Thanks To A New Law The DeLorean DMC-12 Can Make A Glorious Comeback In 2017
For years now, there’s been talk of an unlikely resurrection for the DeLorean DMC-12. The remaining parts inventory was purchased in the mid 1990s by a new company taking the original DeLorean Motor Company name, and has since been maintaining surviving examples of the unconventional sports car in the USA. But the inventory is so large, it’s good for more than just keeping the existing ones alive - apparently there are enough bits to make as many as 300 cars.
It’s not been possible up until now, but the new ‘Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act’ passed in December 2015 looks to be just what the reincarnated DMC needs. In a statement, the company said that the new legislation allows, “small companies to produce a limited number of completed replica motor vehicles that resemble the appearance of cars produced 25 years ago or more.”
While it’ll be more of a modernised reproduction than a replica, if that ‘replica’ description means a new batch of DeLoreans is possible, that sounds good to us. The company went on to say:
“In anticipation of this legislation, DeLorean Motor Company has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to facilitate this production for 2017. A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, and we’re still early on in this process of determining the feasibility of moving forward.”
Official details are limited, but Jalopnik managed to extract a few interesting bits of information from company VP James Espey, who mentioned that there are three potential engine suppliers, and the current favourite is naturally-aspirated and good for at least 300bhp. The wheels and brakes will be larger, and the suspension suitably beefed up.
The DeLorean Motor Company remains one of the most bizarre stories in the automotive world. The company eventually went bust thanks to poor sales of the unreliable and chronically underpowered DMC-12, with founder John DeLorean arrested (and later acquitted) for allegedly partaking in drug trafficking in an apparent attempt to keep the company alive.
The car’s appearance in the Back To The Future franchise made it a cultural icon, but as this news proves, clearly that wasn’t the last significant chapter in the curious DeLorean tale.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
“Welcome back to the future!”
If they will be built in 2017 they will actually go to the future, right?
This is great news!
They must do it. But except mechanical upgrades, like stering, suspension, drive etc, i would change some details on outside and in interior of car, make it more like these days cars, but not from future, like Japan concepts. Some styling changes. This car is clasic in every way, but in my opinion its need some nowdays changes
Like what? You’re being very vague…
Agreed, needs a new dashboard, steering wheel and these kind of things. Maybe a little facelift here and there, and it’s ready to humble.
I wouldn’t call it ‘glorious,’ the company only has enough NOS in stock to build about three hundred cars. I don’t know if they plan on manufacturing more body panels and chassis or developing a new car after that, but the DMC-12 will likely only see another 300 ‘new’ cars in 2017.
And the price will be just under $100k… So, it’s more like collector’s gadget…
I’m amazed no one’s posted something like this yet.
I don’t think many people know the reference haha!
posted this yesterday but….did not make the feed,they stole my thunder
New law… (first thought that came to my head)… Time travel becomes legal?
Haha, but was it ever illegal?
Should put an ls in all of the new ones :v
And with this, they could make those 300 or so cars. Than maybe design a new one.
Well that’s good news someone saved the delorean but the real question now is who will save the clock tower?