The DeLorean DMC-12 Is An Outlier's Legacy

“There was a guy who lived up the street from me who had one,” Geoff Ombao remembers of his boyhood. “And every time he drove by, it was like watching Santa Claus driving the ice cream truck.”

Santa’s ice cream truck, in this instance, was a DeLorean DMC-12, a stainless steel, gullwinged car that–thanks to the Back to the Future film franchise–would be forever associated with time travel in the popular imagination. For Ombao, however, the car’s appeal lies in the marque’s short-lived, tumultuous history.

On pace to become the youngest head ever at General Motors after kickstarting the muscle car era, John DeLorean elected to leave behind the security of Detroit and strike out on his own. For years, he had nurtured dreams of building a new kind of car and, after finally settling on Northern Ireland as his base of manufacturing operations, he set about making this fantasy a reality.

The result was underwhelming, both in performance and in sales. In fact, the DMC-12 might have faded into history as a mere footnote had Robert Zemeckis not cast it as a time machine in "Back to the Future" (1985), a film which made an international superstar of Michael J. Fox and cemented the DeLorean’s place in popular culture. This celebrity also helped to overshadow John DeLorean’s legal troubles, which involved charges of drug running (he was eventually acquitted) in an attempt to finance his failing enterprise.

For Ombao, who is now enrolled as a automotive design student at Art Center in Pasadena, the DMC-12 is thus more than simply a piece of automotive trivia. It is proof that, often, it is the outliers who leave the most lasting legacy.

Drive Tastefully®

[daxflame]

Just won Ebay auction on 1981 Delorean. Will fly to Redmond, WA and drive back to LA in Delorean this weekend, for 19 hour drive. The seller is confident that it will make the trip without problem. I am 52 years old and owning a Delorean someday was in my heart for more than 30 years.

[helipilot]

I have owned my DeLorean for over 11 years now. I love it. After hearing this man's passion I love it even more. This car has a story to tell, not many cars do.

[cinematiceye]

Beautiful photography and atmosphere. Every frame is art. I own one of exactly the same model year, bonnet and ride height, and very nearly ready to drive after a long restoration. Very encouraging to see the car has such a following.

[nickwildekitsune]

Finally!! A Petrolicious video about The DeLorean DMC-12!! Thank you, guys!!

[lordzevallos]

This guys story is awesome. Shows it's never too late to pursue what you really want to do. Great video.

[neil]

i love the sharp lines on the delorean. especially the perfectly flat hood. still looks so damn futuristic.

[abctab]

...brilliant, ...brilliant, très agréable reportage, superbes vues et commentaires passionnés et intelligents. En plus musique parfaitement choisie. MERCI 🛸💥🎯

[mereclander]

Nice car and amazing story.
Please keep this car

[SerPurple]

You guys are probably the most underrated channel out there. The directing of each episode is perfect and you find people who have amazing stories and give a lot of detail in such a short time but elegant way.

[daviddouillet]

A DeLorean, 80's remix electro tape, and cruising down the highway at midnight is my ultimate dream.

[ozzstars_cars]

Hats off to Geoff Ombao for pursuing his passion.  Many never take the risk to do what they really want to do in life.  Geoff is living his dream

[Toarcade]

6:33 Surprised that I haven't seen anyone mentioning this yet, but it's awesome that you shot this car in front of the very same house that was owned by Back to the Future 1's Doc Brown in 1955 - and in the same angle as in the movie. 
A small subtle reference in a video which just aches for direct BTTF references. Thank you Petrolicious for being so tasteful :)

[targaflorio]

Heard the DeLorean tale many a time. Still as enthralling now - all these years later. Great video Petrolicious.

[Kit_Bear]

The cameraman and director of this video did a fantastic job, the last time I saw this type of work is in/on 80's film and tv shows, it really brought out the beauty of the car and the scenery, it's very emotional to watch, it brought it all to life, the car looks stunning in the night light combined with the camera angles, it conjures up so many memories and feelings from times gone by.

This is by far the best car video I've seen on YT, it sent my body into a tremour of nostalgia, Thank You Petrolicious.

[fingerluck]

i don't get why there is ppl who thumb down this video... The LA vibes blended so well with DMC, i can feel the present... Will watching it again for sure! 

[Froseization]

Damn these views of L.A. are superb. It reminds me the movie Collateral. Great job !

[uhugvjkbkjh]

changed the way I viewed John Delorean. Mr Ombao thanks for the education .. and good luck with the new career!

[marcscordato]

I have a special place in my heart for cars from the 80's this car has a distinctive look. The Toyota Supra of this area has similar proportions
. The SAAB SPG of the 80's was unique. I can't think of any modern cars that stand out from the pack the way these cars did.

[jammer]

I have some friends with Deloreans and have ridden in them on occasions. They are not fast cars, but drive very well. Like diving a go kart on the street. 0 to 60 in 9 seconds sounds like nothing now, but in 1981 that was about average. The fastest car in 1981 went 0 to 60 in 6 seconds. For a car that had to be produced by a certain deadline, built in war torn Belfast Ireland, and built during some the worst economic times in the US it wasn't too bad. The engines are quite reliable and to be honest I prefer reliability over speed any day. The problem is that people didn't drive them much back in the day, because they were afraid they wouldn't be able to get their cars fixed or get parts. Parts are readily available now and more people are driving their Deloreans now.

[Emo_Vegeta]

Same dream as me growing up....Always wanted one...wanted to be just like John, have my own company and make my own cars...28 now, almost have enough for the car saved, but sadly i never could afford to pursue my dream of having my own company.. But hopefully owning the car that started it all for me, will fill some of the hole in my heart.