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The DeLorean was chosen because of its radical look, and iconic gull-wing doors.
Gale basically told Ford to get stuffed, and responded with: Doc Brown doesnt drive a fucking Mustang!
and so, history was made.
The importance of Gales remark shouldnt be understated.
The films were littered with other product placements everyone remembers Nikes self-lacing shoes and Mattels Hoverboard.
Instead, we got one of the most iconic film cars ever.
He was the lead engineer behind iconic muscle cars, like The Pontiac GTO, and the Pontiac Firebird.
He worked for many years at General Motors before parting ways with the American automotive giant in 1973.
In 1975 he set up the DeLorean Motor Company with the goal of producing an ethical sportscar.
One thats safe, reliable, and built to last.
Think of DMC as the Tesla of its day.
It wanted to challenge the status quo.
His Lotus Esprit went on to become James Bonds famous underwater car.
Drivers had a choice of 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmissions which were pretty typical for the early 80s.
There was just one body style, featuring those iconic gull-wing doors, and no choice of paint.
But it couldnt turn the initial interest into consistent sales.
Add this to economic recession and DeLoreans company was on the ropes.
Over the course of 1982, DMCs financial situation worsened, and DeLorean was left with few options.
He agreed and was even recorded on video as saying the white stuff is better than gold.
DeLorean was promptly arrested at the hotel on grounds of narcotics law violations.
DeLorean was able to prove that he had been play-acting all along.
He went along with Hoffman after threats were made against his family.
By August 16, 1984, DeLorean was acquitted ongrounds of government entrapment.
DeLorean went on to spend many years unpicking legal cases related to the downfall of his beloved car business.
In 1999, he declared bankruptcy.
The story of his life has been made into a film of its own, calledFraming John DeLorean.
He hoped he would eventually be able to drum up enough support and funding to relaunch his car company.
In March 2005, John DeLoreandied of complications from a stroke.
Story byMatthew Beedham
Matthew is the editor of SHIFT.
He likes electric cars, and other things with wheels, wings, or hulls.
