DeLorean DMC-12

Cementing itself into history with its iconic role in the Back to the Future franchise, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a tale of a car marker who didn’t last, but a car that certainly did. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Christi Bohnsack, Berkley One’s Marketing Systems Specialist, tells us why she loves the DeLorean DMC-12.

Prefer to read a text version of the above graphic? We’ve got you covered below!

The Car

“If you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?” The iconic DeLorean DMC-12 was manufactured by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). John DeLorean was an American engineer, inventor, and automotive executive, whose DeLorean remains his most well-known creation. Prior to starting his own company, he was a prominent figure at General Motors, where he played a key role in developing popular models like the Pontiac GTO, often considered the first muscle car. The famed DeLorean DMC-12 sports car boasts a rear-engine layout with a V6 engine as well as distinctive stainless-steel body, gull-wing doors, and a futuristic design. This winning combination set it apart from other cars of its era and cemented itself into history with its role in the Back to the Future franchise, which is quoted above.

The Collector

The DeLorean DMC-12 is the tale of a car maker who didn’t last, but a car that surely did. Founded in October 1975, DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) introduced its first prototype a year later, designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro. The first production car rolled out in January 1981, but by December 1982, DMC had filed for bankruptcy. When it came to creating the car, finding the right engine was a major challenge: attempts with a Ford V6 engine failed, and the Citroën CX 2000 lacked the power necessary to haul the weight of the stainless-steel body. Ultimately, the fuel-injected V6 PRV engine (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) proved to be the perfect fit. Here’s a fun fact for DeLorean lovers: in 1980, DMC teamed up with American Express for a Christmas promotion to sell 100 gold-plated DeLoreans for $85,000 each, but only two were sold.

The Love

I love the DeLorean not only because it was featured in the Back to the Future movies but also because it’s so rare and unique. A total of six DeLoreans were used during the production of the Back to the Future movies, and today only three of them still exist. Living in Texas, I have the privilege of driving past a DeLorean Motor Company on my daily commute, which is a new separate company. Created in 1995 using the same name, logo, and trademark, they acquired the remaining inventory from the original company and started their own. Today, they mostly handle buying, selling, and repairing classic DeLoreans, but the daughter of John DeLorean recently launched a collaborative project with the new DMC and you can find more details about the Alpha 5 on their website.

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Contributed by Christi Bohnsack

Photo: Alamy

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here:

Spotlight #1, Spotlight #2, Spotlight #3, Spotlight #4, Spotlight #5, Spotlight #6, Spotlight #7, Spotlight #8, Spotlight #9, Spotlight #10, Spotlight #11, Spotlight #12, Spotlight #13, Spotlight #14, Spotlight #15, Spotlight #16, Spotlight #17, Spotlight #18, Spotlight #19, Spotlight #20, Spotlight #21, Spotlight #22, Spotlight #23, Spotlight #24, Spotlight #25, Spotlight #26.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.