to demonstrate that the DeLorean isn’t just a car, it’s a living story that inspires new generations.
Final Thoughts
The story of the DeLorean car is as much about the people behind it as it is about the machine itself. Every dent and fingerprint on that stainless steel surface tells the story of taking risks and daring to be different. Whether you see it as a collector’s item, a piece of movie magic, or a bold idea ahead of its time, the DeLorean reminds us that even imperfect dreams can leave a lasting mark.
Seeing one on the road today doesn’t just spark nostalgia. It’s a reminder that our stories, flawed, creative, and full of ambition, are what make us memorable, too.
Ready to Start Your Own DeLorean Story?
If the story of the DeLorean has sparked your curiosity, whether you’re dreaming of owning one, restoring a classic, or learning more about its unique history, AmeriFreight Car Shipping is here to coordinate your vehicle's transport.
Contact our team to arrange the shipment of this iconic piece of history, making it a part of your own story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many DeLorean cars are still on the road today?
It’s estimated that approximately 6,500 DeLorean cars are still on the road today, thanks to collectors and restoration efforts that have kept them alive.
Were DeLoreans ever available in colors other than stainless steel?
From the factory, all DeLorean cars were delivered unpainted in stainless steel. However, some owners later painted theirs in custom colors or applied wraps to personalize them.
Can you still get parts for a DeLorean?
Yes. The revived DeLorean Motor Company stocks original parts and reproduction components, making it possible to maintain or even rebuild a DeLorean today.
What does it cost to maintain a DeLorean?
Maintenance costs vary, but you can expect to spend more than on an average car due to age and rarity. Regular upkeep, specialty parts, and expert labor add to the cost.
Was the DeLorean ever raced or used in motorsports?
No. The DeLorean was designed as a street sports car and was never developed for or entered into professional racing events.
Why did John DeLorean choose stainless steel for the car's body panels, and what are the pros and cons?
He chose stainless steel for its unique look and resistance to rust. The pros are durability and the absence of the need for paint. The cons are that it shows fingerprints and scratches easily and is expensive to repair.
How much did the original DeLorean time machine prop from Back to the Future sell for at auction?
The original DeLorean time machine used in the films sold at auction for about $541,000 in 2011.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The DeLorean car is a vehicle made famous by a film series, and while some replicas exist, they are not affiliated with the original creators or licensed properties. Any references to custom builds or fan-made projects are based on publicly available information and are not endorsements. Always consult a qualified professional before attempting any automotive modifications or large-scale vehicle builds.
