Ever since I watched the Back to the Future series as a child, I had always been fascinated by the legendary 'time machine car' that was used to travel to different eras. It got me wondering whether it existed in Singapore, but it was not until many years later that I found that there was actually one here. However, it already had a reputation for being difficult to spot, and I could only envy the people that were able to see it back then. Fast forward to a few months ago, when I came across an Instagram story showing it at a workshop. Naturally I booked it to the place and was finally able to corner this 1981 DMC DeLorean at long last!
The DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) was set up by John Zachary DeLorean in 1975, who had already been well-known as a capable engineer, business innovator, and youngest person to become a General Motors executive. He was able to raise business capital through numerous business loans and partnerships, including The Tonight Show host Johnny Carson. DeLorean also sought lucrative incentives from governments and economic organizations to pay for manufacturing facilities by looking to build his first factory in an area of particularly high unemployment. The British Government was keen to create jobs in Northern Ireland to reduce sectarian violence, and offered DeLorean about 60% of startup costs. As a result, all DMC cars were made in the Dumurry plant, south-west of Belfast.
By late 1981, DMC was facing cash flow problems due to lower-than-expected sales and unfavourable exchange rates, among many factors. DeLorean attempted to lobby the British government for aid, but was refused unless he was able to find a matching amount from other investors. Furthermore, DeLorean was also arrested in 1982 for conspiring to smuggle $24 million of cocaine to the US. While he was eventually acquitted on all charges, his reputation was irreparably damaged and the company went bankrupt shortly after. In 1995, Stephen Wynne, a British car mechanic from Liverpool, created a separate company based in Texas, using the DeLorean Motor Company name. Wynne acquired the trademark on the stylized DMC logo, along with the remaining parts inventory of the original DeLorean Motor Company. There has been discussion about DMC Texas building an upgraded version of the original DeLorean to mark the 40th anniversary, but no details have been released.
When details surrounding the DeLorean were first announced in the mid-1970s, there were numerous plans and rumors that the DeLorean would have many advanced features, such as a unit-construction plastic chassis, a mid-engine layout, an airbag, and ultrawide Pirelli P7 tires; none of these would materialize in the production vehicle. Appearing in October 1976, the first prototype was was initially known as the DSV-1, or DeLorean Safety Vehicle. As development continued, the model was referred to as the DSV-12, before changing to DMC-12, the "12" deriving from the target list price of $12,000 upon release. However, the 'DMC-12' name was never used in sales or marketing materials for the production model.
The body design of the DeLorean was designed by Giorgetto Giugario of Italdesign, who drew on one of his previous concepts. All DeLoreans were paneled in brushed stainless steel, except for 3 cars that were plated in 24-karat gold from the factory. The unique gullwing doors were designed by Grumman Aerospace, and the car was fitted with small cutout windows as the full-size windows would not have fitted in the door panels. When the car was first released, it received complimentary reviews due to its commendable fuel economy. However, the car was susceptible to quality control problems and DeLorean had to issue 4 recalls before these issues got resolved.
It was powered by a 2849 cc ZMJ-159 V6 PRV engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 210 km/h with an acceleration of 8.7 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It had dimensions of 4267 x 1988 x 1140 mm and weighed in at 1233 kg, with a fuel consumption of 11.2 litres / 100 km. Despite its objectively poor performance, the DeLorean was chosen by the Back to the Future director Robert Zemeckis because it offered mobility and a unique design; the gull-wing doors would appear like an alien UFO to a 1950s family. Interestingly, the titular time machine was originally conceived as a stationary device; at one point it was a refrigerator. 88 miles per hour (142 kilometers per hour) was chosen as the time travel speed because it was easy to remember and looked "cool" on the speedometer.
Production of the DeLorean ended in 1982, though the remaining units that were acquired by Consolidated International after DMC's bankruptcy were branded as 1983 models. Actual records were lost, but DeLorean owners have deduced that an estimated 8,975 units were made. The DeLorean was initially intended for the US market and were all made in LHD. DMC was aware as early as April 1981 of the need to produce RHD versions, and it was decided to engage the services of Wooler-Hodec, an English company to carry out the conversion. 30 units were delivered to them, but only about 20 were converted before Wooler-Hodec closed down.
This particular unit is noted to be made in August 1981 and was originally sold by Swift Dodge in Sacremento, CA. It is currently 1 of about 46 RHD DeLoreans, though it appears to have been converted (though not by Wooler-Hodec) at some point before it was registered here in 1983. However, it does have the 140 mph speedometer and windscreen wipers in the right-facing direction.
The first mention of this unit in the local news was in 1985, where the first owner, a Mr John Collingwood, put it on sale for S$120,000. Over the years, it has changed ownership multiple times and the last mention was in 2011, where it was on sale for S$220,000. In 2009, it was sent to DMC Texas for a full restoration; the car was given a Stage II engine treatment and 'high-performance' suspension. An old forum post in 2012 also revealed issues with the electronics, 'spongy' braking, tyre rubbing when full-locking and iffy handling. Currently, it is understood to be in a private collection: this unit is also rarely driven, having done about 19,000 miles over the past 40 years.
It was by pure chance that this DeLorean appeared in the car workshop, where it was getting checked for wiring issues. As one of the most elusive road-registered cars, being able to spot it after so long was a glorious moment. Being able to see the actual 'time machine' car up close and marvel at its revolutionary looks was an experience that I will not forget. I am not sure if you will have the chance to see it on the road, but I still hope you do!
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