88MPH: The Story of the DeLorean Time Machine | Full Documentary
Hagerty Drivers Foundation・89 minutes read
The DeLorean car from "Back to the Future" is iconic, symbolizing a blend of sci-fi, action, and adventure, with creator John DeLorean aiming to build innovative cars and leaving a lasting legacy. The process of creating the DeLorean time machine for the movie involved meticulous planning, construction, and attention to detail, culminating in its restoration by dedicated fans and display at the Peterson Automotive Museum, symbolizing American ingenuity and creativity.
Insights
- The DeLorean from "Back to the Future" is considered the most iconic movie car, symbolizing a blend of sci-fi, action, and adventure elements.
- John DeLorean defied automakers to build innovative cars, embodying success and marketing genius, adding to the DeLorean brand's mystique.
- The creation of the iconic DeLorean time machine for the movie involved meticulous planning, interpretation of sketches, and collaboration between different experts.
- Fans have recreated DeLorean time machines, building a community of enthusiasts, with some exact replicas becoming personal projects driven by creativity and personal growth.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of the DeLorean car?
The DeLorean car, specifically the DMC-12 model, holds a significant place in American culture as it represents an American dream story and a legacy of innovation. Created by John DeLorean, the car's inclusion in the film "Back to the Future" immortalized its iconic design, symbolizing American ingenuity and creativity. The car's stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and unique features have made it a cultural icon, embodying a piece of American folklore and automotive history.
How did the DeLorean time machine impact fans?
The DeLorean time machine from "Back to the Future" had a profound impact on fans, leading to personal growth, problem-solving, and a sense of accomplishment. Fans who recreated the time machine experienced interactions with strangers, donations, and notes of appreciation, fostering a sense of community and enthusiasm. Building the time machine became a personal project for many, driven by a desire to have fun and create something unique amidst challenging situations, ultimately leading to positive experiences and connections.
What led to the downfall of the DeLorean Motor Company?
The DeLorean Motor Company faced financial struggles and production issues, impacting quality control and tarnishing its reputation. John DeLorean's risky decisions, including failed attempts to take the company public and involvement in a cocaine sting operation, ultimately led to the company's downfall. Despite being acquitted of charges, the legal troubles and closure of the company in 1982 resulted in layoffs and challenges for John DeLorean to re-enter the workforce, marking the end of the company's legacy.
How did the DeLorean car design aim to compete with major automakers?
The DeLorean car design, featuring stainless steel skin, gull-wing doors, and a mid-engine, aimed to compete with major automakers by offering a sporty, sleek, and unique vehicle. John DeLorean's collaboration with engineer Bill Collins and designer Giorgietto Giugiaro led to the creation of a mass-produced sports car with ethical values, challenging traditional automakers with innovative features and a distinctive design. The car's blend of style and functionality aimed to attract consumers seeking a different automotive experience.
What inspired the design of the DeLorean time machine in "Back to the Future"?
The design of the DeLorean time machine in "Back to the Future" was inspired by various elements, including a coffee grinder for the Mr. Fusion design and salvage parts for authenticity. The collaborative effort between designers and engineers led to the creation of recognizable features like Dodge Polara wheel covers and a battery post cleaner switch, maintaining believability and attention to detail. The construction process involved meticulous planning, interpretation of sketches, and the use of unique parts to bring the concept to life, reflecting the eccentric yet skilled character of Doc Brown.
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Summary
00:00
DeLorean: Iconic Car of "Back to the Future"
- The DeLorean from "Back to the Future" is iconic and considered the most recognizable movie car.
- The car symbolizes a blend of sci-fi, action, and adventure elements, akin to a gourmet meal.
- John DeLorean, a former GM executive, defied automakers to build innovative cars.
- The DeLorean brand's mystique added to its allure, with DeLorean embodying success and marketing genius.
- The idea for "Back to the Future" originated from a high school yearbook discovery and a desire for time travel.
- The script faced numerous rejections before being accepted due to Zemeckis' success with "Romancing the Stone."
- The time machine in the movie was initially a refrigerator but evolved into a mobile car, specifically a DeLorean.
- John DeLorean's career at GM, marked by success and controversy, led to his departure and pursuit of his car company dream.
- DeLorean aimed to create a mass-produced sports car with ethical values, collaborating with engineer Bill Collins and designer Giorgietto Giugiaro.
- The DeLorean car design, featuring stainless steel skin, gull-wing doors, and a mid-engine, aimed to compete with major automakers.
15:08
Delorean: Bold Design, Tragic Downfall
- The car's design is described as sporty, live, fast, sleek, and handsome, with a laid-back windshield and a body side slope known as tumble home to avoid a boxy look.
- The back of the car hardly tapers, with a square front end and glowing doors that are actually a space-saving design, opening 14 inches at its widest point.
- The first prototype of the car, known as proto one, was made in 1975, and in 1976, fundraising began using the car as a sales tool, receiving positive reactions from the automotive press.
- John Delorean's design decisions were considered brave, including using stainless steel for the car's body, making it a sports car with a motor in the back, and incorporating gull-wing doors.
- The car was initially planned to have airbags and anti-lock brakes, but production changes led to a different final product, including a switch to a rear-engine design.
- The car's engine was initially anemic due to regulations, using a Peugeot Renault Vevo engine with plans for turbocharging in the future.
- The stainless steel body and gull-wing doors were key features that John Delorean insisted on, aiming for a long-lasting design with a lifetime warranty on the body.
- The car's production involved a unique process of simultaneously building the factory, engineering the car, and designing its parts to meet a promised timeline for job creation.
- The early 1980s recession and production issues led to quality control problems with the first Deloreans, impacting sales and tarnishing the company's reputation.
- Delorean's financial struggles and risky decisions, including a failed attempt to take the company public and involvement in a cocaine sting operation, ultimately led to the company's downfall and his legal troubles.
30:12
John Delorean: Legal Troubles and Movie Legacy
- John Delorean was not a drug dealer, but due to government pressure during Reagan's war on drugs, he got involved in a scheme.
- The FBI's plan involved John giving them $2 million for drug investment, which he didn't have, leading to fake collateral provided by John.
- The FBI built their case around an infamous tape where John Delorean expressed interest in cocaine, leading to his arrest.
- John Delorean's lawyer, Howard Weitzman, successfully defended him, resulting in a not guilty verdict on all charges.
- Despite being acquitted, authorities in Britain and the US were still investigating John Delorean's financial dealings.
- The legal troubles led to the closure of Delorean Motor Company in 1982, with all employees laid off.
- John Delorean's reputation suffered, making it challenging for him to re-enter the workforce after the trial.
- The process of creating the iconic Delorean time machine for the movie "Back to the Future" involved various designers and engineers.
- The design of the time machine, including the flux capacitor and exterior modifications, was a collaborative effort between different experts.
- The production of the Delorean time machine for the movie involved meticulous planning, interpretation of sketches, and construction of various parts to bring the concept to life.
44:49
Creating Doc Brown's Homemade Plutonium Patch
- The patch for the plutonium was created using little pins and slots, visually engaging, and dropping a red tube in to give the appearance of readiness.
- The construction of the patch was achieved with a lathe, metal cutting saw, and welding, avoiding the need for machining parts fully with a milling machine.
- Bob Gale suggested making the patch look more homemade, akin to Doc Brown's style, by thickening welds and exposing more of the homemade element.
- The Mr. Fusion design was inspired by a coffee grinder, sourced from a place in North Hollywood called Apex Surplus Electronics for unique parts.
- Various parts for the car, including a Dodge Polara wheel cover and a battery post cleaner switch, were sourced from Apex Surplus Electronics for authenticity.
- The car design incorporated recognizable elements like Dodge Polara wheel covers and a battery post cleaner switch, alongside unidentified items to maintain believability.
- A radiation meter was repurposed as a gauge for the plutonium chamber, with a Doc Brown label added for authenticity.
- The DeLorean design aimed to balance a goofy appearance with a sense of believability, reflecting Doc Brown's eccentric yet skilled character.
- The DeLorean's design included elements like gas turbine engine nozzles, heat sinks, and air oil separators for a futuristic and functional look.
- The DeLorean's construction involved three cars - the A car with detailed interiors, the B car for stunts, and the C car for process shots, each serving specific filming needs.
58:37
"Delorean Time Machine Project: A Journey"
- Sequels had advanced technology like the Tandro, allowing for complex camera movements and multiple roles for one actor in a shot.
- The decision to destroy the car in the third movie was emotionally impactful for the audience, symbolizing the end of the story.
- Universal Studios took possession of the cars after filming, with various fates for each car, including display, destruction, and use in other projects.
- Fans have recreated Delorean time machines, with some becoming exact replicas from the movie, building a community of enthusiasts.
- Building a Delorean time machine replica became a personal project for Oliver and Terry, driven by a desire to have fun amidst a difficult situation.
- They scoured salvage places for parts, using creativity and imagination to construct the time machine on a budget.
- The process of building the time machine led to personal growth and problem-solving, with a sense of accomplishment upon completion.
- The time machine garnered attention wherever they went, leading to interactions with strangers leaving donations and notes of appreciation.
- The project evolved into supporting the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, with funds raised during their travels.
- Oliver's battle with cancer saw little progress until focusing on the time machine project, leading to a shift in his health and a positive impact on his life.
01:13:26
Michael J. Fox's Foundation Achieves Milestone
- Michael J. Fox's foundation embodies the goodness of people, emphasizing dreams, efforts, and positive impacts on lives.
- The original goal of raising a million dollars and reaching all 50 states has been achieved.
- The vehicle has traveled 27,000 miles across 28 countries.
- The foundation has raised nearly a dollar for every mile traveled.
- The secret to successful time traveling is hinted at.
- The restoration of the iconic DeLorean time machine from "Back to the Future" began with a fan initiative.
- Fans meticulously studied and restored the car, focusing on accuracy and authenticity.
- The restoration project involved extensive research, prop forensics, and attention to detail.
- The restoration process was a labor of love, involving long hours and dedication from the fans.
- The restored DeLorean time machine is now on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum, symbolizing the fusion of science fiction and automotive innovation.
01:28:11
"Back to the Future: American Classic Legacy"
- Back to the Future movie has become a beloved classic, with personal stories intertwined in viewers' hearts, passing through generations.
- Parents who watched the film in 1985 now share it with their own children, emphasizing the importance of certain films for societal understanding.
- The time machine car's design in the movie symbolizes American ingenuity and creativity, embodying a piece of American folklore.
- The car, a DeLorean DMC-12, holds a significant place in American culture, representing an American dream story and a legacy of innovation.
- John DeLorean, the car's creator, appreciated its inclusion in the film, recognizing the design team and expressing delight at the vehicle's immortalization in Back to the Future.
