The Time Machine That Never Was: A Comprehensive Review of the DeLorean DMC-12
In the annals of automotive history, few cars occupy a space as unique and storied as the DeLorean DMC-12. A product of ambition, innovation, and ultimately, controversy, the DMC-12 is far more famous for its role as a time machine in the Back to the Future film trilogy than for its actual performance on the road. Despite its short-lived production run and commercial failure, the DeLorean has achieved a level of iconic status that few other cars can rival. This article takes a detailed look at the DMC-12, peeling back the layers of Hollywood mythology to review the car itself.
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| The Time Machine That Never Was: A Comprehensive Review of the DeLorean DMC-12 |
A Design from the Future
The single most striking and enduring feature of the DeLorean DMC-12 is its design. Penned by the legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DMC-12's styling was truly a vision from the future. Its low-slung, wedge-shaped body, and smooth, clean lines were a stark contrast to the more traditional sports cars of the era. The most talked-about design element, of course, were the gull-wing doors. They were not just a gimmick; they were a bold statement that set the car apart from everything else on the road.
Complementing the futuristic shape was the DMC-12’s unfinished brushed stainless steel body panels. This feature eliminated the need for paint, making the car a unique, raw metallic canvas. It was a bold and unconventional choice that has since become its most recognizable characteristic. While the design was a masterpiece of its time, its build quality was often criticized, a product of a rushed manufacturing process and an inexperienced workforce in its Northern Ireland factory.
Performance: Style Over Substance
For a car that looked like a spaceship, the DeLorean’s performance was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Under the rear bonnet was the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85-liter V6 engine. The motor produced a modest 130 horsepower, a figure that was simply not enough to move the car's heavy stainless steel body with any real urgency. The 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) time was a sluggish 10.5 seconds, a far cry from the performance of its contemporary rivals like the Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette.
The DMC-12’s ride, however, was generally considered comfortable. The suspension, designed by Lotus's Colin Chapman, gave the car a surprisingly good ride and predictable handling. It was more of a grand tourer than a genuine sports car, designed for smooth highway cruising rather than high-speed cornering. While its lack of raw power was a major disappointment for performance enthusiasts, it was a perfectly adequate and comfortable car for daily driving.
The Interior: A Quirky Cabin
Inside the DeLorean, the cabin was a quirky mix of futuristic ambition and 1980s design. The interior was generally well-appointed, with leather seats and a sleek, low-profile dashboard. However, the ergonomics were often criticized. The seats were not particularly supportive, and the quirky layout of the controls and gauges felt dated even at the time.
The most unique interior feature was the car’s lack of a full-size rearview mirror, which was mounted on the windshield, a result of the gull-wing doors. Despite its flaws, the cabin was a comfortable and unique space to be in, and the excellent visibility from the large windshield and a surprisingly open feel made it a pleasant place to spend time.
The DeLorean’s Legacy: From Failure to Icon
The DeLorean Motor Company went bankrupt in 1982 after just a couple of years of production, following founder John DeLorean's legal troubles. The car's commercial failure and its reputation for poor performance in its day could have relegated it to a mere footnote in history. However, its starring role as the iconic time machine in Back to the Future cemented its place in popular culture forever.
The film transformed the DeLorean from a commercial flop into a legendary icon. It gave the car the one thing it lacked in reality: a sense of extraordinary purpose. Today, a thriving community of enthusiasts maintains the roughly 9,000 cars that were produced. These cars are now highly sought after by collectors, not for their performance, but for their unique styling and their undeniable place in film history. The DeLorean is a car that will forever be defined by its cinematic legacy, a vehicle that transcends its mechanical shortcomings to remain one of the most beloved and recognizable cars in the world.
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