30 years ago in 1985, an American Science Fiction Comedy was released titled “Back to the Future.” It went on to gross $389 million dollars at the box office and became the highest grossing film that year. One of the many memorable things about the film was the time machine in which the main characters used. A modified 1982 model Delorean with gull-wing doors. These doors are one of the features that made this particular vehicle unique. Unfortunately due to the largest slump since the 1930’s the DMC-12 (Delorean) was the only car Delorean Motor Company ever produced. Production was halted in 1983 and the company liquidated. Now 34 years later, the Delorean is making a return.
The Low Volume Vehicle Manufacturers Act is what is allowing the Delorean to live again. Passed in 2015 this act allows small car companies to produce vehicles that are exempt from the same standards as large companies. The catch is that they have to be replicas of vehicles at least 25 years old. These new Deloreans will be produced in Texas where Delorean Motor Company is currently based. What was left of the company back in 1986 was bought by Stephen Wynn who is the current CEO. Up until now the company has made it’s money by restoring the remaining Deloreans around the world. With millions of parts on hand and the passing of this new law, the company can now begin making upgraded 2017 models.
Only about 300 units will be made over the next four years to ensure an adequate supply of parts remain for the old models as well as the new. The engine for the new models will come from a third party and get a significant boost in horsepower. The original powerplant had a horsepower of 130 with the new one expected to be between 300-400 horsepower. The 2017 model should have no issue getting up to 88 miles per hour and will likely cost about $100,000. Great Scott.
