Latest news with #DeLoreanMotorCompany
Crypto Insight
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Crypto Insight
Carmaker DeLorean tokenizes EV reservations on Sui
DeLorean launched an onchain reservation system and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace for its upcoming electric vehicle launch, introducing a new blockchain-based approach for reserving and reselling cars. According to DeLorean, its Build Slot NFT collection grants holders priority access to purchase DeLorean's upcoming electric car, Alpha 5 EV. The model is the carmaker's first vehicle in over 40 years, inspired by the iconic flux capacitor from the movie Back to the Future. The company created an exclusive marketplace for its NFT holders, in which users can buy or trade the NFTs using the USDC stablecoin on the Sui network and will be able to earn rewards. DeLorean says that each vehicle's history and performance data will be recorded onchain through the FLUX protocol, including key data such as battery health, maintenance records, accident history, and verified odometer readings. This detailed data makes it easier for auto enthusiasts to bid on or resell vehicles in the secondary market, the company said. 'Since DeLorean's emergence in the 1980s, the brand has stood as a symbol of vision, rebellion, and futuristic innovation,' according to Cameron Wynne, the chief brand officer at DeLorean. 'By using blockchain technology, we're setting a new standard for the automotive industry,' Wynne said. The NFT-based reservation system and the tokenization of an electric vehicle signal DeLorean's interest in digital assets. The company is also the first carmaker to introduce a utility token, the DeLorean ($DMC) token. Luxury brands exploring blockchain, NFTs NFTs are becoming digital passports for luxury goods, linking to full lifecycle benefits such as reservation, maintenance, resale, and membership services. By tokenizing luxury products using NFTs, brands can enhance their technological appeal while reinforcing a sense of scarcity and community value. Global fashion brand Louis Vuitton ventured into NFTs in 2023, offering NFT holders exclusive access to certain products like a $6,400 digital mini trunk, a $9,000 bag and a varsity jacket worth around $8,400. LVMH Group launched the blockchain-based AURA platform, where luxury items are represented as unique NFTs containing information such as the origin of raw materials, production date and maintenance history. Source:
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The DeLorean is on the brink of EXTINCTION: Just 303 Back to the Future cars remain on UK roads, figures reveal
It is one of the most iconic vehicles in movie history. But new data reveals that Back to the Future's DeLorean DMC-12 is on the brink of extinction - with just 303 left on Britain's roads. Known for their gull-wing doors and unique unpainted steel body, around 9,000 of these classic cars were produced by the DeLorean Motor Company in Northern Ireland. According to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) figures obtained by Collecting Cars, only a handful of DeLoreans were taxed for use on public roads last year, while 114 have a road tax exemption called a statutory off road notification (Sorn), suggesting they are probably gathering dust in garages as collectors items. This scarcity has driven the price for this legendary vehicle sky-high. 'Today, a fully restored model treated to a film car replica conversion could attract bids in excess of £80,000 ($106,000),' said Collecting Cars chief executive, Edward Lovett. Back To The Future – which opened in cinemas in the summer of 1985 – catapulted DeLoreans into the public consciousness. In the science fiction classic, mad scientist Doc Brown converts the obscure sports car into a time machine. In the film, eccentric scientist Dr Emmett 'Doc' Brown creates a time machine from a modified DeLorean, using plutonium to power a fictional gadget called a flux capacitor, which allows time travel once the car reaches 88mph. Doc Brown's comment, 'Where we're going, we don't need roads' has reached a legendary status in pop culture shared only by the DeLorean itself. While the DeLorean was an extremely rare and expensive car even when it was first produced, prices have now risen even further. The first DeLorean DMC-12 rolled off the production line in January 1981 but the company collapsed into insolvency the following year. A deal had been put in place to save the struggling manufacturer but this fell apart after John DeLorean, the company's founder, was arrested on drug trafficking charges. Mr Lovett says: 'Back in 1981, the sticker price was around £18,000, making it more expensive than a Porsche 911. 'A combination of their scarcity and the Back To The Future phenomenon has pushed prices higher than people might imagine. Since it began trading in 2019, Collecting Cars has sold just two DeLoreans with the most recent going for £56,000 ($74,000) in 2022. However, the DeLorean isn't the only car from famous films at risk of disappearing from our roads. According to DVLA data compiled by the How Many Left website, there were only 311 of the Aston Martin DB5, made famous by James Bond, left on the roads last year. A further 73 Aston Martin DB5s were listed as Sorned, meaning they are probably only driven on special occasions like track days. The Lotus Esprit driven by Roger Moore as James Bond in 1977's The Spy Who Loved has fared slightly better with 330 on the roads and 374 Sorned. Some cars from the silver screen are still remarkably popular, such as the Mini Cooper from the Italian Job of which 950 are still taxed for public roads. Likewise, there are more than 2,400 Ford Anglias, used as the flying car in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, left on the roads.
Sunday World
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Sunday World
DeLorean owner says fascination with famous car remains as figures reveal only 303 left on UK roads
The cars – immortalised by the Back To The Future film franchise four decades ago – are known for their gullwing doors and unpainted stainless steel bodywork and have become a collector's item. Robert Lamrock beside a DMC12 on the first floor of Selfridge's in London. A Northern Irish owner of the famous DeLorean car has said the public's love of the iconic vehicle still continues, despite new figures showing just over 300 remain on UK roads. The cars – immortalised by the Back To The Future film franchise four decades ago – are known for their gullwing doors and unpainted stainless steel bodywork and have become a collector's item. Around 9,000 DeLorean DMC-12s rolled off the DeLorean Motor Company assembly line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, in 1981. The company collapsed into insolvency the following year. John DeLorean was then charged with drug trafficking in October 1982, but a jury found him not guilty in 1984, although his reputation suffered badly. Currently, some 303 DeLoreans are taxed for use on public roads in the UK, according to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures obtained by online auction platform Collecting Cars. Robert Lamrock beside a DMC12 on the first floor of Selfridge's in London. However, Robert Lamrock, 71, of the DeLorean Owners Association, maintains that the car is still popular with the public in Northern Ireland. 'I take my car out and people are flashing their lights or tooting their horn at you,' he told the Belfast Telegraph. 'I've been to car shows where there's been Ferraris and Lamborghinis and the people all flock over to the the the DeLorean, because it's unique.' He said he still senses a local 'pride' in the DeLorean in Northern Ireland, and credits the controversial owner with having the vision build the car how and where he did. The iconic Delorean (Credit: Russell Pritchard / Presseye) 'John, despite all his errors, was a genius. The car was built around the needs and desires of the consumer, not the corporation. 'They were slightly too ambitious, in terms of trying to produce 20-30,000 when they were starting up. 'It was just unfortunate that there was a recession in 1981/82 and everything went pear-shaped.' Back To The Future – which opened in cinemas in the summer of 1985 – catapulted DeLoreans into the public consciousness. In the film, eccentric scientist Dr Emmett 'Doc' Brown creates a time machine from a modified DeLorean, using plutonium to power a fictional gadget called a flux capacitor which allows time travel once the car reaches 88mph. Mr Lamrock says that DeLorean owners have 'not a thing' that unites them other than being 'passionate about the car.' 'There's no common theme. There's doctors, dentists, engineers. As time has gone on, the car has become much more expensive, so you don't find too many young kids that can afford it.' DeLoreans at Stormont Thinking about the appeal of the DeLorean, he also says: 'If you've got the money, you can put a Flux Capacitor on it and pretend you're Doc Brown and Marty McFly.' According to the figures released, a further 114 of the cars have a statutory off road notification, meaning they are likely to be gathering dust in garages. Collecting Cars estimates a fully restored version could fetch more than £80,000 at auction. It has sold just two DeLoreans since it began trading in most recent sold for £56,000 in 2022. Collecting Cars chief executive Edward Lovett said: 'The DeLorean is an icon of pop culture which is still turning heads after all these years. 'A combination of their scarcity and the Back To The Future phenomenon has pushed prices higher than people might imagine. 'Back in 1981, the sticker price was around £18,000, making it more expensive than a Porsche 911. 'Today, a fully restored model treated to a film car replica conversion could attract bids in excess of £80,000.'
Belfast Telegraph
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
NI DeLorean owner says fascination with famous car remains as figures reveal only 303 left on UK roads
The cars – immortalised by the Back To The Future film franchise four decades ago – are known for their gullwing doors and unpainted stainless steel bodywork and have become a collector's item. Around 9,000 DeLorean DMC-12s rolled off the DeLorean Motor Company assembly line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, in 1981. The company collapsed into insolvency the following year. John DeLorean was then charged with drug trafficking in October 1982, but a jury found him not guilty in 1984, although his reputation suffered badly. Currently, some 303 DeLoreans are taxed for use on public roads in the UK, according to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures obtained by online auction platform Collecting Cars. However, Robert Lamrock, 71, of the DeLorean Owners Association, maintains that the car is still popular with the public in Northern Ireland. 'I take my car out and people are flashing their lights or tooting their horn at you,' he told the Belfast Telegraph. 'I've been to car shows where there's been Ferraris and Lamborghinis and the people all flock over to the the the DeLorean, because it's unique.' He said he still senses a local 'pride' in the DeLorean in Northern Ireland, and credits the controversial owner with having the vision build the car how and where he did. 'John, despite all his errors, was a genius. The car was built around the needs and desires of the consumer, not the corporation. 'They were slightly too ambitious, in terms of trying to produce 20-30,000 when they were starting up. 'It was just unfortunate that there was a recession in 1981/82 and everything went pear-shaped.' Back To The Future – which opened in cinemas in the summer of 1985 – catapulted DeLoreans into the public consciousness. In the film, eccentric scientist Dr Emmett 'Doc' Brown creates a time machine from a modified DeLorean, using plutonium to power a fictional gadget called a flux capacitor which allows time travel once the car reaches 88mph. Mr Lamrock says that DeLorean owners have 'not a thing' that unites them other than being 'passionate about the car.' 'There's no common theme. There's doctors, dentists, engineers. As time has gone on, the car has become much more expensive, so you don't find too many young kids that can afford it.' Thinking about the appeal of the DeLorean, he also says: 'If you've got the money, you can put a Flux Capacitor on it and pretend you're Doc Brown and Marty McFly.' According to the figures released, a further 114 of the cars have a statutory off road notification, meaning they are likely to be gathering dust in garages. Collecting Cars estimates a fully restored version could fetch more than £80,000 at auction. It has sold just two DeLoreans since it began trading in most recent sold for £56,000 in 2022. Collecting Cars chief executive Edward Lovett said: 'The DeLorean is an icon of pop culture which is still turning heads after all these years. 'A combination of their scarcity and the Back To The Future phenomenon has pushed prices higher than people might imagine. 'Back in 1981, the sticker price was around £18,000, making it more expensive than a Porsche 911. 'Today, a fully restored model treated to a film car replica conversion could attract bids in excess of £80,000.'
Telegraph
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Back To The Future car on brink of extinction
Back To The Future's famed DeLorean is on the brink of extinction, figures reveal. Forty years on from the film's release, there are 303 DeLorean DMC-12's – known for their gull-wing doors and unpainted stainless steel bodywork – on Britain's roads. Around 9,000 rolled off the DeLorean Motor Company assembly line in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, in 1981 before the company collapsed into insolvency the following year. A deal had been in place to save the firm until John DeLorean, the founder, was arrested on drug-trafficking charges. Some 303 DeLoreans are currently taxed for use on public roads in the UK, according to Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) figures obtained by Collecting Cars, an online-auction platform. A further 114 have a statutory off road notification (Sorn), meaning they are likely to be gathering dust in garages or elsewhere away from public highways. Sorned vehicles are exempt from road tax. The declaration is commonly used for rare or valuable cars where the owner may only want to drive them for certain events, such as summer car shows. Collecting Cars estimated that a fully restored DMC-12 could fetch more than £80,000 at auction. It has sold just two DeLoreans since it began trading in 2019, with the most recent changing hands for £56,000 in 2022. Edward Lovett, the company's chief executive, said: 'The DeLorean is an icon of pop culture, which is still turning heads after all these years. A combination of their scarcity and the Back To The Future phenomenon has pushed prices higher than people might imagine. 'Back in 1981, the sticker price was around £18,000, making it more expensive than a Porsche 911. Today, a fully restored model treated to a film car replica conversion could attract bids in excess of £80,000.' Back To The Future – which opened in cinemas in the summer of 1985 – catapulted DeLoreans into the public consciousness. In the film, Dr Emmett 'Doc' Brown, an eccentric scientist, creates a time machine from a modified DeLorean, using plutonium to power a fictional gadget called a flux capacitor, which allows time travel once the car reaches 88mph. Other similarly famous cars have declined in number since the films they were featured in were released. Just 311 examples of James Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5 had been registered with the DVLA last year. A further 73 had been Sorned, according to official figures compiled by the How Many Left website. Slightly more Lotus Esprits, driven by Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me, are on the road, with 330 registered with the authorities. In a surprising contrast, there are 950 classic Mini Coopers, made famous by The Italian Job, in drivable condition across the country – whereas the number of roadworthy Ford Anglias, used in the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, stands at just over 2,400, even though Anglia production ended in 1967. Austin Mini Coopers were still being built until the year 2000. Fans of niche motoring films will be surprised to hear that there are just 76 BMW 735i models left on British roads, despite the German car playing a starring role alongside Jason Statham in 2002 gangster film The Transporter.
