by Bob Sadler, MotorCities Director of Communications & Engagement
Images Courtesy of General Motors Archives, Business Week, Detroit Free Press, Motor Trend and Time Magazine
Published 10.30.2024
John DeLorean with his car, the DMC 12.
John DeLorean is probably one of the most polarizing figures in automotive history, and a local author presents that story next week at the Westland Public Library.
The facts about DeLorean are well-known. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 6, 1925 and was fascinated by cars as a child. DeLorean graduated in 1948 from the Lawrence Institute of Technology (now Lawrence Technological University) with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Later, he earned master’s degree from the Chrysler Institute in 1952, followed by an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1956. His first job in the auto industry was actually at Packard, where he was hired as head of research and development while still taking night classes at the Chrysler Institute.
Young John DeLorean
In 1956, DeLorean moved to General Motors’ Pontiac Division as director of advanced engineering, working under General Manager Semon Knudsen. DeLorean rapidly moved through the ranks at Pontiac, receiving a patent for the Tempest powertrain in 1961 and being named the youngest division general manager in GM history at age 41 in 1965.
Many automotive innovations were credited to DeLorean while he was at the helm of Pontiac, including their popular wide track models and America’s original muscle car, the Pontiac GTO. He also developed the iconic Firebird, introduced in 1967.
The 1965 Motor Trend Pontiac Car of the Year cover
Local author Barry Levine first became interested in the John DeLorean story while working in finance and accounting at Ford Credit. He picked up a book called “Engines of Change: A History of the American Dream in 15 Cars” by Paul Ingrassia and read the story of the development, introduction and success of the GTO.
“DeLorean was just a natural,” Levine said. “The business story to bring that combination of engine size and horsepower approved, then to advertise it to young Baby Boomers just coming of age. That’s a terrific story.”
John Z. DeLorean on the cover of Business Week
In 1969, DeLorean was promoted to general manager of GM’s largest division, Chevrolet, followed by another promotion in 1972 to vice president of GM’s North American Car and Truck operations.
The DeLorean Factory
DeLorean ultimately left GM in 1973 to form his own engineering firm and briefly led the National Alliance of Businessmen, but his longstanding dream had been to engineer and build his own unique line of cars.
Ultimately, the maverick car guy formed the DeLorean Motor Company, where he locked in celebrity investors like Johnny Carson, Roy Clark, Sammy Davis Jr. and the government of the United Kingdom to build his own car. The DMC-12 was manufactured in Belfast, Northern Ireland on land provided by the UK government and featured a stainless steel body, gull wing doors and a futuristic design. Unfortunately, due to cost overruns and quality control issues, the DMC-12 took eight years to come to market in 1981and failed to attract buyers due to its high sticker price and poor performance.
The DeLorean DMC-12
Low sales and red ink led to production of the DMC-12 halting in 1982. To raise more money for his floundering company, DeLorean allegedly became involved in narcotics trafficking. A Federal Bureau of Investigation sting operation in 1982 caught DeLorean in a multi-million dollar million drug deal, and he was later arrested.
John DeLorean on the cover of Time Magazine
On August 16, 1984, DeLorean was acquitted of drug trafficking charges. His defense team successfully argued that he was unfairly entrapped due to his financial struggles.
The Detroit native never returned to the auto industry after the trial, but his DMC-12, popularly known as "the DeLorean," became engraved in pop culture history as the time machine driven by Marty McFly in three “Back to the Future” films.
John DeLorean's exoneration on the Detroit Free Press front page
“There’s no doubting his talent and genius,” Levine said. “But it’s shame he threw it all away with his scandals and personal problems. Suppose John DeLorean had been able to curb his excesses and just focus on continuing to make better, sporty exciting cars for General Motors. It may not have changed anything, but I’d like to think it would have. You never know.”
DeLorean died in March 2005 at the age of 80.
Barry Levine presents his lecture, “John DeLorean: Larger Than Life” on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Westland Public Library, 6123 Central City Parkway in Westland. The event is free to the public, and you can reserve your spot here.