What Car Was Used in Back to the Future? Iconic Model Explained
I’m Md Meraj. The car used in Back to the Future is a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, modified with a fictional flux capacitor and Mr. Fusion reactor so it could time-travel at exactly 88 miles per hour. Six real DeLoreans (plus one fiberglass replica for flying scenes) were built for the trilogy, and only three survive today. This guide covers the car’s design, the tech that made it a time machine, and what happened to the actual movie cars.
Quick Answer: The Back to the Future car is a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 with gull-wing doors and a stainless-steel body, modified with a movie-prop flux capacitor and Mr. Fusion reactor. It reaches 88 mph to travel through time. Six real DeLoreans were used across the trilogy; only three still exist.
The Iconic DeLorean Time Machine Explained
This section looks at the special car used in the Back to the Future movies. Many people are curious about its name and what makes it so memorable. We will explore its unique features and why it became a star.
This part is all about the vehicle itself.
What Car Was Used in Back to the Future? The DMC-12
The famous car you see in the Back to the Future movies is the DeLorean DMC-12. It’s a sports car made by the DeLorean Motor Company. The car has a very distinctive look with its gull-wing doors, which open upwards like wings.
This design helped it stand out.
The DMC-12 was first introduced in 1981. John DeLorean, the founder of the company, wanted to create a unique sports car. He had a vision for a vehicle that looked futuristic and exciting.
Even though the company didn’t last very long, the DMC-12 became incredibly famous thanks to the movies.
Its stainless-steel body gives it a shiny, futuristic appearance. This was a key reason why it was chosen for the film. The car needed to look like it could travel through time.
The stainless steel helped achieve that special look.
Design and Engineering of the DMC-12
The DeLorean DMC-12 had some unique design choices. It was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, a famous Italian car designer. He made many sports cars and is known for his stylish work.
Giugiaro gave the DeLorean its wedge shape and those cool gull-wing doors.
Underneath the sleek exterior, the DMC-12 had a rear-mounted engine. This means the engine was placed at the back of the car. It used a V6 engine, often made by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo.
While not the fastest car for its time, its looks were its biggest selling point.
The chassis was made of fiberglass, and the body panels were unpainted stainless steel. This was a very unusual choice for a car. Most cars have painted metal panels.
The unpainted steel made the DeLorean look rugged and different. It also meant the car wouldn’t rust, which is a big plus for any car owner.
The Gull-Wing Doors
The gull-wing doors are perhaps the most iconic feature of the DeLorean. They are hinged at the roof and swing upwards. This feature made the car instantly recognizable and added to its futuristic appeal.
These doors weren’t just for show. They were designed to allow easier entry and exit from the car, especially in tight parking spots. However, they also required special support systems to keep them from falling on the occupants.
The movie crew loved how dramatic these doors looked.
Stainless Steel Body
The exterior of the DMC-12 is made of real stainless steel. This material is strong and doesn’t corrode easily. It gave the car a distinctive silver look that aged well.
Unlike painted cars, it wouldn’t chip or fade.
This choice of material was very unconventional in the automotive industry. It made the DeLorean stand out from every other car on the road. The raw, metallic finish contributed significantly to its sci-fi aesthetic.
It looked like it was made for the future.
Why the DeLorean Was Perfect for Back to the Future
The filmmakers were looking for a car that looked out of this world. They wanted something that would capture the imagination of audiences. The DeLorean DMC-12, with its unique design, was the perfect fit.
It already looked like a vehicle from the future.
When the DeLorean was fitted with all the movie’s special effects, like the flux capacitor and the wires, it truly became the star. The stainless steel body seemed to glow when the time circuits activated. This visual effect was incredible.
It made the car the heart of the story.
Director Robert Zemeckis and writer Bob Gale chose the DeLorean because it was unusual and memorable. They wanted a car that people would notice and remember. They found that in the DMC-12.
Its distinctiveness was key to the film’s success.
Turning the DeLorean into a Time Machine
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This part of our discussion focuses on how the DeLorean DMC-12 was transformed into the famous time machine. We will look at the special parts and gadgets added to it. This is where the magic of moviemaking comes to life.
The Flux Capacitor and Other Tech
The most famous addition to the DeLorean is the flux capacitor. This is the Y-shaped device that makes time travel possible. It’s located between the seats inside the car.
When the car reaches 88 miles per hour, the flux capacitor lights up.
Scientifically, a flux capacitor isn’t real. It’s a fictional device created for the movie. However, it became a symbol of the entire Back to the Future series.
Many fans have built replica flux capacitors for their own DeLoreans.
Other important components include the Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor, which
Plutonium Chamber and Nuclear Power
In the first Back to the Future movie, the DeLorean was powered by plutonium. A special chamber was added to the car to hold the plutonium. This was necessary for generating the 1.21 gigawatts of power needed for time travel.
Doc Brown famously obtained the plutonium from Libyan terrorists. This storyline added a sense of danger and urgency to his invention. The visual of the plutonium chamber glowing was a key element of the time travel sequence.
It made the car seem like a powerful, experimental device.
The need for 1.21 gigawatts of power was a central plot point. It meant that Doc and Marty often had to find creative ways to get enough electricity. This led to many exciting scenes, like harnessing lightning.
The Speed Requirement: 88 Miles Per Hour
A critical part of the DeLorean’s time travel function is its speed. The car must reach 88 miles per hour to activate the flux capacitor and travel through time. This specific speed became instantly recognizable to movie fans.
The filmmakers chose 88 mph for several reasons. Some say it’s a memorable number. Others suggest it was chosen because it’s a speed that feels fast but achievable.
It provided a clear goal for the characters to reach during their time jumps.
The visual of the car accelerating towards 88 mph, with the flux capacitor glowing brighter, created immense suspense. This element was used in almost every time travel sequence, reinforcing the car’s role in the plot.
Modifications for Filming
The cars used in the movies were heavily modified. Several DeLorean DMC-12 models were used for filming. Some were kept relatively stock, while others were heavily altered for stunts and visual effects.
The prop department added many external details to make the car look like a functional time machine. Wires, vents, and glowing lights were added to the exterior. These additions gave the car a complex, high-tech appearance.
They made it look like more than just a car.
One specific car was even modified to run on its side for a scene in the second movie. This shows the extreme measures taken to get the shots needed. The crew worked hard to make the DeLorean look amazing on screen.
The Legacy of the DeLorean Time Machine
This final part of our discussion celebrates the lasting impact of the DeLorean time machine. We will talk about how it has become a pop culture icon. Its fame continues to grow even today.
Cultural Impact and Fanbase
The DeLorean DMC-12 is now more famous as a time machine than as a car. It has become a symbol of science fiction and adventure. People all over the world recognize it instantly, alongside other legendary movie and TV cars like Columbo’s Peugeot 403 and the Bonnie and Clyde death car.
It’s a beloved piece of movie history.
There is a large and dedicated fanbase for both the DeLorean car and the Back to the Future movies. Many fans collect memorabilia, attend conventions, and even buy or build their own replica DeLoreans. The passion for this car is truly remarkable.
The movies have introduced the DeLorean to new generations of fans. Its unique design and the thrill of time travel keep audiences coming back. It’s a story that continues to inspire, much like the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard or Doc Hudson from Pixar’s Cars.
How Many DeLoreans Were Used in the Movies — And What Happened to Them?
Six real DeLoreans were built for the Back to the Future trilogy, plus one fiberglass replica used for scenes where the car needed to appear “flying.” Only three of those seven cars still exist today. One was destroyed at the end of Part III, two were abandoned over the years, and the fiberglass replica used in Part II was scrapped.
Universal Studios owns two of the surviving cars and occasionally displays them or loans them out for other productions. The third surviving car — the one used in Back to the Future Part III — was fully restored and sold at auction for $541,200 in December 2011.
Collecting and Restoring DeLoreans Today
Today, original DeLorean DMC-12 cars are collector’s items. DMC built roughly 9,000 DMC-12s between 1981 and December 1982, when the company filed for bankruptcy — an estimated 6,500 are still believed to exist worldwide. Many enthusiasts are dedicated to finding and restoring them, and some of these restored cars are made to look exactly like the movie car, right down to a working (non-functional-for-time-travel) flux capacitor replica.
They are a testament to the car’s enduring appeal.
Restoring a DeLorean can be a challenging but rewarding process. Parts can be rare, and specialized knowledge is often needed. However, the passionate community of DeLorean owners helps share information and resources.
This keeps the cars on the road and celebrated.
The original movie cars are incredibly valuable. They are often displayed in museums or owned by private collectors. Their status as movie props makes them highly sought after.
They represent a piece of cinematic history.
What Car Was Used in Back to the Future? Iconic Model Explained Recap
Real DeLorean values today range from around $30,000-$50,000 for an unrestored original to well over $100,000 for a screen-accurate movie replica built by a specialist shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the car used in Back to the Future?
The car used in Back to the Future is the DeLorean DMC-12.
Why was the DeLorean chosen for the movie?
The DeLorean was chosen because its unique, futuristic design with gull-wing doors and stainless-steel body made it look like a vehicle from the future.
What makes the DeLorean a time machine in the movie?
The DeLorean becomes a time machine with the addition of the flux capacitor, plutonium chamber or Mr. Fusion, and the ability to travel at 88 miles per hour.
Did the DeLorean DMC-12 have real gull-wing doors?
Yes, the DeLorean DMC-12 featured real gull-wing doors that opened upwards.
Is the DeLorean DMC-12 a rare car?
While not extremely rare, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a collectible car and fewer were made compared to mainstream vehicles.
How many DeLoreans were used in the Back to the Future movies?
Six real DeLoreans plus one fiberglass replica were built for the trilogy. Only three survive today — one was destroyed on-screen, two were abandoned, and the replica was scrapped. Universal Studios owns two of the survivors; the third sold at auction for $541,200 in 2011.
Summary
The car used in Back to the Future is a 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, modified with a movie-prop flux capacitor and Mr. Fusion reactor to hit 88 mph. Of the seven cars built for filming, only three survive — two owned by Universal Studios and one sold at auction for $541,200 in 2011.
