From the moment I first laid eyes on it, I was captivated. It wasn’t just a car; it was a statement, a vision of the future gleaming in stainless steel. As a 10-year-old on a school trip to a science museum in Columbus, Ohio, I encountered a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, and it redefined what an automobile could be in my young mind. Forget the mundane family cars; this was something extraordinary.
Unlike my friends who were less impressed, I, a self-proclaimed nerdy kid more attuned to the hum of computers, was instantly smitten. This DeLorean wasn’t just another vehicle; it was an experience. Its brushed stainless steel body reflected the museum lights in a dazzling display, and its futuristic silhouette hinted at journeys beyond the ordinary. Those iconic gull-wing doors? They weren’t just doors; they were like the portal of a UFO, inviting you to step into another dimension. Words couldn’t capture the longing I felt. If I could have reached the pedals, I would have driven it straight out of the museum and into the unknown. Instead, I remained glued to the spot, absorbing every detail of this automotive marvel until it was time to leave.
Alt text: Captivating DeLorean DMC-12 showcasing its iconic stainless steel finish under the bright lights of a museum exhibit, highlighting its futuristic and alluring design.
Fast forward three years to 1985, and the release of “Back To The Future” cemented my fascination into a full-blown passion. Witnessing Doc Brown transform a DeLorean into a makeshift, yet brilliant, time machine elevated this already unique car into a cultural icon. At 13, owning a DeLorean wasn’t just a dream; it became a mission. Ironically, by then, the DeLorean Motor Company had already closed its doors, transforming the DMC-12 from a production car into a rapidly appreciating collector’s item. The “Back To The Future Car” was becoming more elusive, more desirable.
Two and a half decades later, life had taken its course. I was a husband, a father, and a writer navigating the challenges of my career. My automotive history was filled with reliable but unremarkable Toyotas and Hondas. The dream of owning a DeLorean, the “Back to the Future” car of my childhood fantasies, seemed financially out of reach. A vintage, two-seater sports car from Ireland wasn’t exactly a practical choice for family life. Yet, the allure persisted. Hours were spent online, browsing DeLorean listings, absorbing every detail about their quirks and unique features. My patient wife became accustomed to my DeLorean monologues, skillfully changing the subject whenever the topic arose.
Then, a breakthrough. My first novel, steeped in 80s pop culture and nostalgia, found a publisher. It felt serendipitous that my protagonist drove the decade’s most recognizable vehicle – the DeLorean, the ultimate “Back to the Future car.” The book deal became the unexpected catalyst to finally realize my long-held dream. The justification? Purchasing the DeLorean wasn’t just indulgence; it was a strategic career move. It would be the perfect prop for author photos, a head-turning vehicle for conventions and book signings – a tangible promotional asset. While my wife remained unconvinced, I held onto the hope that my tax accountant would see the logic.
Alt text: DeLorean DMC-12 with gull-wing doors fully extended upwards, strikingly similar to the entrance hatch of a UFO spacecraft, emphasizing its otherworldly and futuristic appeal.
The search led me to Houston, Texas, where I found a meticulously maintained 1982 DeLorean – one of the last off the production line. The price tag: $37,000. The drive home was nothing short of euphoric. While the DeLorean’s handling reflected its age – lacking power steering and modern speed – behind the wheel, I felt transported. It wasn’t just driving; it was piloting a spaceship, a “Back to the Future” icon come to life.
Everywhere I go, the DeLorean commands attention. Heads turn, motorists honk and flash thumbs up. Even law enforcement offers smiles and nods of approval. Running errands to the grocery store becomes an event, simply because it involves driving the DeLorean. Returning to the parked car often means encountering a crowd of onlookers, cameras flashing, peering into the futuristic cockpit of this “Back to the Future” legend.
Initially, my wife remained indifferent to my prized possession. That changed when she joined me for a drive. As a man literally knelt down in the street to admire the DeLorean, an almost reverent gesture, she finally grasped the car’s unique appeal. The “Back to the Future car” wasn’t just a car; it was an experience, a cultural touchstone. Now, our date nights often involve cruising in the DeLorean, embracing the attention and the shared joy it brings.
The transformation continues. The inevitable question from every admirer: “Where’s the flux capacitor?” To satisfy the curiosity and further embrace the “Back to the Future” persona, a screen-accurate replica flux capacitor now resides in the back, wired to the cigarette lighter, humming and glowing just like in the movie. The license plate, ECTO88, is a playful nod to the 88mph speed required for time travel in the film.
Future modifications, inspired by the movie, are planned. Will it remain street legal when complete? Perhaps not entirely. But as Doc Brown wisely stated in “Back to the Future,” “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” Owning this DeLorean, this “Back to the Future car,” is about more than just transportation; it’s about fulfilling a dream, embracing nostalgia, and driving a piece of movie history.
Alt text: Detailed replica of the iconic flux capacitor installed in a DeLorean DMC-12, glowing and humming, perfectly capturing the essence of the time-traveling device from the “Back to the Future” movie.
