For those who have met John Z DeLorean...

[Fluxn83]

Would you care to share your stories here?

I ask because I did a quick search through the forums, and didn't see anything related to the topic, which surprised me. I'd like to know what John Z DeLorean was like when out and about either at car shows, or normal every day situations. If this has already been covered, I do apologize.

-Chris

[delorun45230]

The first time I met him was at a fundraiser for his nephew, Mark DeLorean, who was running for county commissioner in Cleveland. Ken Koncelik and I went to ask about him coming to the DeLorean Car Show in Cleveland in 2000. There was a line to meet him and it extended into an adjacent room. When we got near the doorway there was a palpable energy because I knew any minute I 'd get a chance to see my hero in person for the first time. It dawned on me that I had no idea what I would say to the man. I thought about all the stuff that he had accomplished in his life and I decided to thank him for making such a great car and I asked him for a job with the company that it was rumored he was starting at the time. He chuckled a little bit and told me that I might have to work for free to start with. And I joked back that I wouldn't mind that.

My impression of him was that he was a very down-to-earth individual. When he got up to make his speech to support his nephew he revealed a great sense of humor. His nephew was running as a Republican and John was a lifelong Republican. He said that the most exciting candidate they had at the time was Bob Dole as he clutched a pen and referred to himself in the 3rd person mimicking the candidate. The audience was in stitches.

Afterwards Ken and I invited him outside to see the DeLoreans we had brought. His face lit up and he immediately agreed to come to the show. I also got a chance to show him a concept sketch I had drawn of a DeLorean. He gave me some great feedback and asked to see a model at the show. I was thrilled.

John's time at the show was primarily spent signing autographs and making speeches so I never got a chance to show him the model that I created from my sketch.

John was a very charismatic individual. It was not hard to understand why he was able to have so much success during his career. The experience of getting to meet him is one that I'll never forget.

Josh

[delorun45230]

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[Fluxn83]

delorun45230 (or, do you prefer Josh?),

That is an awesome story, and I must admit that I'm jealous. The general impression I get from what I have read about John DeLorean is that he seems down-to-earth, intelligent, charismatic, and not without a good sense of humor. Your story put a smile on my face. :) I don't suppose you've posted your sketches or the model, have you? Or is that kept locked up?

Anyone else have a story to share? This is a great start!

-Chris

[delorun45230]

Hi Chris!

Yep, Josh. The sketch and model are up on my Facebook page, but for simplicities sake, here they are...-

-Josh

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[delorun45230]

Oh...and I used a common automotive model making technique of only modeling half the car, because it was hand sculpted from a chunk of pine. When you put it up to a mirror, it looks like the whole car, and the symmetry is perfect. I didn't have access to a front mirrored surface when I took the photos. Hence the break down the center of the car.

[Fluxn83]

Very nice!!! In the end, would you have taken the job if Mr. DeLoreans proposed company had gotten off the ground?

-Chris

[kings1527]

The first time I met him was at a fundraiser for his nephew, Mark DeLorean, who was running for county commissioner in Cleveland. Ken Koncelik and I went to ask about him coming to the DeLorean Car Show in Cleveland in 2000. There was a line to meet him and it extended into an adjacent room. When we got near the doorway there was a palpable energy because I knew any minute I 'd get a chance to see my hero in person for the first time. It dawned on me that I had no idea what I would say to the man. I thought about all the stuff that he had accomplished in his life and I decided to thank him for making such a great car and I asked him for a job with the company that it was rumored he was starting at the time. He chuckled a little bit and told me that I might have to work for free to start with. And I joked back that I wouldn't mind that.

My impression of him was that he was a very down-to-earth individual. When he got up to make his speech to support his nephew he revealed a great sense of humor. His nephew was running as a Republican and John was a lifelong Republican. He said that the most exciting candidate they had at the time was Bob Dole as he clutched a pen and referred to himself in the 3rd person mimicking the candidate. The audience was in stitches.

Afterwards Ken and I invited him outside to see the DeLoreans we had brought. His face lit up and he immediately agreed to come to the show. I also got a chance to show him a concept sketch I had drawn of a DeLorean. He gave me some great feedback and asked to see a model at the show. I was thrilled.

John's time at the show was primarily spent signing autographs and making speeches so I never got a chance to show him the model that I created from my sketch.

John was a very charismatic individual. It was not hard to understand why he was able to have so much success during his career. The experience of getting to meet him is one that I'll never forget.

Josh

Great story, Josh. Thanks for sharing.

[delorun45230]

Thanks man!