The DeLorean Story- The Car, The People, The Scandal [Archive] - Page 2 - DMCTalk Forum

Tillsy

07-06-2013, 01:48 AM

Hi Nick

I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for your book, but more importantly everything you and the rest of the staff did to make the DeLorean dream a reality.

Throughout every sentence in your book I could not help but take away four things:

Every single one of you devoted, and many times risked, yourself in making the DeLorean what it was
That doing so was one hell of a thrill and ride
The dream likewise became a nightmare that still scars every one of you
That each sentence left me craving more

It has been a pleasure to share the journey of yourself, the staff, JZD (including your three introductions :)), and the DMC12 itself.

Cheers
Chris, Adelaide, South Australia

nick sutton

07-06-2013, 04:42 PM

Hi Chris,

Thank you for your kind words. Yes it was some journey one that I will never forget. If you need any clarification on any matter in the book let me know and I'll try and answer.

best wishes

Nick

Tillsy

07-06-2013, 09:08 PM

Actually I would love to ask you some questions if you don't mind Nick?

Finding my perfect VIN was a challenge due to personal taste for the running changes to the DMC12. I adore the grooved hood but dislike the gas flap. I am not a fan of the "after-thought" appearance of the door pullstrap wrapped around the grab handle so wanted the integrated one, however the hood went entirely flat soon after. I wanted the console clock but it disappeared very soon after the removal of the gas flap. I also wanted the dead/rest pedal, the automatic antenna, etc and most importantly to hopefully fit into one of the peak quality periods.

I did find my perfect DeLorean that ticked every box but I am curious about those running changes. The minor change to the wheel design is explained in your book but:

Why was the gas flap removed?
Why did the hood go entirely flat?
Was the original gulwing pullstrap as much an after-thought as it appeared?
Was the front suspension intentionally made so high (as commonly believed), or did this develop over time?
Do you recall what other changes might have been on the way (in addition to the interior colours mentioned in your book)?

What about aspects of the original design that never happened due to the phenomenally short time you had to develop the car and indeed the entire factory - I recall reading a rumour that there was intended to be tyre pressure sensors for example?

Also, was the phenomena of cave paintings and messages on DeLoreans widely known at the time? Do you know why people such as Davy Bird did such amazing artwork on some of our cars?

How does it make you and others associated with DMC feel knowing that, more than 30 years after you made the DeLorean, there is such a passionate and obsessed new generation of owners (and some original) that now restore and adore these babies?

Or that the DeLorean has continued evolving without DMC - V8 DeLoreans, turbo DeLoreans, electric DeLoreans, limousine DeLorean, T-Rex DeLorean, or even the flying DeLorean in the BTTF movies and the DMC24 in the BTTF television series.

I'll stop now :)

matt clark

07-18-2013, 05:23 PM

Here's one for Dennis Norden's file - bought a second copy as I'd given mine to a friend - only to find that 30 odd pages are upside down and back to front. It truly is a DeLorean book ;)

20576

Dangermouse

07-18-2013, 05:31 PM

That's awesome !!

jawn101

07-18-2013, 11:03 PM

LOL... I love that. Just like I love the little slip of paper with the missing paragraphs in my copy. Wouldn't be right for it to be perfect :)

nick sutton

07-19-2013, 02:20 AM

Here's one for Dennis Norden's file - bought a second copy as I'd given mine to a friend - only to find that 30 odd pages are upside down and back to front. It truly is a DeLorean book ;)

20576

Matt - send it to me please - I'll send it to the publisher with a few words. In return I'll send you a signed copy with a cheque for your postage.

regards

Nick

Domi

07-19-2013, 12:37 PM

That's amazing!
A collector's book ;)

Farrar

07-19-2013, 04:02 PM

Obviiously, that copy did not make its scheduled stop at the Quality Assurance Center... ;)

vin6635

07-21-2013, 10:02 PM

Nick - loved the book and could barely put it down! Great perspective that is rarely shared. Nice meeting you this past June at DMC Midwest.

Cheers,
Rich R

nick sutton

07-22-2013, 02:28 PM

Hi Rich, Thanks for the comments on the book.Yes I recall meeting you at DMC West wasn't it a great day!
best wishes Nick

nick sutton

07-22-2013, 02:30 PM

Actually I would love to ask you some questions if you don't mind Nick?

Finding my perfect VIN was a challenge due to personal taste for the running changes to the DMC12. I adore the grooved hood but dislike the gas flap. I am not a fan of the "after-thought" appearance of the door pullstrap wrapped around the grab handle so wanted the integrated one, however the hood went entirely flat soon after. I wanted the console clock but it disappeared very soon after the removal of the gas flap. I also wanted the dead/rest pedal, the automatic antenna, etc and most importantly to hopefully fit into one of the peak quality periods.

I did find my perfect DeLorean that ticked every box but I am curious about those running changes. The minor change to the wheel design is explained in your book but:

Why was the gas flap removed?
Why did the hood go entirely flat?
Was the original gulwing pullstrap as much an after-thought as it appeared?
Was the front suspension intentionally made so high (as commonly believed), or did this develop over time?
Do you recall what other changes might have been on the way (in addition to the interior colours mentioned in your book)?

Hi Chris not forgotten you - I'm doing a little more research and I'll reply shortly.

best regards

Nick

What about aspects of the original design that never happened due to the phenomenally short time you had to develop the car and indeed the entire factory - I recall reading a rumour that there was intended to be tyre pressure sensors for example?

Also, was the phenomena of cave paintings and messages on DeLoreans widely known at the time? Do you know why people such as Davy Bird did such amazing artwork on some of our cars?

How does it make you and others associated with DMC feel knowing that, more than 30 years after you made the DeLorean, there is such a passionate and obsessed new generation of owners (and some original) that now restore and adore these babies?

Or that the DeLorean has continued evolving without DMC - V8 DeLoreans, turbo DeLoreans, electric DeLoreans, limousine DeLorean, T-Rex DeLorean, or even the flying DeLorean in the BTTF movies and the DMC24 in the BTTF television series.

I'll stop now :)

Hi Chris not forgotten you - I'm doing a little more research and I'll reply shortly.

best regards

Nick

JohnZ

07-23-2013, 04:50 PM

Hi Nick! I purchased your book and I'm waiting for it to come. After reading SSI just in a couple of days (lovely reading) I'm really looking forward to read your personal experiences!

:)

MTDMC

07-31-2013, 08:51 PM

Hi Nick,

I finished reading the book. Great book to read. I learned alot more about the car before I started to read it.

Thank you

Matt

JohnZ

08-08-2013, 05:18 AM

Today I got to read the book entirely. It has been a very pleasing and enjoyable reading! I love the whole anecdotal part of the book!

Too bad it lasted just few weeks!

Thanks Nick! I can just imagine your emotions in recalling that period of life.

:)

Tillsy

08-08-2013, 07:09 AM

Hi Chris not forgotten you - I'm doing a little more research and I'll reply shortly.

best regards

Nick

All good Nick, I asked a lot of questions (and refrained from even more) so I figured it might take a while :)

louielouie2000

08-12-2013, 03:51 PM

I finished reading the book last week... I'm not sure why I waited so long to order it. I devoured the book in two evenings. I have to say, it's wonderful to finally have an unbiased account of the DeLorean saga. Bill Haddad's book was so grossly partisan that I never finished it. John DeLorean's book was even more shamelessly slanted than Haddad's. Nick's book has an undeniable ring of truth to it, though. He isn't covering his a$$/self aggrandizing like DeLorean was, or lashing out in anger/shame like Haddad.

After being involved in the community for nearly 15 years, and being obsessed with all things DeLorean for over 20, I'm impressed how much fresh material Nick's book brought to the table, and how much I learned. Nick gleaned more puzzle pieces than anyone has in the past, and linked far more of the greater story together than anyone else has, too. This book is now the definitive go-to text on the subject of DeLorean. Great job, Nick... and thank you for taking years of your time to dedicate to the DeLorean car for the second time in your life!

nick sutton

08-12-2013, 05:02 PM

Louie,
I knew from the beginning that I would not get rich on the book’s sales. Also, I knew that I would not please everyone in the telling of the story as seen from my perspective. What is most rewarding though and makes the work all that worthwhile are reviews such as your own. I am delighted that you enjoyed the book. Another satisfied customer.Also thank you Matt and JohnZ for your kind remarks.
In writing the tales in the book two things were important – the first was from a publisher’s viewpoint – in that I should be aware of any potential litigation- so regrettably some of the more direct accusations or descriptions of events had to be toned down quite significantly. Secondly there is a matter of credibility. It was important that anything I wrote (as witnessed from my hill) could be corroborated by a second party – thus quite a few events had to be scrubbed. Many of them minor some major.
One minor amusing event was the day the soldiers entered the training building to protect the plant. I describe the phone ringing and answering it with one leg stork like above a soldier’s head with my face resting on the window pane. On the other end was my mother calling from England to check if I was OK because she could see the mini riot on the TV .The BBC cameras were outside and broadcasting across the nation live. My mother – 500 miles away recognised me at the window and when I said I was a long way from the hostile crowd she said “ No your not I can see you” Amusing – not key to the story and no corroboration so it was scrubbed.
One other event took place three weeks before John’s arrest. I was leaving my house early one morning and the milkman stopped me and said “ What have you been up to? The police stopped me yesterday and asked who lived in the house and how many pints did I leave” I laughed and drove off thinking the police had the wrong house. Three weeks later John was arrested .Again no corroboration so the passage was scrubbed.
Maybe another time I’ll fill in the gaps left in the book.
Your posting has also reminded me that I owe answers to earlier post made by other readers. I’ll get on to answering those questions over the next couple of days.
Beat regards and thanks again.
Nick

SS Spoiler

08-12-2013, 05:23 PM

"No your not I can see you in the window"........Classic!

ALEXAKOS

08-20-2013, 03:40 AM

I find it awesome to see reviews on amazon from people I know in here.

Btw, and I know I will be stoned (not with illegal substances,:smoke1: but with actual stones) by everyone in here.
Is this book available as an electronic version for purchase? (ebook, or Audio book even better!!!!)

I am VERY attention deficit and I can't read books. Honestly! No matter how much I like the subject..half way through an article I am reading but thinking of something else!:eek5:
Don't ask me how I got through school and college:mallet:

I would appreciate such an alternative.
Thanx

Tillsy

08-20-2013, 03:56 AM

I am VERY attention deficit and I can't read books. Honestly! No matter how much I like the subject..half way through an article I am reading but thinking of something else!:eek5:

Not to derail this thread, but how is looking at an LCD screen instead of a piece of paper going to solve that?

ALEXAKOS

08-20-2013, 06:17 AM

Not to derail this thread, but how is looking at an LCD screen instead of a piece of paper going to solve that?
Narrating software!:aniclap:
Thank you technology:clown:

PLUS I can work on my delorean restoration while listening to its history!!
PARADISE!

JohnZ

08-20-2013, 06:49 AM

I can work on my delorean restoration while listening to its history!!
PARADISE!

This sentence saved you there from stone throwing (at least by me) ! Brilliant idea! Overall, in my opinion Nick's book deserves a full reading.

:) :)

Get yourself "Stainless Steel Illusion"... you'll find out that your attention deficit will decrease page by page!

ALEXAKOS

08-20-2013, 07:22 AM

This sentence saved you there from stone throwing (at least by me) ! Brilliant idea! Overall, in my opinion Nick's book deserves a full reading.
:) :)
Get yourself "Stainless Steel Illusion"... you'll find out that your attention deficit will decrease page by page!

I know it seems impossible to understand...But I JUST CAN'T READ BOOKS!:huh: |Enough about my "problem" in this thread.
Even if the book was "Score with every supermodel worldwide for dummies":shameful:

Dangermouse

08-20-2013, 08:35 AM

I think we should commission Farrar to make a "Books on Tape" version.

nick sutton

08-20-2013, 01:32 PM

ALEXAKOS

08-20-2013, 01:47 PM

Just look at the photographs for a start. Then wean yourself off the pictures then onto the words - try one chapter at a time and if you get bored I'll buy the book off you. By the way I hope the kindle version will be out soon but can't see how that's going to help with the problem.
Nick

That is the only reason I bought the book hard cover Nick. For the pictures.... But I want to read it and I just can't come around it.. Well to be honest I am also very tight with my schedule.

Even James Epsey's wonderfull Delorean handbook, I only have seen all images. And it's a guide with small paragraphs... damn me :S

A release with images and talking bubbles over them might work better for me like so:
http://www.firstshowing.net/img/webcomic/theaterhopper-830.jpg

But honestly the Kindle release will be awesome;)

Farrar

08-21-2013, 07:12 PM

I think we should commission Farrar to make a "Books on Tape" version.

I'm game.

And cheap.

nick sutton

08-27-2013, 01:42 PM

Chris,

I am sorry about the long delay in replying I've been conscious that I owe you an answer. Your questions are as follows with answers where I can give one-
a) Why was the gas flap removed?
Chuck Bennington (former MD of DMCL ) later new projects director told me that the gas flap design was not tactile; in fact he used the words that the structure was " Mickey Mouse" and not befitting of the image DeLorean wished to present to the owner. There was of course a cost saving but this was not the reason for the change. A better flap design would have meant major changes to the hood (bonnet) panel which we could not afford. Any change had to be low investment with maximum effect.
b) Why did the hood go entirely flat?
I understand from various people that the change was made to accommodate the needs of August Lapple who pressed the panel at their plant in Ireland
c) Was the original gullwing pull strap as much an after-thought as it appeared?
It was indeed an afterthought and a late design change.
d) Was the front suspension intentionally made so high (as commonly believed), or did this develop over time? Regrettably I can't answer this - I just don't know.
e) Do you recall what other changes might have been on the way (in addition to the interior colours mentioned in your book)? We looked at stripes on the body work 3Ms were involved in supplying samples - we also investigated pre tinted coloured stainless panels from BSC - however the panels were very pale - we tested samples and I retained a few examples until I moved house twenty years ago and lost them together with other material. Most of the changes to the car that were coming were changes to the exterior as mentioned above.

I'm sorry for the delay in replying I hope the above makes sense if not let me know and I'll try and reply a bit quicker next time.
regards

Nick

Tillsy

08-27-2013, 06:36 PM

Thanks so much Nick, fascinating as always!

louielouie2000

08-29-2013, 05:17 AM

Nick,

Do you know why the color of the wheels and center caps changed? Early production cars had dark grey wheels with darker grey center caps, but later cars switched to light grey wheels with black center caps. I know the fascias were also lightened to match the wheel color change. I've always loved the dark grey wheels and center caps, and have wondered for many years why they were phased out.

matt clark

08-30-2013, 06:17 AM

Nick, was the higher spec finish of the Visioneering car's interior - more leather, those much, much nicer headliners - ever intended for production or were they purely to sell the dream? Were their removal a matter of costing or weight saving for the fuel requirements?

http://i.imgur.com/EI52ljO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KjOxNPhl.jpg

Love the stitched bit over the top of the steering column!

Domi

08-30-2013, 03:47 PM

http://i.imgur.com/KjOxNPhl.jpg

I like the logo center cap on this pilot :thumbup2:
I don't remember seeing one of those on every pilot, just a few of them, but don't seems complete :hmm:
http://www.pjgrady.co.uk//GenericContent.aspx?PageType=Pilot_Chronology&ShowContent=Pilot_Cars.html

jawn101

08-30-2013, 10:52 PM

Dangermouse

08-30-2013, 11:35 PM

Were they real dials in the dash? You would have thought they could be rigged to show a natural position rather than the omen of the future that they show in this picture :)

jawn101

08-30-2013, 11:50 PM

We're they real dials in the dash? You would have thought they could be rigged to show a natural position rather than the omen of the future that they show in this picture :)

Haha! I just noticed that. Worst possible position for all of them.

JohnZ

08-31-2013, 10:09 AM

Haha! I just noticed that. Worst possible position for all of them.

Ahah looks like a subliminal message for the buyers! "beware, this is what is going to happen!!"

:histerical1:

pezzonovante88

08-31-2013, 12:47 PM

I like it except for the steering wheel. I also prefer the position of the hand-brake in the production version. I really wish all the rippled bits were leather.

Ron

08-31-2013, 03:56 PM

Were they real dials in the dash? You would have thought they could be rigged to show a natural position rather than the omen of the future that they show in this picture :):lol:

DMCMW Dave

09-03-2013, 09:53 PM

http://jalopnik.com/did-ronald-reagan-and-margaret-thatcher-conspire-to-kil-1245343727

Delorean Industries

09-03-2013, 09:55 PM

Looks like a parking brake to the right of the driver's seat there, too. That would have been nice... :)

love the E brake location. Someone had it right at first.

I think it is ironic that the binnacles started stitched....

Dangermouse

09-03-2013, 10:21 PM

http://jalopnik.com/did-ronald-reagan-and-margaret-thatcher-conspire-to-kil-1245343727

Big time piece, there.

So interesting comments too. Not the usual FB comment garbage.

Jonathan

09-15-2013, 11:11 PM

Nick or others,

Refresh my memory on what cars were designated "cold weather test cars?" Were there two of them and one was an auto and the other a stick? Do we know the VINs?

I met a guy earlier today who mentioned being the owner/custodian of the manual transmission, cold weather test car. He remembered it being VIN 6083. I'd like to put the current owner of this car in touch with him as he offered whoever the owner is the original window sticker that came with the car as he still has it. I couldn't find a name to go with this car on the DoD or elsewhere. Thanks.

Rich W

09-16-2013, 02:59 AM

DMCH James

09-16-2013, 09:54 AM

There were two cold weather test DeLoreans, one automatic (6074) and one manual (6083).

I've located the people who owned the testing company in Canada and one of their employees who worked on the project. Their story will be part of the book I am editing consisting of stories from former DMC/DMCL employees and vendors titled "I Lived the Dream - Stories from the DeLorean Motor Company".

Dangermouse

09-16-2013, 10:12 AM

Are these cars still in circulation James?

(or do we need to buy the book to find out :) )

DMCH James

09-16-2013, 10:15 AM

Are these cars still in circulation James?

(or do we need to buy the book to find out :) )

Both are still in Canada, at least as far as I've learned from the Ontario DeLorean Owners Club.

James

Rich W

09-16-2013, 01:40 PM

I recall Dave Swingle hearing some recent details about
one of the cold weather test cars recently (one for sale?),
so Dave may be able to "chime in" about some details.

As of early this July, VIN..6074 was being put up for sale, located 2 hours Northwest of Toronto.

PM me if you are interested in purchasing this DeLorean and I can forward you additional details.

Note: Sorry for the thread hi-jack, Nick. Back to discussions about The DeLorean Story book.

john 05141

09-18-2013, 03:36 AM

I finally finished the book.
I have been reading it almost entirely while waiting in airports or in flight. Lots of it during my US domestic flights.
Funny to see how many fellow passengers saw the car on the cover and know this car. This book has travelled many many miles and the cover is badly damaged. I should have put a temp cover on it.

Anyway, I always loved the rich history of a car but to follow it from someone who not only saw it all from close by, but also from a management position and from the very beginning to the absolute very end is remarkable.
This is your perfect and very complete script for making a movie.
The hard work, emotions, politics, ... wow.

It shows how hard it is to start a company. I must conclude as always that those who start the companies, taking the risks are often the first target for whatever goes wrong. They hardly have any friends but only enemies. This is no to means critiscism to the thought of Nick Sutton, because I applaud that he has written the facts as they were without personal judgement. But when you see what it takes, it makes you think twice to start your own company.
But I was very happy to read the cocaine was not the lead at the end but a sad part of the history that he had to mention, but did it to the point and short.

Great work Nick, It is a fantastic piece if information, and only increases my respect to those people who have been working so hard to create and build this car. It makes me even more proud to own part of that history, and to help keeping the dream alive. I hope I can get you to sign it for me one day.

Jan

nick sutton

09-18-2013, 02:57 PM

Thank you John for the nice words - always appreciated.

regards

Nick

chris brennan

10-28-2013, 04:55 PM

Thank you John for the nice words - always appreciated.

regards

Nick

Hi Nick...yeah, amazing read...was funny seein my next door neighbour's name in your book (the driver/security) mentioned near the start too. Cant believe there's never been a movie about all this, maybe after this who know's

jawn101

10-28-2013, 05:10 PM

Hi Nick...yeah, amazing read...was funny seein my next door neighbour's name in your book (the driver/security) mentioned near the start too. Cant believe there's never been a movie about all this, maybe after this who know's

I'd watch a movie based on Nick's book for sure. A documentary style with Nick's perspective and honesty would be great, but I think it would have fairly limited appeal. To get the play time and big dollars, it would need to over-glamourized for the silver screen and that wouldn't work for me.

I don't need to see John Z having a full on shoot-out with the FBI and DEA while riding a horse down a tarmac into the sunset to catch Cristina Ferrare's plane so he can tell her he loves her one last time before heading back to Dunmurry to bare-knuckle box the entire IRA. And don't forget the lens flares. Brought to you by Pepsi.

chris brennan

10-28-2013, 06:00 PM

I'd watch a movie based on Nick's book for sure. A documentary style with Nick's perspective and honesty would be great, but I think it would have fairly limited appeal. To get the play time and big dollars, it would need to over-glamourized for the silver screen and that wouldn't work for me.

I don't need to see John Z having a full on shoot-out with the FBI and DEA while riding a horse down a tarmac into the sunset to catch Cristina Ferrare's plane so he can tell her he loves her one last time before heading back to Dunmurry to bare-knuckle box the entire IRA. And don't forget the lens flares. Brought to you by Pepsi.

lol! your right ... they would go over the top on the drama for sure if it ever did happen...Yeah documentary like that would be great ,I watched car crash bbc documentary after reading but found the book way more insightful

Rich W

01-13-2014, 01:30 PM

For those who are interested, Nick was interviewed by Steve Warner for WABC recently and the interview aired this past Saturday, 01/11/14.

Although the interview link will be up shortly on The DeLorean Story website, a couple of other links will be listed here below as well,
since the interview was recorded Sound Cloud and some of the Sound Cloud links have been known to change over time.

http://thedeloreanstory.com/

http://www.darkweekend.com/ (air date 1.11.14)

http://soundcloud.com/dark-weekend/nicksutton#t=0%3A00

The interview is also available now as a PodCast on iTunes.

Thanks,
Rich W.

DMC81

04-10-2014, 06:57 PM

I wanted to ask and see what everyone thought about Colin Chapman, I have seen a lot of stories online about his death and how John may have been involved with it in some way. Is there any good articles or books on this particular subject and what does everyone think about it? I personally dont think John would have or could have but Chapman's timming of death seems odd.

jawn101

04-12-2014, 11:58 PM

I just re-watched Car Crash for the first time since reading Nick's book and I have to say, I saw it in a whole new light. I felt like I had a lot more information to fill in the gaps in the documentary, and overall it was a much more complete picture.

Tillsy

10-16-2014, 07:40 PM

Damn - that's the problem with printed media, those of us who already have your book miss out on that new content :(

sapphirexae

10-16-2014, 07:57 PM

I absolutely loved your book Nick, couldn't put it down. I have since given it to a few others to read and they were engrossed as well. Beautifully done! Thank you.

nick sutton

10-19-2014, 04:20 AM

I hope to release the kindle version early next year.

Nick

nick sutton

06-17-2018, 06:14 AM

Following a meeting in London on the 12th June 1978 two DeLorean employees arrived in Northern Ireland on Sunday 18th June 1978 in preparation for their meeting with NIDA (Northern Ireland Development Agency). JZD arrived the next day. The meeting with NIDA took place at 100 Belfast Road, Holywood, NIDA's headquarters tucked away from the main roads in a high security area next to the army barracks.. The location is just four miles from my home. Two days later the Heads of Agreement were drawn up offering Â£41 ( approx. $76 million) weeks later to increase to Â£54 ( $100 million ). On the 29th June representatives of the Department of Commerce and NIDA visited DeLorean's facilities in the US to undertake due diligence. Frank McCann and Shaun Harte from the DOC and NIDA respectively. The financial package was agreed by a Cabinet Committee and announced on 3rd August 1978.