Back to the Future Car: The DeLorean Time Machine Explained
The car in “Back to the Future” is a DeLorean — specifically a stainless-steel DMC DeLorean sports car, retrofitted with a fictional “flux capacitor” to become Doc Brown’s time machine. Real DeLoreans need to hit exactly 88 mph to trigger a jump through time.
Whenever this car comes up in conversation, someone in the room always insists it’s called the “DMC-12,” and someone else insists it’s just “the DeLorean” — both are half right, and we’ll untangle exactly why below. Its gull-wing doors and unpainted stainless steel body captured imaginations well before the movie made it famous; the film just gave that unusual real car a second life as pop culture’s most recognizable time machine.
Below, we cover what the car is actually called and who made it, why the filmmakers chose it over a purpose-built prop, and where you can still see or buy one today.
Quick Answer: The car in Back to the Future is a DeLorean — built by the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), founded by John DeLorean. The retail car was marketed simply as the “DeLorean”; “DMC-12” was an internal pre-production code. About 9,000 were built in Northern Ireland from 1981-1982 before the company went bankrupt.
Introduction To The Iconic Car
The DeLorean is famous from the movie “Back to the Future”. It is more than just a car. It became a symbol of time travel. The car’s unique design caught everyone’s eye. People still talk about it today. The DeLorean is part of pop culture. Many fans love to see it at shows and events. It reminds them of the movie’s adventure. The car has a special place in their hearts.
The filmmakers chose the DeLorean for its futuristic look. Its stainless steel body was perfect. The car’s gull-wing doors added to its cool factor. They wanted a car that looked like a time machine. The DeLorean was the best choice. It looked different from other cars. It was unique and memorable. The DeLorean helped make the movie a hit.
History Of The Delorean
The car’s real name is a common source of confusion, which is why “back to the future car name” is one of the most-searched questions about it. It was built by the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), founded by former General Motors executive John DeLorean in 1975. The company made exactly one production model, manufactured at a purpose-built factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, just outside Belfast.
Despite what most people call it, the retail car was marketed simply as the DeLorean — “DMC-12” was really an internal pre-production code and was rarely used on the actual showroom floor. About 9,000 were built between January 1981 and December 1982, each with the stainless steel body and gull-wing doors that made it stand out from anything else on the road.
The company didn’t survive long after that: DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy in October 1982, just days after John DeLorean’s arrest on drug-trafficking charges (he was later acquitted). The car could have faded into obscurity as a business failure — instead, “Back to the Future” turned it into one of the most recognized movie vehicles ever made. For the deeper story of how many real DeLoreans were used on set and what they’re worth today, see our full guide to the Back to the Future filming cars.
Design And Features
The car in Back to the Future is a DeLorean DMC-12. Its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body make it iconic. The car’s sleek design and futuristic features capture attention instantly.
Gull-wing Doors
The car in “Back to the Future” has unique gull-wing doors. These doors open upwards, not outwards. This design is very cool and futuristic. It makes the car look very special. Many people love these doors. They are easy to spot and remember. They also give the car a sleek look.
Stainless Steel Body
The car’s body is made of stainless steel. This material is strong and shiny. It does not rust easily. The stainless steel makes the car stand out. It gives the car a modern and clean look. This body design is very durable. It helps the car last a long time.
Modifications For The Film
The car in “Back to the Future” is a DeLorean DMC-12. It was turned into a time machine for the film. The car got special parts to look futuristic. A flux capacitor was added. This is the key to time travel in the movie. The car also has time circuits. These show the date and time you want to travel to. The car’s interior was made to look high-tech. It had many lights and buttons.
Special effects made the car look like it was traveling through time. Smoke and lights were used during time travel scenes. The car had prop pieces for close-up shots. These made it look detailed and real. Some parts were added for special scenes, like the flying car. These changes made the car iconic.
Bring the Time Machine Home
Hot Wheels Premium Time Machine (Real Riders)
Best for: Fans who want an affordable, detailed die-cast with real rubber tires rather than a display-only replica.
Why we picked it: Real Riders wheels and film-accurate detailing at a much lower price than premium diecast brands.
Main drawback: Smaller scale than dedicated model-kit or 1:18 collector pieces — it’s a display/play piece, not a museum replica.
View Our Pick on Amazon
 LEGO Icons Time Machine (10300) Best for: builders who want gull-wing doors, a flux capacitor, and a minifig Doc Brown you can actually assemble. Check on Amazon |
 Aoshima 1:24 Model Kit Best for: hobbyists who want to build and paint their own screen-accurate DeLorean by hand. Check on Amazon |
 Official Movie Poster Best for: fans who want wall art of the film itself rather than a model of the car. Check on Amazon |
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The Delorean’s Role In The Plot
The DeLorean is a time machine. It helps the characters travel through time. In one key scene, they travel to the past. They need to fix events to save the future. In another scene, they go to the future. They find out what happens to their families. These scenes are important. They show how the car changes the story.
The DeLorean makes time travel possible. This creates exciting adventures. The characters face challenges. They need to find ways to power the car. They also need to avoid changing history. Each trip in the car is thrilling. It keeps the story moving. Without the DeLorean, there is no plot.
Legacy Of The Delorean
The DeLorean car has a huge fan base. It became famous in the movie “Back to the Future.” Many people love its unique design. The car’s gull-wing doors are very cool. Fans love to collect DeLorean models. They also attend events to show off their cars. Some even dress up as characters from the movie. The DeLorean is more than just a car. It is a part of pop culture.
Car lovers admire the DeLorean. Its stainless steel body is unique. Many dream of owning this car. Some even modify their DeLorean to look like the one in the movie. It inspires car shows and clubs. People enjoy talking about its features. The DeLorean has a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts.
The Delorean In Popular Culture
The DeLorean in “Back to the Future” became an iconic symbol of time travel. This car’s unique design and gull-wing doors captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Fans continue to celebrate its role in the beloved film series.
Appearances In Other Media
The DeLorean car from “Back to the Future” is very famous. It has appeared in many TV shows, movies, and cartoons. People love its unique look and cool features. The car’s fame grew over the years.
In “Ready Player One,” the DeLorean is a key vehicle. It also shows up in “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.” Many video games feature this iconic car too. For example, it is in “Rocket League” and “Grand Theft Auto V.”
References And Homages
Many shows and movies reference the DeLorean. It symbolizes time travel and adventure. Some cars in other movies look like the DeLorean. This is a nod to “Back to the Future.”
Fans build replicas of the DeLorean. They dress up as characters from the movie. The car has become a pop culture icon. It is more than just a car; it is a legend.
Preservation And Restoration
Many people dream of owning the DeLorean from Back to the Future. These cars are rare. Collectors cherish them. Some buy them as investments. Others love the movie. They want a piece of history. Owning a DeLorean is special.
Restoring a DeLorean isn’t as hopeless as it sounds, either. The original DeLorean Motor Company went bankrupt in 1982, but a separate company (also called DeLorean Motor Company, based in Humble, Texas) has run since 1995 out of a 40,000-square-foot warehouse holding more than 3.5 million new, original, and reproduction DeLorean parts — plus a small inventory of certified pre-owned DeLoreans for sale. The company even announced an all-new electric DeLorean concept in 2022, though that project has been on hold since late 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Car Is Used In Back To The Future?
The car used in Back to the Future is a DeLorean DMC-12. It is a sports car manufactured by DeLorean Motor Company.
Why Was The Delorean Chosen?
The DeLorean was chosen for its futuristic look and gull-wing doors. It provided a unique and memorable appearance.
Who Designed The Delorean Time Machine?
The DeLorean time machine was designed by Dr. Emmett Brown, a character in the movie. He is played by Christopher Lloyd.
How Fast Does The Delorean Need To Travel?
The DeLorean needs to travel at 88 miles per hour to initiate time travel. This speed activates the flux capacitor.
Conclusion
The DeLorean from “Back to the Future” remains an iconic movie car. Its unique design and time-travel capabilities captivate fans. This car symbolizes adventure and imagination. People of all ages admire it. The DeLorean will always hold a special place in cinema history.
Its legacy continues to inspire. A true classic, it sparks curiosity and nostalgia.
