The 1980s were a golden age for unforgettable movies, but few films left as lasting an impression as Back to the Future. Released in 1985, this sci-fi adventure followed teenager Marty McFly as he accidentally travels back to 1955 in a modified DeLorean car turned time machine. With its sleek gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body, the DeLorean DMC-12 became instantly iconic. More than just a vehicle, it became a symbol of futuristic cool. This article dives into how Back to the Future transformed the DeLorean from a struggling car into a legend of pop culture.
The DeLorean Before the Film
A Car With a Troubled History
Before it gained fame on the big screen, the DeLorean DMC-12 was a real car produced by the DeLorean Motor Company between 1981 and 1983. Designed by former GM executive John DeLorean, the car featured a futuristic stainless-steel body and dramatic gull-wing doors. Despite its unique look, it had a rocky launch—sales were slow, and the company went bankrupt just a couple of years later. At the time, the DeLorean was considered more of a novelty than a success.
Why It Was Chosen for the Movie
When the filmmakers were deciding what kind of vehicle would serve as the time machine, they wanted something visually striking—something that looked like it could handle time travel. The DeLorean’s unconventional design and futuristic vibes made it the perfect fit. In the movie, Doc Brown even jokes that if you’re going to build a time machine, you might as well “do it with some style.”
Movie Magic and the DeLorean’s Transformation
A Star Is Born
Once Back to the Future hit theaters, the DeLorean was catapulted into stardom. The car wasn’t just a prop—it was central to the plot and featured in some of the most memorable scenes in movie history, including the 88 mph time-travel sequence, the flaming tire trails, and the lightning strike at the clock tower. The car’s unique look and its role in the story made it instantly memorable.
Cultural Impact
After the film’s release, demand for the DeLorean skyrocketed—even though production had already ended. Toy versions of the car, posters, and fan recreations began appearing everywhere. It became one of the most recognized movie cars in history, right up there with the Batmobile and the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1. Even people who didn’t care about cars suddenly wanted to own a DeLorean.
A Lasting Legacy
A Symbol of ’80s Cool
The DeLorean’s role in Back to the Future gave it eternal pop culture status. It wasn’t just a car; it was a time machine, a symbol of innovation and retro-futuristic flair. The movie’s success kept the DeLorean in the public eye long after its short production run ended.
Revival and Fan Fandom
Over the years, DeLorean fandom has only grown. Conventions, fan clubs, and online communities celebrate the car and its cinematic legacy. Several restored and replica DeLoreans exist today, many outfitted to look exactly like the one in the movie. There’s even been talk of reviving the brand with updated electric versions.
References
Smithsonian – The Cultural Impact of Back to the Future
The New York Times – How the DeLorean Became a Movie Star
Business Insider – The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of the DeLorean
MotorTrend – Why the DeLorean Still Captures Imaginations
Universal Pictures – Behind the Scenes of Back to the Future
