DeLorean Ownership is for Fun People
by Dave Tavres I’m a DeLorean owner since 2015 and a lifelong Back to the Future fan. After reading the article “Meet the DeLorean Owners Who Hate ‘Back to the Future’” I’ve met and personally known several of those types of DeLorean owners, so to “Angela”, “Vincent”, and any other owners who hate BTTF, here’s the same advice I’ve given those I’ve met and known: go buy a Ferrari – no one will bother you. No one will want to get a picture of your car. They won’t bug you when getting gas. They won’t pace you on the freeway to take a photo. And you’ll NEVER hear someone say “I’ve never seen one in real life.” They will hardly notice you. (But, we know you actually WANT the attention, so you won’t get rid of the DeLorean.) The DMC DeLorean is not a Fabergé egg, it’s a car. And very few cars in history draw out people’s fun and wonderful memories the way the DeLorean does. A non-car friend of mine once said “It’s not a time machine, it’s a smile machine!” after taking her for a drive one day. Everywhere you go, people see the car and smile. Not just at gas stations or the parking lot at work – but in the cross-walks at a red light! I don’t own a Ferrari or a Jaguar or any other collector car – but I would be VERY surprised if any of those cars brings a smile to so many people’s faces the way a DeLorean does. And when people get happy seeing a DeLorean, what a wonderful thing! As for the weirdos who own a DeLorean and hate the Back to the Future comments, it’s clear they just don’t like people. 99% of DeLorean owners bought the car because of Back to the Future. That remaining 1% are the ones who bought their car in 1981, 82, or 83 BEFORE the car was no longer available at dealerships, and before the movie came out in 1985. There are very few of those early buyers in the world. And of that 1%, most of those owners DO like the movie, because the movie saved the car – and the car makes people happy. It’s true, I do like people more than most, and I absolutely love sharing the car with the public. As I said, the car is not a Fabergé egg, it’s a car. As long as there isn’t a group of 20+ people around it, I often invite people to come sit in the car to take photos. How often do fans of any pop-culture icons get to ‘interact’ with the thing that makes them happy in that way? Yes, it’s possible somebody will poke a hole in the seat with keys in their pocket, or break the turn signal stock – but that would be a small price to pay for sharing something that brings so much joy to people. Maybe I should feel sorry for Angela and Vincent and other ‘elitists’, but I don’t. If they choose to be unhappy where others find joy, it’s their loss. I wholeheartedly invite anyone who loves Back to the Future or the DeLorean by itself, to come up and say hello when I’m getting gas, or at the grocery store, or picking up food, or any other number of things (including getting ice cream.) And if you’re a DeLorean owner who hates that – too bad for you.
Fake DMC files another lawsuit against Universal Studios
Well, Fake DMC (DeLorean Motor Company Texas) is at it again… trying to get royalties money for something they had no hand in building – the DMC DeLorean car. They think they are owed money by Universal Studios for use of the DeLorean in Universal’s marketing of Back to the Future. Fake DMC started in 1995 and bought the remaining parts that came from the long-closed factory, and have been trying to make the public think they are the same company ever since. Fake DMC recently made millions of dollars selling the DeLorean badge to an electric car company (also in Texas,) and then rebranding themselves as “Classic DMC”, so they could continue to do a disservice to DeLorean owners. But, that EV using the DeLorean name (which looked more like a Tesla than a DeLorean) appears to now be dead. So, Fake DMC may not have gotten as much money as they planned from someone’s else’s work in building a new EV – which means, they need to go back to frivolous lawsuits to make money they don’t deserve. Over the years, Fake DMC has proven that they care nothing about John DeLorean’s stainless steel car – or the people who actually own, drive, maintain, and share the iconic car with the public. Their customer service is as bad as the countless owner stories have portrayed, and they don’t like DeLorean fans coming to the “showrooms” to see the car – unless they look rich, or have bags with dollar signs painted on them when they walk up to the door. Their lack of involvement in the DeLorean community is further proof that they don’t care about their actual customers. With less than 5,000 DeLoreans still in existence (of the 9,080 built,) you would expect that they would embrace the owner community, knowing that’s where they make their money. And to top off their story of disappointment, they’ve lost all of their “franchise” locations except Florida, for some unknown reason. The Texas and California locations are both corporate owned. Their service truly is “second to all”. It’s frustrating to see a company try to sucker the public into thinking they are John DeLorean’s company. John DeLorean actually built the car. He is the one who had vision. He did the best he could fighting against other big companies and a corrupt government – and he did well enough that his car – not Fake DMC’s – was used in one of the best movies of all time – and he was honored that they used his car.
Arizona DeLoreans at the British Wheels on the Green event
British Wheels on the Green was on Sunday, October 29, 2023. The weather was beautiful and it was an awesome show. Four DeLoreans were in attendance. Gary Adams, Andrew Morales, Steve Flanagan, and Christian Jarzab brought their cars tot he show, and Christian took the prize for the category. Thanks Arizona DeLorean Club!
Beware of DPI – DeLorean Performance Industries
If you’re a DeLorean owner, you know there aren’t a lot of shops or parts houses to choose from when you need stuff for your DMC. And with so few shops, it’s frustrating when yet another DeLorean business engages in dishonest practices. First, it was Fake DMC in Texas, and now it’s perfectly clear that DPI – DeLorean Performance Industries is trying to scam people too (or, more.) In recent weeks, DPI purchased ads on Google Search (using Google AdWords) where they use the names of GOOD and TRUSTWORTHY DeLorean shops – but he’s using his own web address when you click the ad. Long-time DeLorean owners won’t (or shouldn’t) fall for that misleading tactic, but newer DeLorean owners – or those shopping for a DeLorean – absolutely would fall for it. This is untruthful and disgusting. The good and trustworthy shops being maligned in this case, are DeLorean Parts Northwest / DeLorean Service Northwest, DeLorean Midwest, and DeLoreanGo. DPI is paying for ads using each of their names, but linking to his own website. Click the images below to see the unscrupulous screenshots: DeLorean Performance Industries already had a shady past with their deficiency in customer service and their lack of ‘attention to detail’ that they tout so much. Apparently, they don’t really live up to their motto. Just ask around in the community. Plus the time (that we know of,) that DPI tried to steal money from a DeLorean owner by shorting their order, but wouldn’t issue a refund… that is, until the customer finally got the credit card company to do a chargeback, and suddenly DeLorean Performance Industries responded – by posting the customer’s bank account information on facebook! Yeah – DPI is not to be trusted. Furthermore, with Google AdWords, you can put up or take down ads basically immediately. Yet these double-dealing ads have stuck around for at least two weeks. We sent an email to both email addresses we found on the DPI website, asking for clarification on why they were posting these deceptive ads – telling them we were going to post an article if they didn’t have a good answer – and they never replied. Which means, a) they don’t pay attention to the customer service emails, or b) they don’t have a reasonable excuse for their deceitful actions. What to do now? Have some fun… GO SEARCH for DeLorean Parts Northwest / DeLorean Service Northwest, DeLorean Midwest, and DeLoreanGo on Google – and when you see the “Sponsored” link at the top that shows DPI – CLICK IT! Then do the same search on your mobile device, and click the ad AGAIN… then have your spouse, mom, co-worker, and anyone else nearby do the same… He gets charged more for each click, than for just the visual impression.
FakeDMC files yet another lawsuit
FakeDMC out of Texas REALLY wants people to think they created the DeLorean. They did not. And while they did buy the remaining inventory – and THEY say they basically bought anything and everything to do with John DeLorean’s company, the Fake DeLorean Motor Company in Texas rears it’s ugly head any time they think they can get more money. The most recent example, is the lawsuit they filed against Universal Studios. Get this… The REAL DMC (DeLorean Motor Company) legally went out of business by 1983. Back to the Future came out in 1985, using our DeLorean car(s) as one of the stars of the movie(s). In 1997 FakeDMC bought the remaining DeLorean parts, and started a new company – using the original name, most likely to confuse people and take advantage of the name recognition. And in 2022, they are suing Universal for using a car that FakeDMC did not invent, build, or sell – but they think they deserve royalties from work they had nothing to do with – and thus far, have only bullied people and businesses into not using the name and logo of the long-close (but not forgotten) company. As a DeLorean owner, and someone who’s been part of the DeLorean community for a few years now, AND as someone who has heard countless stories of bad customer service of FakeDMC from DeLorean owners, I can easily attest to the fact that FakeDMC does NOT care about the DeLorean car, the DeLorean owners, or even the DeLorean name – they only care about how much money they can get from people. Their arrogance and greed is legendary amongst DeLorean owners across the Country. Other than this latest lawsuit, FakeDMC has sued many others, including DeLorean owners and small mechanics who serve the approximately 4,500 DeLoreans that still exist. They have sent numerous threatening “cease and desist” letters, black-listed owners and mechanics, and generally do shoddy work. Most DeLorean owners are afraid to speak up, for fear that they too will be black-listed from buying the few parts that you cannot find on crossover parts lists. And so, their tactics often work… but some day, they may not. There have been rumors for many years that Fake DMC was getting paid by Universal, but no one could ever confirm it… until now. I have not yet talked to a DeLorean owner that thinks FakeDMC should be paid by Universal for use of the DeLorean in Back to the Future. The movie came before Fake DMC and whatever agreement John DeLorean had with Universal died with him. We hope that NBCUniversal continues to ignore Fake DMC and stands up to the bullying tactics.
FakeDMC does NOT have the support of the DeLorean family
If you’re a DeLorean owner, you shouldn’t be shocked that FakeDMC doesn’t have the support of the DeLorean family. Especially Kat DeLorean, John Zachary DeLorean’s daughter. We couldn’t be happier that she has come out (more than once) to remind people of at least 3 simple facts: FakeDMC is NOT associated with the DeLorean family. FakeDMC is not 40 years old. They started in 1995, and bought one of the DeLorean trademarks. John DeLorean did NOT like FakeDMC, nor did he support them in any way. FakeDMC has tried, and in far too many cases they have succeeded in bullying and intimidating individuals and small businesses who DO support and love the DeLorean community. The DeLorean car came from the mind of a brilliant automotive engineer – John DeLorean – who Elon Musk can easily be compared to – someone who fought the system and built their own car against all odds. The difference is, JZD had governments working against him to bring him down, while Musk simply made something that the people wanted. And since politicians could personally line their pockets from Musk’s business(es) they weren’t as inclined to try to shut him down. JZD’s legacy is greater than just producing the stainless steel car – and it certainly has nothing to do with the new company who does everything in their power to take advantage of what someone else built. There are MANY DeLorean owners who are afraid to speak up about #FakeDMC for fear that they’ll be ‘blacklisted’ from buying parts or getting service – and we understand. But know this – there are A LOT of us. It’s important to support the independent shops and people who DO care about the car, and the owners. They are part of the community – they own cars – they love sharing the car with the public. THEY are part of JZD’s legacy. The next time you need parts or service for your DeLorean, don’t go to FakeDMC if at all possible – just ask around about their “customer service.” Hopefully one day Kat will do an episode of DeLorean Talk to share her memories of her father, and talk about her experience with DeLorean owners and the community… and hopefully will be willing to share her disdain with how FakeDMC has tried to take advantage of JZD’s name and legacy. Here’s our comment on her post: “Thank you for sharing your feelings Kat. #FakeDMC has proven time and again that they don’t care about the REAL DeLorean car, or the owners – it’s all about taking advantage of the name. We support business and entrepreneurs, but FakeDMC has bullied and intimidated owners – and the public – for far too long. They do everything they can to make people believe they ARE the original DMC company – without actually saying it. FakeDMC is untrustworthy, and they are not there to serve their (potential) customers. We highly recommend supporting independent parts & labor shops, as well as individuals who love the REAL DeLorean car, and JZD’s legacy. If you ever care to, or feel comfortable talking about this, please contact us at www.DeLoreanTalk.com” More: John DeLorean’s Daughter Doesn’t Approve The New Alpha5 John DeLorean’s Daughter Isn’t Happy About The New Alpha5 John DeLorean’s Daughter Didn’t Know About New DeLorean Brand Revival
Fake DMC’s response to not being part of the DeLorean Community
This is copy/pasted from post #78 on the DMCTalk thread “Delorean Motor Company (DMC) Texas threatening to sue Delorean owners now” “SonnyV” / james espy speaks for Fake DMC frequently… although updated this post after the fact to say that, in THIS case, his opinions AREN’T Fake DMC’s opinions… in THIS case. Unless you have/had an account on DMCTalk.org, you won’t get/understand the depth of frustration and disappointment DeLorean owners have with Fake DMC. You’ll just have to ask around – hopefully on social media. Ask a lot. Lots of things going on in this thread across a wide swath of history. The ones who were there when it happened got it mostly right, lots of the others got it varying degrees of wrong. I’m sure the same will be said about what I am about to write. George Carlin, I think, said “where you stand on an issue depends on where you sit” – that seems to fit here, too. Let me start by saying I stepped away from DMCtalk and social media for a good couple years because it was such a time suck, and I/DMC had more pressing matters at hand. Still do, but knowing what’s going to happen in the very near future – related to the recent changes on our site – and the analytics that say where visitors are coming from, prompted me to come here and find this thread. The C&D’s were sent out without my direct knowledge, so I can’t say exactly why, but many people here are on the mark when it comes to defending a trademark. Was it done with too broad of a stroke? Not for me to say – I am not an IP lawyer,and neither, I think, is anyone else here. Yes, the whole SonnyV thing was a mistake I made nearly 20 years ago. I’ve apologized, learned from that mistake and I don’t know what else I can do…if you want a personal apology and hear my version of events, call me or see me at the next DeLorean event. In any case, please know that I realized I fucked up and I’m sorry that I did it. I understand why people got upset about it. I understand that I let people down. I have tried in the ensuing years to give back to the DeLorean community in any way I can via other good works wherever I can. The DMCnews.com site is not controlled by DMCH nor was it shutdown at SW’s request.. I was able to re-acquire it personally a couple years ago – but never got a full and complete backup of the site. I had hopes of having time to rebuild the data, move it to a different, modern platform, but never have had time. I am supportive of the other DML archives. DMC/DMCH is in a good financial position – all locations are loaded up with cars for sale, cars to be serviced and the new online store is benefiting all dealers as we give them the orders from their region that they can fill, to further reduce shipping times to customers. That said, Florida does not handle any of the web orders placed by customers in their region – if you want them to, reach out to Tony and Robert! Also, with regards to the store, I hope people are enjoying the larger and 360 photos. We do it all in house, so it’s going slower than I’d like. On that subject, we’re hiring in just about all areas for in-person positions here at DMCH. Come work here and see for yourself what it takes to keep this going! Company paid medical, dental, vision, HSA/HSA, paid holidays/vacation, 401k and more! Parts availability is very good with new parts coming though keeping stock on the shelf has been a challenge with longer lead times and shortages from assorted suppliers in the US and abroad. We’ve not had a wide-ranging price increase in more than five years, preferring to raise prices where deemed required due to supplier price increases to us.. That will likely have to change this year. Costs are going up left and right on everything for everyone as we all know – fuel, utilities, wages, benefits, etc. DMC is not an exception. As far as new cars go, yes, we’ve often spoken before we should have. The Pontiac Solstice thing was likely the first, most public, misstep. And it actually started as the Saturn Sky. We had been approached by a company (AMP Motors) that had been building some battery powered Skys (https://uncrate.com/the-amp/) and was making a play for the GM plant where the Sky and Solstice were built when GM shut down Pontiac and Saturn as they filed for bankruptcy. They knew they couldn’t use the Pontiac brand and Roger Penske was making a play (that also fizzled out) for Saturn. AMP reached out to us about licensing the DeLorean brand for their planned continuation cars, using the thread of a DeLorean/Pontiac connection as the tie-in. In the early days of the Obama administration, a top donor to their campaign (and Fisker investor) called in a favor to Biden (connected to Delaware, where the Sky/Solstice plant was located) and AMP lost out to Fisker. You can read on your own how that ended. Spoiler alert: Fisker never built anything there and the plant was demolished a few years ago. The EV that we showed at the 2012 New York Auto Show and our 2011 Open House was built by an ex-Aptera guy who started a battery company and also had a company that made electric ski boats nearby in Louisana as he was (and still is) a composites whiz. We made a deal to buy it from him as part of a plan to work with him to build more. Neither of us were capitalized for it and the EV thing in 2012 was far different than it is today. As an aside, he made a couple
What Could Have Been #00502 – Factory Twin Turbo
In April 1981 DeLorean #00502 rolled off of the assembly line in Ireland and was shipped to Legend Industries in Long Island, New York at the direct order of John DeLorean. DeLorean had earlier entered into a contract with Legend to develop a Twin Turbo power plant capable of propelling the DeLorean at race car speeds, while maintaining the fine manners of an expensive European GT automobile, and having the reliability to carry a five-year, 50,000 mile warranty. The Twin Turbo Power Plant, which represented a total engineering systems approach and a development cost of several million dollars, was introduced at the NADA show in Los Angeles in February 1981. John DeLorean was so impressed that he ordered 5,000 of the engines to be built so that they could be offered as a $7,500 option to DeLorean purchasers. Prior to the NADA introduction, the new Twin Turbo engine had undergone extensive laboratory dyno testing and had been installed in Renault Alpines for road testing. In May 1981 the Twin Turbo Power Plant was installed in DeLorean #00502 and road testing began on the prototype. The car was soon delivered to John DeLorean who was quoted as saying “The car’s performance and manners finally match its good looks.” #00502 was returned to Legend for final pre- production testing prior to expected Twin Turbo engine introduction in 1982. Practically every piece of the Renault V6 engine had to be redesigned except the bottom end and the camshafts. Fitting Twin Turbos and Twin Intercoolers with all of their attendant electrics and plumbing into the DeLorean engine compartment is an engineering feat to be admired. The results are a smooth, reliable engine with great flexibility and lugability. This engine is capable of pulling smoothly in fifth gear from 1,500 RPM, continuing through to full Turbo boost at 2,500 RPM, and climbing solidly on to 6,500 RPM at 150 MPH without the slightest protest. The IHI Twin Turbos are so perfectly matched to this engine that you’re never at a loss for power even if you are a lazy shifter. The prototype car was acceleration tested at an incredible 0-60 in 5.8 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds. Before any of the 5,000 Twin Turbo DeLoreans could be put into production, the DeLorean debacle occurred and the DeLorean Motor Company was out of business. Legend Industries as well as many other suppliers were bankrupted by the sudden turn of events. Prototype #00502 was sold in the Legend Industries bankruptcy sale in 1983 to Legend Turbo, Inc., a company formed in hope that DeLorean production would resume. It was not to be, and the present owner acquired #00502 in 1984. In the December 1984 edition of Road and Track Magazine, John Dinkel, the editor, memorialized John DeLorean, Legend Industries, and #00502. John Dinkel became the only journalist to drive the only factory Twin Turbo DeLorean ever produced. What would have been enjoyed and appreciated by thousands is now a Limited Edition of One. by Phil Meisinger
Society6 Fail
by Dave Tavres The Society6 website says that I am not allowed to use the name of the classic car that I own – DeLorean – when selling MY photos of MY car. That’s right… when trying to use the name “DeLorean” in the title (or tag, or description) of a product I want to sell on their site, they return this message: “We were not able to accept your title/tag/description submission, as it appeared to contain distinctive words that may belong to another rights holder. If you believe you have received this message in error, please contact Member Support.” Like many other DeLorean owners, I love taking cool photos of MY DeLorean. And also like other owners, I’m always looking for cool places to get amazing photos of MY DeLorean, with the hope of one turning out totally awesome, so I can sell it, or have it used somewhere as I – the content creator / artist – sees fit. But, Society6 doesn’t seem to agree that an artist has the right to sell their own photos of their property. Now, as of the writing of this article, you can NOT use names like “Mercedes” or “Ford”, but I can see that making sense, as those companies still exist, and are currently making new products. However, the DeLorean Motor Company went out of business in 1983. The DeLorean car that they invented and built, will never be built again. We, the owners of these cars, are the protectors and keepers of the approximately 4,500 left in the world, out of the 9,080 that were built. As it happens, a company in Texas named “DeLorean Motor Company Texas”, did buy the remaining parts left over from the original factory in 1997 – for less than $1 million dollars. Since then, they have proceeded to bully and attempt to scare people into submission, by pretending to be the original DeLorean Motor Company (despite their own admission on their website under the question “Are you ‘THE’ DeLorean Motor Company?” – they answer “We have no connection to John DeLorean, the DeLorean estate or the original DeLorean Motor Company. DeLorean Motor Company Texas is a privately held corporation based in Humble, Texas.”) And to top it all off, they have repeatedly shown their disdain for the actual owners of the remaining DeLoreans out there. So, using the name of MY car, that I own – and the name of a product that is no longer made by an existing company – should be allowed… just as you can use the name “Bricklin” and others on Society6. (Bricklin is another defunct car company.) It’s most likely that intimidation by the fake DMC (DeLorean Motor Company Texas) has caused Society6 to block us owners from profiting from our own property. We’ll see how Society6 responds to the message I sent them disputing their choice to block me from using the name “DeLorean”. Update from Society6: This was the last email they sent me: From: Tristan (Society6)Date: Jun 21, 2021, 18:19 PDT Hello Dave, We recommend that you research the relevant copyright laws and other laws pertaining to intellectual property and their application to your work on the Internet, or consult legal counsel if you are unsure about them. We also suggest that you review Society6’s Terms of Service http://society6.com/terms with respect to our Content, Copyright & Intellectual Property Rights Policies to ensure that you are in compliance at all times. The word “DeLorean” will not be unblocked at this time. Warmly, TristanArtist Community Success Associate
Live Watch Party: “DeLorean: Living the Dream”
Watch “DeLorean: Living the Dream” and live chat with other owners! Monday, October 26th | 5pm PST / 8pm EST Be ready: Today, go to the “DeLorean: Living the Dream” Vimeo page and purchase your digital version of the movie. Go to the DeLorean Directory Watch Party video and click the “Set Reminder” link. Live chat: On Monday, October 26th at 5p PST / 8p EST, return to this page on the device you’re going to chat on (browser, phone, etc.). On a 2nd device/screen/browser (the screen you’ll watch the movie on), Launch the DLTD movie your previously purchased on Vimeo, and start playing it, but PAUSE it at 10 seconds. Go to the DeLorean Directory Watch Party video and watch the countdown. When the live stream starts counting up, match the timecode on your Vimeo player to the timecode on the DeLorean Directory live stream. (If you join late, just fast-forward your video, and pause ahead of the live stream video, then un-pause it when your timecode matches. In the chat window below (or on the YouTube live stream,) join the discussion with other owners. Make sure you’ve selected “Live Chat”, and not “Top Chat”.