The DeLorean DMC-12, that famous, infamous, controversial and iconic car of the 80’s and star of the movie franchise Back to the Future is coming back. Sort of. Reports of DeLorean’s resurrection back in 2016 now seem a bit premature, but there have been reports, announcements, lawsuits and pledges in the meantime, and it now looks like the project is finally back on track.
Forcing the Feds
According to DeLorean Motor Company of Humble, TX, which owns the DeLorean name, plans are under way to start work needed on a limited number of cars from leftover new old stock chassis', parts, and bodies. This comes in the wake of NHTSA’s move to act on the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015, which allows small companies to build 325 cars per year without conforming to federal safety regulations. The federal agency did not submit the necessary guidelines to implement the new law after the 2016 presidential elections, and it took a lawsuit by SEMA to force them into action.
Back to the Present
According to Hagerty Insurance, NHTSA has finally released the guidelines, and James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor Company confirms that he does not anticipate any huge obstacles in adhering to them. He also confirmed that the upcoming “new” car will retain its gullwing doors and very closely resemble the shape of the original DMC-12. The good news for auto enthusiasts is that the car could produce around 350 hp courtesy of a new engine, and carry a host of electronic and safety upgrades to bring it up to modern standards, as well as a new interior. Essentially, DeLorean is replacing the antiquated drivetrain and electronics while retaining the character of the car. We expect a total volume of fewer than the 325 allowed by law, with a price tag of around $100,000.
The Waiting Game
We are glad DeLorean and SEMA chose to set in motion the wheels of federal bureaucracy with a bit of prodding, and can’t wait to see the results. Will yet another sequel to the movie be far off?
Sources: Hagerty. Road and Track