DeLorean Makes a Comeback Thanks to New Law
Did you think the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, immortalized in Back to the Future, was lost to the past? Think again. Thanks to a new law passed in 2015, the legendary DeLorean is making a comeback, much to the delight of fans everywhere.
DeLorean Makes a Comeback: How a New Law Revived an Iconic Car
For many people, the DeLorean DMC-12 is more than just a car—it’s a pop-culture legend, forever associated with the movie Back to the Future. Long thought to be a relic of the 1980s, the iconic stainless-steel sports car is now making an unexpected return, thanks to a change in U.S. law.
The Law That Brought the DeLorean Back
In 2015, the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act introduced a special provision for small-volume car manufacturers. This law allows companies to produce limited numbers of replica vehicles that are at least 25 years old, without having to meet every modern safety regulation—provided the cars still comply with current emissions standards.
Because the DeLorean was originally produced in the early 1980s, it qualifies under this exemption, opening the door for its revival.
Who Owns the Rights to the DeLorean?
The modern revival of the DeLorean is being handled by DMC Texas, a company that legally acquired the rights to the DeLorean name and logo. This is not the same company that originally built the car.
The original DeLorean Motor Company, founded by John DeLorean, collapsed in the early 1980s following financial trouble and legal controversy involving its founder. Despite that turbulent history, the car’s legacy has only grown stronger over time.
Why the DeLorean Is Still So Popular
According to James Espey, Vice President of DMC Texas, the DeLorean’s popularity never really faded. Thanks to its frequent appearances in Back to the Future, new generations continue to discover and admire the car.
As Espey explained, the movie is almost always playing somewhere in the world, introducing the DeLorean to viewers who may not even recognize other classic sports cars. This constant exposure has kept demand alive for decades.
What’s New in the Modern DeLorean?
DMC Texas has access to a large inventory of original factory parts, which allows the company to build new DeLoreans that closely resemble the original design. The exterior styling remains faithful to the classic 1980s look, including the famous gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body.
The biggest upgrade is under the hood. Instead of the original 130-horsepower engine, the new DeLorean uses a modern third-party engine that meets today’s emissions standards and boosts power to an estimated 300–400 horsepower.
Production Plans & Pricing
Production limit: Up to 325 cars per year
Estimated price: Around $100,000
Launch timeline: Originally planned for 2017
Future possibilities: Potential electric version under consideration
Because production is limited, the revived DeLorean is aimed more at collectors and enthusiasts than mass-market buyers.
Why the DeLorean’s Return Matters
The comeback of the DeLorean is more than just nostalgia. It highlights how modern laws can preserve automotive history while still encouraging innovation. From updated engines to possible electric versions, the DeLorean’s return bridges the gap between classic design and modern technology.
For fans of automotive history and pop culture alike, the DeLorean’s revival proves that some legends never truly disappear.
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