On this day, January 21, 1981, the first DMC DeLorean rolled off the assembly line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. Designed by John DeLorean and featuring a futuristic stainless steel body with gull-wing doors, the DeLorean was priced at $25,000—making it a high-end option for car enthusiasts of the early 80s.
Though production ended in 1983 due to financial difficulties, the DeLorean became a pop culture icon when it was featured as the time machine in the Back to the Future film trilogy. Its unique design and association with the films have ensured its enduring legacy among fans and collectors alike.
Fun Fact: The DeLorean’s engine was a 2.85L V6 PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) that could reach speeds of up to 130 mph, though its performance was often criticized compared to its striking appearance.
Trivia Question: What was the exact speed the DeLorean needed to reach in Back to the Future to travel through time?