As you delve into the DeLorean DMC-12’s best and worst years, you’ll discover a tale of innovation and misfortune. The 1981-1982 peak, with 7,452 units sold, largely due to its futuristic design and nostalgic appeal. But what led to the drastic drop in sales, with only 1,844 units sold in 1983-1984?
Let’s investigate the mechanical issues, poor sales, and aggressive pursuit of subsidies that ultimately led to the company’s downfall, and uncover the lessons from this iconic car’s rise and fall.
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Key Takeaways
- The 1981 model year is considered the worst due to high production numbers, resulting in substandard assembly quality and mechanical issues.
- The 1982 model year is the best, with improvements in engine performance, and fewer mechanical issues, making it the most desirable among DMC-12 owners.
- Oil leaks, coolant leaks, and faulty spark plug wires are common issues across all model years, requiring regular maintenance and inspections.
- Engine bearings were incorrectly sized, leading to excessive oil consumption and premature wear, affecting all model years.
- The DMC-12’s poor sales performance, limited product line, and quality issues contributed to the company’s demise, regardless of the model year.
Engine Issues and Maintenance
As you plunge into the world of DeLorean DMC-12 ownership, you’ll inevitably encounter engine issues that require attention and maintenance.
The PRV (Peugeot, Renault, Volvo) V6 engine, although reliable, is prone to oil leaks, coolant leaks, and faulty spark plug wires.
You’ll need to inspect the engine regularly, looking for signs of wear on the cylinder head, engine mounts, and valve cover gasket.
Keep an eye on the engine’s compression, as low compression can indicate worn piston rings or cylinder head issues.
Gearbox Problems and Solutions
You’ve tackled engine issues, and now it’s the gearbox’s turn to get your attention. The five-speed manual transmission in your DeLorean DMC-12 is prone to baulking when engaging second gear, due to the roll pin wearing out over time.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Roll pin wear | Replace with inexpensive part, but requires gearbox removal |
| Gearbox rebuild | Relatively easy with shared parts from Lotus Esprit, Renault GTA, and Venturi |
| Sediment buildup | Drain petrol tank and blow through fuel lines regularly to prevent minor issues becoming major problems. |
Suspension and Brake System Flaws
When inspecting your DeLorean DMC-12, you’ll likely find the suspension is too soft, causing sagging.
The brakes may be suffering from seized calipers or a failing master cylinder. These issues can cause problems like uneven braking and pulling to one side.
Fortunately, addressing these flaws is relatively straightforward, and upgrading these systems can greatly improve the overall performance and handling of your DeLorean.
Soft Factory Suspension
The DeLorean DMC-12’s factory-fit suspension is too-soft, causing everything to sag over time, and its replacement is a popular upgrade.
As you ponder upgrading your DeLorean, keep in mind that stiffening the suspension can improve the car’s dynamics, and lowering it can refine its appearance and handling.
- The original suspension is prone to sagging due to wear and tear, affecting the car’s overall performance and handling.
- Replacing the suspension with stiffer components can improve the car’s cornering ability and reduce body roll.
- Addressing the soft suspension can significantly improve the car’s overall driving experience.
- Lowering the car can also refine its appearance, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Seized Caliper Problems
As you upgrade the suspension, it’s just as vital to examine the brake system, where seized calipers can lead to brake failure.
You’ll need to inspect the caliper for signs of corrosion or scoring, which can cause the caliper to bind, resulting in uneven brake wear or even complete brake failure.
If you find issues, consider replacing the caliper or having it professionally serviced to guarantee prime brake performance.
Master Cylinder Issues
Your DeLorean’s master cylinder plays a critical role in the brake system, converting non-hydraulic pressure from your foot on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure that ultimately stops your vehicle.
However, it’s not immune to issues.
- Corrosion: Moisture can seep into the master cylinder, leading to internal corrosion and brake performance issues.
- Seal failure: Worn-out seals can cause brake fluid leaks, resulting in a spongy brake pedal.
- Clogged ports: Debris and dirt can clog the master cylinder’s ports, hindering brake fluid flow.
- Internal wear: Over time, the master cylinder’s internal components can wear out, affecting brake performance and overall safety.
Bodywork and Rust Prevention
When inspecting your DeLorean’s rust-prone areas, you’ll want to pay close attention to exposed sections, such as the bonnet’s underside and the areas around the doors and hood hinges.
These spots are notorious for moisture accumulation, which can lead to rust formation.
You’ll also want to ponder applying coatings and protective films to shield these areas from the elements.
Rust-Prone Areas Exposed
The DeLorean DMC-12’s stainless steel body panels aren’t immune to rust, particularly where moisture collects and crevices trap debris.
As you inspect your vehicle, pay attention to these rust-prone areas:
- Around the doors, where water can seep into the hinges and collect in the door sills
- Behind the front and rear bumpers, where moisture can accumulate and cause corrosion
- In the trunk area, where water can leak in through the trunk lid and cause rust on the stainless steel bodywork
- Under the hood, where moisture can collect around the engine compartment
Coatings and Protective Films
Protecting the stainless steel bodywork from corrosion and rust requires more than just regular washing and cleaning.
You’ll need to apply a ceramic coating or film to provide a durable barrier against the elements.
High-wear areas like door handles and trim can be protected with a clear film, preventing scratches and wear.
A high-quality ceramic coating will maintain the showroom shine, and regular washing will guarantee the coating remains effective.
Don’t forget, the factory clear coat has likely worn off, making it vital to add a new protective layer to prevent rust and corrosion.
Interior Design and Practicality
As you step into the DeLorean DMC-12, its cabin’s design and practicality come under scrutiny.
The interior design is a mix of futuristic and nostalgic elements, with brushed stainless steel accents and optional leather upholstery.
However, the cabin’s functionality is limited, with:
- Limited rear seat space and accessibility
- A small, shallow cargo area behind the seats
- A lack of modern amenities, such as cupholders and storage bins
- A dated, analog instrument cluster and control layout
History of the DeLorean
You’re about to uncover the complex history behind the DeLorean DMC-12.
The DeLorean Motor Company originally planned to set up a factory in Rico, but a Northern Ireland Development Agency deal led to a factory being built in Dunmurray, a Belfast suburb.
Despite a 1-in-10 chance of succeeding, the cash-strapped startup couldn’t afford to pass it up.
The first prototype was built in 1976, with production scheduled to start in 1979.
9,000 units were ultimately built before it went into receivership, with the final ones made in 1982.
DeLorean’s Rise and Fall
The DeLorean Motor Company’s fate was sealed from the start, with a combination of poor planning, inexperience, and bad luck conspiring against it.
You can point to several key factors that led to its downfall.
- The company couldn’t afford to pass up the deal with the Northern Ireland Development, which contributed to its failure.
- A consulting firm gave the company only a 1-in-10 chance of succeeding.
- The founder’s bad timing and self-destructive behavior didn’t help.
- The company went into receivership in 1982, marking the end of the DeLorean Motor Company’s rise and fall.
Design and Engineering Flaws
As you examine the DeLorean’s design and engineering flaws, you’ll notice that the car’s rear-engine layout and engine compartment troubles led to mechanical gremlins.
While the stainless steel body added weight and complexity.
The car’s suspension, which was soft and contributed to understeer, was also subpar, making the DeLorean difficult to handle.
You’ll also find that the car’s electrical system was prone to faults and failures, causing a range of problems.
Engine Problems
Several design and engineering flaws plagued the DeLorean DMC-12’s engine, leading to a multitude of problems.
You’ll encounter issues that’ll leave you stranded.
The engine problems stem from:
- Poor engine block design, leading to excessive oil consumption and premature wear
- Incorrectly sized engine bearings, resulting in increased friction and heat generation
- Inadequate cooling system design, causing overheating and engine damage
- Inconsistent fuel injection timing, leading to poor engine performance and decreased fuel efficiency
Suspension Issues
Beyond the engine problems, you’ll encounter suspension issues that’ll compromise the car’s dynamics and appearance.
The DeLorean’s suspension is too soft, leading to sagging over time, which can be improved with stiffening modifications.
The factory suspension is prone to sagging, especially on cars that have been standing for a while, and lowering the car can also improve its looks and handling.
The rear-engine layout contributes to the suspension’s softness, causing understeer, heavy steering, and slide on wet roads, affecting overall handling.
Approaches to Improve Sales
To improve sales, you needed a more comprehensive approach, one that would have allowed DeLorean to effectively compete in the market.
A more viable strategy would have been to:
- Adopt a front-engined, rear-drive platform for a two-seat sports car and its variants, sharing major parts for stronger sales.
- Offer a broader product line, such as a 2+2 coupe or four-door sedan, making the DeLorean a more attractive option.
- Emulate Bricklin’s approach, using more off-the-shelf parts to keep costs down and make the car more competitive in the market.
- Have leadership akin to BMW’s Herbert Quandt, who’d have produced a more usable daily driver and a financially sustainable automaker.
Comparison to Other Automakers
You’re looking at the DeLorean’s sales performance in a different light, comparing it to other automakers.
BMW’s global production almost reached 338,000 units in 1981, with 42,000 units sold in the United States, highlighting DeLorean’s poor production and sales figures.
The Corvette, a well-established sports car, was sold through a large dealer network, giving it a significant advantage over DeLorean.
The Datsun 280ZX outsold the Corvette, demonstrating DeLorean’s poor sales performance.
Even Porsche, a sports car specialist, offered more versatile models, such as the 356 and 911 coupes, which contributed to its survival.
What Went Wrong With Delorean
How did this innovative sports car fail to gain traction it deserved?
You might wonder what went wrong with the DeLorean DMC-12.
Several factors contributed to its demise, including:
- Founder John DeLorean’s self-destructive tendencies, likely fueled by an antisocial personality disorder, which hindered the company’s progress.
- The limited appeal of a two-seater sports car, which didn’t allow for higher-selling variants.
- Aggressive pursuit of subsidies, resulting in substandard assembly quality and mechanical issues.
- Sloppy workmanship that made the DMC-12 uncompetitive with similar sports cars in its price range, and its styling didn’t lend itself to variants that could boost sales.
Lessons From Delorean’s Failure
The DeLorean DMC-12’s failure serves as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs and automakers alike.
You can learn from DeLorean’s mistakes, such as pursuing subsidies over an experienced workforce and failing to produce a more financially sustainable product line.
The company’s inability to recognize the importance of offering a broader product line and its failure to understand why foreign automakers were making inroads in the US market.
You can also learn from DeLorean’s “Detroit Mind” mentality, which prioritized versatility and sustainability.
DeLorean’s Legacy and Cultural Impact
Beyond its commercial failure, the DeLorean DMC-12 has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
You’re likely familiar with its starring role in the “Back to the Future” movie franchise. This exposure has cemented its place in history.
- Its stainless steel exterior and product design have influenced architecture and “Back to the Future,” the DeLorean would likely be forgotten, like other cars of its era.
- Its unique styling has made it a sought-after collector’s item, with well-maintained models holding their value.
- The car’s iconic status and nostalgic appeal have mitigated its flaws as a daily driver.
