GOOD/POSITIVE DeLorean stories

[16949]

I took a picture of someone in my Delorean today for them and they paid for my (craft beer) growler fill as a thank you! Unnecessary but awesome

Sent from my SM-G928P using Tapatalk

[Jonathan]

Had the car out at another A&W Cruise Night tonight. Nice turn out with a lot of cars there and beautiful weather too.

Lots of attention as usual. Something occurred to me though as being uniquely DeLorean with that attention. Partly because the doors are already open and partly because a lot of kids love the car thanks to the movies. The unique thing though is how I wouldn't think many other cars or brands get the opportunity to make a kid's day (as easily anyway) like we do by letting them sit in it for a picture.

These three here were looking over the car and I had spoke to her earlier for a few minutes. She said the boy was with them for about a month from Colombia, but knew the car and the movies. I'm not convinced they realized it was my car up until the point I interrupted their photo op with the boy beside the car to ask him if he'd like to get a picture sitting in the driver's seat. I don't have a copy of that picture, as it was taken on their camera, but I'll bet you know how it turned out.

43338

[Michael]

Had the car out at another A&W Cruise Night tonight. Nice turn out with a lot of cars there and beautiful weather too.

Lots of attention as usual. Something occurred to me though as being uniquely DeLorean with that attention. Partly because the doors are already open and partly because a lot of kids love the car thanks to the movies. The unique thing though is how I wouldn't think many other cars or brands get the opportunity to make a kid's day (as easily anyway) like we do by letting them sit in it for a picture.

These three here were looking over the car and I had spoke to her earlier for a few minutes. She said the boy was with them for about a month from Colombia, but knew the car and the movies. I'm not convinced they realized it was my car up until the point I interrupted their photo op with the boy beside the car to ask him if he'd like to get a picture sitting in the driver's seat. I don't have a copy of that picture, as it was taken on their camera, but I'll bet you know how it turned out.

43338

That picture says it all:

"Boring, seen it 100 times before, yawn, ho hum, whatever,....HOLY COW! IS THAT A FREAKING DELOREAN!!!???"

[Mark D]

That picture says it all:

"Boring, seen it 100 times before, yawn, ho hum, whatever,....HOLY COW! IS THAT A FREAKING DELOREAN!!!???"

That pretty much sums up my theory why old corvette guys get pissed at DeLorean owners at car shows. Their vette's coolness/uniqueness stock plummets when surrounded by other similar era cars while the DeLorean is able to stand out even among a bunch of other cool cars.

People expect to see old vettes, camaros, mustangs, novas, etc. at car shows... it's basically a given to see one or more. Everyone has an uncle, father in law, sister or cousin that owns one. A DeLorean draws attention no matter what is parked next to it.

From my experience it seems to be the corvette owners who get most butt hurt when their car isn't receiving the majority of the attention. I can't explain why, but that seems to be my experience.

[DMCVegas]

From my experience it seems to be the corvette owners who get most butt hurt when their car isn't receiving the majority of the attention. I can't explain why, but that seems to be my experience.

Very true. I've ran into other classic car owners over the years, and almost all have been friendly. Classic Ferrari owners seem to top the list as the nicest. Corvette owners on the other hand haven't been the friendliest at all. Corvette owners also seemed to be more braggart than enthusiast.

What's funny is that I once had a very candid conversation with an older Corvette owner where I stated because of the attitude I'd encountered I'd never want to own a Corvette. He sighed and told me that he too, and many, MANY other Corvette owners hate guys like that. They're loud, brash, idiots that just buy the car for the performance and care nothing else about the heritage of the marque, let alone even getting their hands dirty. He said that many other older, more hard-core owners feel the same way and that there was almost two-types of owners because of it. His advice was to give a few Corvettes a drive and give them a chance. If I liked them, start researching them to learn the history and to buy one.

Now I don't know exactly how true all of that was about the owners and the internal divisions between them. I can certainly see it, but as I'm not involved in those circles I've no way to verify any of it. Researching the car was great advice, as was trying to dispel the notion of bad owner. The man was a credit to his car's marque.

Still not keen on Corvettes however, but that's just me.

[Jonathan]

There's been times where I've actually sort of warned the guy I'm parking beside that he better be ready for the circus. Some of the shows have more orderly parking, and if I'm literally parking at the same time as the guy beside me, I'll suggest a little extra space between the cars. And often for the benefit of HIS paint. Seems pretty common for a lot of people to get crowded around our cars and completely forget they are rubbing against, leaning on, or dragging their purse/bag on the poor guy's car beside me. I've had a couple of them kind of snap over the years because of it (not at me, at the people doing it) and it's hard to blame them.

One thing I see quite a few cruise nights doing around my area is allowing any make or model in to the show. Meaning, brand new is ok. That might mean some Fast and Furious looking thing, but it also means the guy with the huge horsepower Corvette which he might have drove directly from the dealership to the cruise night. That's great and all as they look like really nice cars, but I just don't care for them at "classic" car shows. It's not a classic if they are still selling that exact one right down the street.

+1 on the braggart with the expensive, big horsepower Vette. I don't doubt there are exceptions, but those ones you described really ruin it for the rest.

I don't have a very good opinion of motorcycle drivers and it could very well be for sort of the same reason. Maybe they aren't all that donkey tearing up and down the road, loud as hell, but those ones sure do give me a poor overall opinion of the entire community. That's unfortunate and unfair as I know it isn't everyone, but it's hard to look past that.

Maybe lump in too the guys at cruise nights that peel out of the parking lot real loud and give the rest of the guys a bad name.

[DMCVegas]

I suppose that is a big downfall of the lack exclusivity of those cars too. There are only so many of the other cars to go around, yet they're cranking out tens of thousands of relatively cheaper Corvettes each year. So you're going to have lots more opportunities for bad people to own them. DeLoreans themselves are not exactly exclusive either, but they have come with one helluva stigma over the first 20+ years that scared away most buyers. Which pretty much left us with the same hard core collection of owners we have now. Makes me wonder if DMC had survived, how much more different would our owner base look? Would we have had the reputation of being "Yuppie" cars owned by greedy jackasses? Who knows...

Most motorcycle riders I've encountered seem to be alright. Though it does mostly split between Cruisers and Sportbikes as the two central types of bikes that then create different owner types. The problems I've seen are usually either young dudes that get sport bikes and do dumb stuff because they don't know any better thanks to a lack of experience, or older baby boomers who now started riding cruisers to fulfill their dreams and do dumb stuff because they don't know any better thanks to a lack of experience.

I also know exactly what you're talking about with the car shows too. My father in-law is a big GM guy, and asked if the wife and I wanted to go to a Chevy car show a couple years back. I was game because I like all sorts of cars and love to appreciate them. Show was great, but there was one guy who had just bought a brand-new Corvette and parked it in the row of all the other Vettes. Dealer tags still on it. It just seemed so out of place, and wrong. It just seems like someone is trying to buy their way into the car show rather than earning their place. Even if you just bought a classic car from a dealer, at least there is some risk there by driving a car without a warranty.

[Michael]

Nothing says you have given up on being original quite like a Corvette.

Also not a bad way to tell the world you are retired and on your way to the early bird special.

[Cory W]

I think DeLoreans and Corvettes go together well, but I may be biased.

It's not so much the car, as it is the people. They've made enough Corvettes (and DeLoreans, or any car for that matter) to attract that undesirable crowd. You know them. The braggart, the showoff, the narcissist who drives (fill in vehicle here) solely for some sense of status. The insecure extended adolescent who refuses to believe someone could have a vehicle that overshadows their own. Can't fix stupid, unfortunately, but you can attempt to grow as a person and overcome those insecurities.

Whatever I drive, the cruse in or show is to connect with other owners, see what people are driving up close, and generally celebrate cars that aren't strictly appliances.

See you on the roads!

43365

[micmak]

I think Corvettes and DeLoreans go together too. I have had one of each for years. And they were both designed by JZD.

......Mike......

[Gregadeth]

I own a DeLorean and a Corvette (C4). The Corvette's been my daily driver since 2012, but the D has more or less taken over that duty since I bought it in September. The Vette has the power, but the D is more fun.

[papanoel]

I'm pretty sure JZD was not involved with the design of the corvette. But I could be wrong.

[micmak]

I'm pretty sure JZD was not involved with the design of the corvette. But I could be wrong.

Check this out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_Banshee

John DeLorean designed the Banshee1, which was basically the C3 Corvette. What other car does the Banshee resemble? And the Banshee was used as a template for the C3 Corvette in 1968.

.....Mike.....

[micmak]

Look at it. It's a Corvette!!!!

https://www.google.ca/search?q=banshee+1964&sa=X&rlz=1C1BLWB_enCA624CA624&espv=2&biw=1309&bih=708&tbm=isch&imgil=6HBjoE_fBcrAxM%253A%253B6s-claH34Ng2dM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.motor authority.com%25252Fnews%25252F1070357_1964-pontiac-banshee-concept-looking-for-good-home&source=iu&pf=m&fir=6HBjoE_fBcrAxM%253A%252C6s-claH34Ng2dM%252C_&usg=__oeZTEv0ZDURarGTM8K2NKsYjSy4%3D&ved=0ahUKEwjxjYi7lY3NAhUSA1IKHdtRDk0QyjcIVQ&ei=xSdSV7GXMZKGyALbo7noBA#imgrc=6HBjoE_fBcrAxM%3A



.....Mike.....

[Jimmyvonviggle]

I don't know if he designed the Banshee, because he was an engineer. But he definitely was involved in the mechanical side of it and as head of Pontiac it was one of his projects. I find it funny how GM squashed it so as to protect the Corvette program, only later to steal the design for the C3 (and opel's version).

[DMCVegas]

This brings up a very interesting topic about John Z. De Lorean and his roles as both an engineer as well as the hand he had in the designing of cars.

First and foremost, yes, JZD was an engineer who worked on the mechanical parts of the car. But while he was not a designer/artist in the sense that he would draw and/or sculpt the physical aspects of the cars, he did have a say in the engineering limitations of vehicles which applied to their initial and evolutionary designs through the prototype phases until production. He also had a say in design cues for a vehicle and could dictate to his teams what to integrate while they would figure out how to do it. He was able to do this as he was very keen on studying aftermarket customization trends of what people were doing with their cars after they bought them, and started directing his design teams into incorporating them into production vehicles to keep up with consumer tastes & trends to make appealing cars consumers would buy.

Stainless Steel Illusion also does a very good job at documenting this entire procedure with the DMC-12. JZD did have an idea of what kind of car he wanted, and of course turned to Giugiaro at Ital Design to commission a base design. From that there were several mock-ups with varying design cues and even a revision. Then as the platform went through it's evolution where it was subjected to various design and engineering changes, we end up with the final production vehicle we have now. You see lots of design changes along the way for things such as tollbooth windows, gas cap location, lights, and also how he quite famously saw an Esprit with louvers on it and demanded that Lotus integrate that onto the car as well.

As for the 1964 Pontiac Banshee I'm not an expert on it's history, but it's definitely tied together with the Corvette. As was documented back in the early 1960's, Pontiac was outselling Ford, Chrysler, and even a few Chevrolet dealerships. I believe it was On a Clear Day that told the story of a Chicago area Chevrolet dealer that lamented his biggest rival he had to fight against for customers was actually the local Pontiac dealer. GM being GM always stymies or kills off any vehicle it deems as a threat to it's flagship Corvette. Detuned engines in Camaros & Firebirds, and terminated prototypes like the Banshee, and even killing off any other cars that sneak through like the Buick GNX (a turbocharged V6 that could spank a V8 Vette).

The '64 Banshee was VERY close to production, weighed 500 lbs. LESS than the Corvette, and would have just embarrassed Chevrolet. So of course it was cancelled.

There is also a very good reason that the Banshee looks like the C3 Corvette: It's because it's pretty much the same car. According to Motor Trend, after the Banshee product was killed by GM, design chief Bill Mitchell was ordered to take the Banshee's design bucks and tweak them with Chevrolet design cues. Apparently this is documented by a known internal memo.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/12q1-1965-pontiac-banshee-xp-833/

While De Lorean didn't *technically* design the C3 Corvette, neither did Bill Mitchell. What really happened is that De Lorean created a 2-seater Pontiac sports car that Chevrolet stole from him and modified into a Corvette.

[mr_maxime]

A few weeks ago I ran into someone named Burt Litton driving an old ford while I was looking for tools. I talked to him about having a Delorean and he mentioned working at Pontiac as a designer in the late 60s and early 70s. He said he worked on the designs of the firebirds while JZD was head of Pontiac.

I'm also not a massive corvette fan. Not that there's anything wrong with them. It's such a good package that it became too popular for me. I'm just another delorean hipster who thinks other classics are still too mainstream lol.

EDIT: To add to that I saw over 20 corvettes when I drove my delorean 800 miles down from Wisconsin and 1 wild delorean

[DMCVegas]

A few weeks ago I ran into someone named Burt Litton driving an old ford while I was looking for tools. I talked to him about having a Delorean and he mentioned working at Pontiac as a designer in the late 60s and early 70s. He said he worked on the designs of the firebirds while JZD was head of Pontiac.

I did a quick search on that name, and came up with this scan of what appears to be an old Delco-Remy/GM Employee Newsletter.

http://www.and.lib.in.us/clientuploads/AndersonAuto%20Newsletters/ClanApr82.pdf

Nice little story on page 5 about the guy and his hobby as a an amateur cartoonist drawing little comics about life as a GM employee. Then when I read his little comic that shows an employee with a defective part getting yelled at by a manager, my blood ran cold when I read the caption below it:

"I would rather you refer to it as an 'Engineering Change' instead of a complete screw-up!"

That is terrifying, because that was pretty much the excuse given by former General Motors engineer, Raymond DeGiorgio when he testified about the part number swaps during production and lack of a recall when GM was trying to cover-up the problems with the ignition switches that killed people. I guess Litton really hit the nail on the head to describe GM's corporate culture.

[mr_maxime]

He told me about JZD walking into a room in a pinstripe suit and no socks and having a posse dressed liked him walking in after him.

[DMCVegas]

I've no idea if it's true or not, but I could see that. After his appearance as a guest on Dinah Shore's show, he really turned-on to California. His lifestyle started changing, and new friends came along with it.

[Alan]

Colleen and I participated in a charity road rally earlier this month and we received t-shirts for it. Yesterday we were out in 1121 and wearing the shirts. On the back they say "Fast Cars Matter." That got us a couple of questions about if we had a fast car. We told the inquirers we have a DeLorean. I didn't get into the fact that our DeLorean isn't particularly fast.

We got two very positive responses. One was from a young man who wanted to take pictures. He even asked if it would be ok to post them on Instagram before doing so. The other was from the manager of a restaurant where we were at waiting for a to-go order. He came out with me, loved opening the door, and was giddy when I let him take a seat and took a couple of pictures for him with his phone.

Even after the experience earlier this season with our hood-sitter, the reactions we get are overwhelmingly positive. I love it when people get that excited about the car.

[16949]

Nice little story on page 5 about the guy and his hobby as a an amateur cartoonist drawing little comics about life as a GM employee. Then when I read his little comic that shows an employee with a defective part getting yelled at by a manager, my blood ran cold when I read the caption below it:

"I would rather you refer to it as an 'Engineering Change' instead of a complete screw-up!"

That is terrifying, because that was pretty much the excuse given by former General Motors engineer, Raymond DeGiorgio when he testified about the part number swaps during production and lack of a recall when GM was trying to cover-up the problems with the ignition switches that killed people. I guess Litton really hit the nail on the head to describe GM's corporate culture.

I take this to be a meaningful correlation, in the midst of a forum anecdote. Thanks for sharing.

[16949]

Someone pulled in off the passing by roadway with his family as I was getting my 1 gallon of gas (yeah, still haven't swapped out the boot so it's 1 gallon at a time..) to ask if he could get a picture. I said sure, come sit in my seat and get a picture. I then suggested his teen son get his picture. We all got back in our regular seats. The driver said "I guess this happens all the time?" I said yes. He said "should I offer you a tip?" I said no, of course. :D

How lucky are we to drive these cars. I can share a minute of that with another polite human who just wants to collect moments of awesomeness.

[aotmfilms]

Someone pulled in off the passing by roadway with his family as I was getting my 1 gallon of gas (yeah, still haven't swapped out the boot so it's 1 gallon at a time..) to ask if he could get a picture. I said sure, come sit in my seat and get a picture. I then suggested his teen son get his picture. We all got back in our regular seats. The driver said "I guess this happens all the time?" I said yes. He said "should I offer you a tip?" I said no, of course. :D

How lucky are we to drive these cars. I can share a minute of that with another polite human who just wants to collect moments of awesomeness.

+1 :cheers:

[Jonathan]

Random thought for today...

You ever wear one of your DeLorean t-shirts (assuming you also have a whole collection of such things...) out and about, but not while driving your car, and then go in somewhere and get the "hey, cool shirt!" comment?

It seems to happen every so often, whether at a coffee shop, the gym, grocery store, or wherever. And sometimes I'll just say thanks and other times I'll get chatting with the person. Sometimes just to talk DeLoreans without them knowing I have one and other times I'll lead the conversation towards letting them know I have one. Fun to not mention you have one though, sort of like playing it down and avoiding coming across like you're special or something because you have one.

The thought I had was though, how many other car shirts do guys wear that totally get a different response?

If some guy is wearing a (typical) Corvette, Mustang, Porsche or similar shirt, I don't think most people would make a point of mentioning it. More like, "oh, ok, yea, good for you," with them probably assuming the guy wearing it really does have one of those cars.

If some guy is wearing a Ferrari shirt or jacket with the Ferrari logo/crest on it, I'd think most people would also not comment on it, but at the same time assume he doesn't actually have a Ferrari.

Yet, when you wear a DeLorean shirt (without your car nearby for them to see), it seems no one really even considers that you could have one. Sort of like it has never crossed their mind that you would, but instead just have a "cool shirt" on. Maybe like if I wore a shirt with a Millenium Falcon pictured on it, most people probably just think it is a cool shirt and not that I actually have one out back with my Wookie co-pilot on the ready.

Anyone get similar responses, or totally different for that matter?

I think it just speaks to how cool the cars really are in the same way that if you wore a shirt with something else equally cool and retro from pop culture (like a blue Lego spaceman, or maybe with Airwolf on it) that people would be "hey, cool shirt!"

(.... I did warn you it was a random thought...... lol )

[Mark D]

I don't usually wear any DeLorean related shirts (except at car shows) so it's pretty rare that I'm out in public to get the kind of response you mentioned in your original post.

Usually I'm standing next to my car at a show wearing a black shirt with silver printed DMC lettering on the front. People often think I'm much younger than I am so if I'm standing next to a DeLorean, wearing a DeLorean shirt they're more likely to listen to me when I tell them not to sit in it or touch it. Otherwise people don't believe it's my car and I've had my requests ignored when I tell people to get out of the driver's seat.

I do wear a DMC hat pretty regularly though. It's plain black and just has a small DMC logo embroidered in the front left corner of the hat. In the 8 years I've been wearing it I've only had one person ever ask me about it, and he said "cool DeLorean hat, are you the guy in town that owns one?" I told him I was, all he said was "cool" and finished checking me out at the auto parts store.

http://dmctalk.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=45084&d=1470162384

[Morpheus]

^Do they sell those @DMCH?

[martydmc12]

I used to wear the grey DMC t-shirt that DMCH used to sell. It had Proto-1 on the front, and said employee on the sleeve. I loved that shirt, wore it out though. I don't have any other stock DeLorean shirts, everything is BTTF related. Part of the reason is, is that I don't care for DMCH's selection of t-shirts. Those ones they did with The Hundreds that had the alien on them, WTF were those? Why is it so hard for them to make some simple shirts and ball caps with the DMC logo on them, or go back to the kind of t-shirt that I had?

When I had that shirt, I had a couple teenage boys at a big box store telling me that John DeLorean was in jail, and that it was a car used to smuggle cocaine. They weren't being sarcastic about it either, they really believed what they were telling me. I told them they were wrong, and that they better research their history a little better. They declined, and said one of their Dad's told them all about the car, and that it was a POS. I pretty much stopped wearing my shirt in public after that.

*EDIT/UPDATE: I just went to DMCH's website. They do have a nice selection of jackets with the DMC logo on it. That's what I'm talking about. Simple, yet stylish. http://store.delorean.com/p-10654-dmc-logo-jacket-large.aspx

[refugeefromcalif]

Random thought for today...

You ever wear one of your DeLorean t-shirts (assuming you also have a whole collection of such things...) out and about, but not while driving your car, and then go in somewhere and get the "hey, cool shirt!" comment?

I wear a DMC hat every day. I was at a CVS last year and the guy checking me out said he'd never seen a DeLorean hat before, just BTTF shirts. I said I wear it because I have one. He told me I couldn't have one, they're too rare.
I told him mine was in their parking lot waiting for me. He shut down his register so he could have a look. (Nobody else was in line). He only looked at it for a minute but, he went back in with a smile on his face.

George

[Jonathan]

I wear a DMC hat every day. I was at a CVS last year and the guy checking me out said he'd never seen a DeLorean hat before, just BTTF shirts. I said I wear it because I have one. He told me I couldn't have one, they're too rare.
I told him mine was in their parking lot waiting for me. He shut down his register so he could have a look. (Nobody else was in line). He only looked at it for a minute but, he went back in with a smile on his face.

George

That's awesome, George! Out of the ones that I mention having one to, some sort of clue in a little bit AFTER you say it. Like you're talking about the next DeLorean thing after you sort of quickly gloss over that aspect "on mine" and then they keep nodding and suddenly back up the conversation to, "wait, hang on a second, you mean you actually have a DeLorean???" I find sometimes they don't know what to say next it comes as such a surprise. Good stuff!! :)

On the shirts and gear, I've ended up with about equal piles of DMC shirts and BTTF shirts. A couple of my favorites are worn out too. Worn a lot because it was either the design I liked a lot or they fit really well. A few of the recent ones seem too small, even with the XL size. I feel like I'm Chris Farley doing the "fat guy in a tiny coat" skit. My number one starter in the five man rotation for DMC shirts was always the simple, light grey DeLorean shirt with the outline car image on the front with both doors up (and I think it had STAFF on the sleeve too). My fav BTTF shirt was the "Say hi to your Mom for me" Biff shirt with an image of him from the original 1985 sequence on it. That one is so faded you can hardly see Biff!!

[MML]

*EDIT/UPDATE: I just went to DMCH's website. They do have a nice selection of jackets with the DMC logo on it. That's what I'm talking about. Simple, yet stylish. http://store.delorean.com/p-10654-dmc-logo-jacket-large.aspx

Has anyone here got one of those jackets? I'm thinking of picking one up. I'd love to see some good pics of it though.

[Mark D]

^Do they sell those @DMCH?

Nope, I had it custom made. That logo is not owned by DMCH so it's fair use.

My brother works at Lakeshore Screen Printing and had a plain black hat embroidered with silver thread. If you're interested in one I have an extra on hand size SM/MED.

[Peripatetic]

I don't think I've ever bought any DeLorean or Back to the Future shirt ever.

I have a ton of them, but I didn't buy any of them. In my experience when people know just the one thing about you they get you shirts on the subject. It creates a sort of feedback loop. "Hey, he likes BTTF shirts and I never saw him in this one... So I'll gift him this one!" And then I end up loving it so they're not far off.

I usually try to not wear a DeLorean related shirt on days I'm going to drive it. It feels like I'm overdoing it.

[Michael]

I say if you are wearing a DeLorean shirt...do it with some style:

451174511845119

[Farrar]

I tend to buy plain t-shirts, but my wife evidently thinks that's boring so she keeps buying me t-shirts with stuff printed on them. She picked up one of those DeLorean shirts that were for sale a couple of years ago at ... uh, Old Navy? Gap? something ... anyway, it twisted around like cheap t-shirts do and I got rid of it before it was very old, but I used to get "nice shirt!" comments when I wore it. I don't think I ever mentioned that I owned a DeLorean unless actually asked. Even talking to people about the car, most people didn't ask... I guess they just assumed I was a really big fan who knew lots of trivia. LOL

[Rich_NYS]

I say if you are wearing a DeLorean shirt...do it with some style:

451174511845119

I saw Chad's shirt at DCS.....really nice, I should've bought that one you were selling last year.

[Rich_NYS]

This past week my wife had a friend with two kids over for a visit. The boy is 10, girl is 8.....neither knows/knew what a DeLorean is.

I'm in the garage working on my car with not much more than the doors uncovered, I open the passenger door (the only visible & recognizable part at this time) and the boy loses it....earlier that day he saw for the first time ever, a toy DeLorean at the grocery store. He had no idea what kind of car, but had the usual male response nonetheless.

His sister stood within a few feet, but completely oblivious and reacted as if there wasn't even a car in my garage....lol!

The boy told me it's his dream car, I told him I'll take him for a ride in the Spring when I unveil it on the road.....I'm totally looking forward to it.

[mr_maxime]

Working on the car in the garage with my dad today and someone came up and was overjoyed talking about what we were doing to the car. He's never been excited about cars before. He's been sanding it for the past 2 days.

[Morpheus]

Nope, I had it custom made. That logo is not owned by DMCH so it's fair use.

My brother works at Lakeshore Screen Printing and had a plain black hat embroidered with silver thread. If you're interested in one I have an extra on hand size SM/MED.

My head is bigger than SM/MED, but if your brother could be motivated to create one in Large I would definitely be interested!

[Rich]

Did this get posted already? A DeLorean story can hardly be more positive than this one from last week.

LINK: Watch This Girl Flip When Her Dad Buys a DeLorean (http://jalopnik.com/kids-reaction-to-parents-new-delorean-will-restore-your-1785363950)

Forget what the copy writer says about DeLoreans, just enjoy watching the reaction of this lovely young lady.

Hint: she does not know whose car it is as the video starts.

[Johnny-T]

Not sure if this fits the thread exactly but I would definitley call this a positive story. It helped me get past alot of the new owner paranoia I had about leaving my D parked places. Just a little back story info: My DeLorean has the Wings Aloft automitic door system installed along with a kill switch to cut power to the car while its parked.

Anyways, the wife and I decided to go out to one of our local Vegas dive bars a few nights ago. She really wanted to take the DeLorean so we did. We parked right in front of the bar and made sure the doors were locked but I didn't take out my kill switch or even flip it off. While we were there, we kept getting asked about the car and the doors and stuff. Some of the comments were worded strangely to me but I just replied with the usual responses.

After about 3 hours of playing pool and such we walked out to see both of my doors wide open to the sky! I must have accidentally pressed the auto door button on my keys while playing pool or something. It was only then that I realized all of those "strange" comments about the doors on the car were actually about the doors literally being up. I felt like an idiot but upon inspecting the car, nothing was messed with, stolen, broken, torn out, or anything. And this was a decently busy bar in a not so great area of Vegas. I feel like if no one messed with it then, its probably safe in most "normal" situations.

I will still use the same level of caution when leaving it parked, I just feel better about it now and I'm not so stressed by the idea. I will also now be making sure to at least flip my kill switch every time just in case.

[DMCVegas]

That's good to hear. In truth, the DeLorean was always the car I had the least worry about other people messing with. Even when I lived in my old bachelor pad over on East Flamingo with some other break-ins, drove up to North Las Vegas, or used to frequent the main library on LVB north that was full of vagrants. No one ever messed around with my car. Except for one time at Courtesy Mazda when it used to be on West Sahara. They had the whole unveiling for the RX-8, and guest parking was over on the used car lot. I came back and found some people trying to find a salesperson to buy my car because they though that since it was on the used lot it was for sale! We all had a good laugh though.

You'll actually find that most people are also too scared to park next to your car as well, because they're afraid the doors will hit their cars. It's great to hear you're more comfortable with the car!

BTW, which place were you at? You say dive bar with pool, I immediately think either Dino's or the Double Down.

[DaraSue]

Not technically a DeLorean story, but something funny that happened the other day... I was stopped at a red light in my '87 CRX (that has faded paint, rusty fenders and duct tape holding the front passenger's side turn signal in place) and this guy on the corner runs over to tell me how much he loves my car. :giggle: It's like the D's mystique is contagious!

(I'm still in that honeymoon phase where every time somebody comes up to talk to me about the D, it makes my day. I've had a lot of people tell me it's the first one they've ever seen in person. All my coworkers want rides in it. Even my shrink asked me to bring it to our next session so he can drool over it. :giddy: )

I guess you could say this whole thing has been one huge positive experience for me... this is literally the most consistently happy I've been in years! I just walk around smiling every time I think about it, or look at it, and especially when I drive it. :biggrin:

[Johnny-T]

You'll actually find that most people are also too scared to park next to your car as well, because they're afraid the doors will hit their cars. It's great to hear you're more comfortable with the car!

BTW, which place were you at? You say dive bar with pool, I immediately think either Dino's or the Double Down.

I have noticed that most people won't park next to me. It's funny, I also try not to park next to anyone because I'm afraid of their "normal" doors. Lol.

We actually thought about going to Dino's that night but we decided to stick close to Henderson. We ended up at Lucky Joe's near Sunset and Mt Vista. Don't know if I'm brave enough to take the D to Double Down yet but that's more of a small parking lot thing.

[DMCVegas]

Double Down definitely has small lot. That's one of the few places I'd be afraid of, because of the size and idiot tourists. At least on the busy nights. Never got a chance to go to Lucky Joe's, though I always thought it was funny being so close to Vo-Tech. I guess they figured the teachers needed a drink. Might try it out sometime. I usually dig the more old school places like the Peppermill myself. I miss lounging around Binion's before it got sold.

I will say though that the Henderson DMV office gave me the most frustrating experience with my DeLorean that I've ever had.

[DaraSue]

I was stopped at a light the other day and this white exotic (Lambo or Ferrari maybe, looked kinda like the fake '17 DMC pic that's floating around) turned the corner and I saw him checking me out. :rock_on:

It was a welcome day-brightener after I'd backed over my neighbor's trash can earlier that morning (because putting it back where they'd found it instead of throwing it in front of my garage was clearly too much effort for our overworked, underpaid civil servants, but I digress...) :banghead: The car seems fine, the trash can... less so.

(And a post-script to my CRX story from earlier... I encountered the same guy on the same corner again and realized he was a panhandler. I gave him $2 just for convincingly faking interest in the beauty and majesty of my Duct Tape-Mobile, lol...)

Oh yeah, another happy D story: I actually did take my car to my shrink's office and let him ooh and aah over it. He said maybe they should start prescribing DeLoreans instead of Prozac b/c he'd never seen me with such a (his words) shit-eating grin before. :biggrin: We ended up cutting the session short because I didn't have anything to complain about!

[mr_maxime]

He said maybe they should start prescribing DeLoreans instead of Prozac b/c he'd never seen me with such a (his words) shit-eating grin before. :biggrin: We ended up cutting the session short because I didn't have anything to complain about!

Lol, i've often thought of telling people i see moaning about their lives on the internet to simply buy a delorean.

[Farrar]

i've often thought of telling people i see moaning about their lives on the internet to simply buy a delorean.

Seconded. For all of the problems mine has given me, when I take it out on the road and look at the big smiles it generates from the people who see it, all of the frustration vanishes. It may seem like such a little thing to make people smile, but I do enjoy it so.

[DaraSue]

Lol, i've often thought of telling people i see moaning about their lives on the internet to simply buy a delorean.


Seconded. For all of the problems mine has given me, when I take it out on the road and look at the big smiles it generates from the people who see it, all of the frustration vanishes. It may seem like such a little thing to make people smile, but I do enjoy it so.

It's honestly been like night and day for me. A month before I bought this car, I'd ended a toxic (platonic, but no less heartbreaking) relationship and I'd been pretty much constantly angry and miserable for about two years straight, to the point where literally every time I had a moment to think, I'd be thinking about things that pissed me off and I was legitimately worried that I'd done permanent damage to my brain chemistry and the only way I'd ever be happy again was if I quit my job and got one where I was allowed to medicate myself into oblivion.

And now it's like I've done a complete 180 mentally. I'm smiling all the time (even my IRL friends have said they've never seen me so happy) because I'm thinking about my car or my next road trip or the (inappropriate for discussion in a family forum) things I'd do if it actually could travel through time (and also turn me into a supermodel, LOL). Work is less annoying because I can drive the car there and walk around looking at it on my breaks and take people for rides and drive it home. I can't even get mad when it breaks down because I can pass the time waiting for the tow truck or at the shop talking to people about it. I've been getting a decent night's sleep almost every night since the last night of my trip back from Chicago, which hadn't happened more than once or twice a month in about three years of seeing every specialist I could think of. And I wake up happy every morning.

Getting this car has seriously been one of the best things that's ever happened to me.

[mr_maxime]

I do have to remind myself sometimes when I get in a bad mood. Ill take the car out for a night drive blasting some synthwave and remind myself, "you own a delorean. you're night driving a delorean while blasting synth, this is what you've been working for and this is what the struggle was for" Then the ridiculousness of it all sinks back in. I was only dreaming of doing this years ago and now it's real.

[SS Spoiler]

Sounds like Dara Sue can cancel her shrink appointments!

[DaraSue]

I do have to remind myself sometimes when I get in a bad mood. Ill take the car out for a night drive blasting some synthwave and remind myself, "you own a delorean. you're night driving a delorean while blasting synth, this is what you've been working for and this is what the struggle was for" Then the ridiculousness of it all sinks back in. I was only dreaming of doing this years ago and now it's real.

Yeah, really. For years after taking my current job I wouldn't spend any more money than I had to on anything, because I didn't think there was anything I could buy that would make me happier than retiring the instant I was eligible, but I finally found something... :biggrin:


Sounds like Dara Sue can cancel her shrink appointments!

Haha... I pretty much have. I was seeing this therapist through an eight-session program funded by my workplace in the hopes that he could help me with anger management, and I just don't seem to be able to find too many things to be angry about anymore. (Except myself, for not insisting on getting my thermostat replaced... :banghead:) I've got one session left so we decided I'd come back in Dec. and see if I'm still this happy... 8)

[blueshark66]

If you want to have a little fun with them have them look up 121G or 121GMF. The MF stands for Mr Fusion.

I had my first fun DeLorean experience today (and I don't even own one yet). I had to stop in O'Reilly's today for some parts. When I was checking out I asked the guy to look up a 121GMF. He did one search that turned up nothing, then tried another search and voila! He totally flipped out. He couldn't believe that was in the inventory. He kept saying, "It's the flux capacitor!" over and over. The manager was not so impressed; he'd seen it before. I took my loot and left, grinning from ear to ear. 😀

[Peripatetic]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/b7957ab12388263b4e41a30e786cc270.jpg
I was out getting some groceries and later picking up Chinese food for the family when I saw this nice red Tesla. I wanted to take a photo with my car next to it.

It was during the photo that a Minivan with a mom and her son asked if they could take a photo of my car. I told them “Sure! Go for it!!”. They asked some questions about when I got it and where. After they left a second Minivan with a father and I wanna say 13 year old son (I'm terrible at knowing ages) came by and asked for the opportunity to take some photos as well.

They got out of the van and took photos and we talked for several minutes. I told them about DMCMW in Crystal Lake and about the Bluetooth cassette tape and the rear mounted engine. They thanked me for being so informative shook my hand and left. It was enjoyable. I wonder where the Tesla guy was. He wasn’t parked near anything.


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[DaraSue]

That last post reminds me, the other day I had a doctor's appointment and my CRX was in the shop so I had no choice but to drive the D. Stopped at Costco on the way home, parked out in the boonies, came out to find a Z and a Mercedes parked on either side while their owners took pictures. It was a bright spot in an otherwise annoying day.

The guy with the Z worked there. When they say Costco is one of the best employers, they're not kidding!

[blueshark66]

I've had my DeLorean for a week, and have only been driving it for a couple of days. Today I took it to work and everybody loved it. My boss couldn't wait to drive it - and I let him because he's a great guy and he was as excited to see it as I was to have it. Then I had to run out and get some lunch so I stopped at the local Wendy's. I parked and went in to eat, and I sat by the window so I could watch the car, which was parked near the back of the lot. I could see people checking it out as they walked by. When I went out to head back to work, I got to the car and there was a guy taking pictures. He was really excited to see a DeLorean so we talked for a few minutes and he asked if he could take a picture sitting in it. I said sure, and took a picture for him. We chatted for a little longer and he shook my hand when he left. I drove back to work with a huge smile on my face.

I've read all the stories in this thread, and I have to keep pinching myself to make sure this is really happening to me. I love my car! What other car do people react this way to? It's so much fun! Sorry, I'm just totally geeking out here because I own a DELOREAN!!!!

Chris

[DMC-81]

I've had my DeLorean for a week, and have only been driving it for a couple of days. Today I took it to work and everybody loved it. My boss couldn't wait to drive it - and I let him because he's a great guy and he was as excited to see it as I was to have it. Then I had to run out and get some lunch so I stopped at the local Wendy's. I parked and went in to eat, and I sat by the window so I could watch the car, which was parked near the back of the lot. I could see people checking it out as they walked by. When I went out to head back to work, I got to the car and there was a guy taking pictures. He was really excited to see a DeLorean so we talked for a few minutes and he asked if he could take a picture sitting in it. I said sure, and took a picture for him. We chatted for a little longer and he shook my hand when he left. I drove back to work with a huge smile on my face.

I've read all the stories in this thread, and I have to keep pinching myself to make sure this is really happening to me. I love my car! What other car do people react this way to? It's so much fun! Sorry, I'm just totally geeking out here because I own a DELOREAN!!!!

Chris

Cool Story! I think other people's reaction to the car is the best part of ownership. Every time I take mine out, I get at least one person excitedly doing a fist pump out their car window when I pass.

I'm glad you are enjoying your car! :thumbup:

[Peripatetic]

I've had my DeLorean for a week, and have only been driving it for a couple of days. Today I took it to work and everybody loved it. My boss couldn't wait to drive it - and I let him because he's a great guy and he was as excited to see it as I was to have it. Then I had to run out and get some lunch so I stopped at the local Wendy's. I parked and went in to eat, and I sat by the window so I could watch the car, which was parked near the back of the lot. I could see people checking it out as they walked by. When I went out to head back to work, I got to the car and there was a guy taking pictures. He was really excited to see a DeLorean so we talked for a few minutes and he asked if he could take a picture sitting in it. I said sure, and took a picture for him. We chatted for a little longer and he shook my hand when he left. I drove back to work with a huge smile on my face.

I've read all the stories in this thread, and I have to keep pinching myself to make sure this is really happening to me. I love my car! What other car do people react this way to? It's so much fun! Sorry, I'm just totally geeking out here because I own a DELOREAN!!!!

Chris

I think you'll find that the best part about owning a DeLorean is all of it. The little random double honks, the waves, and the occasional finding yourself tagged under "DeLorean" on various social media.


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[mr_maxime]

I parked at the gas station and a man with a stereotypical "engrish" accent asked "is that a rea[r] de[r]orean?!" I replied "yes" and he just went "WOOOAAAAAAHHHH OH OH OH OH!!!" His reaction just made me bust out laughing.

Also a few days ago, I drove on a small road and a man was walking on the side of the road. When he saw my car, he stopped dead in his tracks and just stared at my car with his jaw dropped. I bust out laughing again. Those reactions always outweigh the tired BTTF jokes.

[BLWNAWY]

In 2000 I was preparing to retire after 32 years with the state DOT. I had promoted as high as a no-college-degree, non-licensed engineer could go, and knew finding another environmental engineering job would be difficult. I had gotten a call to interview with a local private engineering firm, so thought I would give it a shot. I met with the owner and a former DOT engineer who seemed to remember me better than I remembered him. At the end of the interview, just when I was thinking my chances were limited at best, the engineer said "So, are you still selling DeLorean parts?" The owner, who would turn out to be an old hotrodder himself, brightened up and said "DeLorean? I haven't seen one of those in years!" I responded with "Well, there's one parked outside". He jumped up and said "I've got to see that!" We marched downstairs, and as we approached the car I triggered both auto-door-opening buttons (my car was the prototype for those kits after all). They checked out the chromed supercharged Chevy engine and apparently were impressed - I got the job, and stayed there 8 years until the downturn of 2008 caused unavoidable layoffs. I would say that was one of my most enjoyable DeLorean experiences.

[DMCVegas]

That's an awesome story!

I had something similar happen to me where I interviewed for a job, and they remembered me because of the car and hired me. Later on I got a promotion and was told that it was due to my car. If I could manage keeping a DeLorean on the road as my only car and never missed work because of it, I was responsible and had enough project management skills to handle the job. I had another coworker at the time who I didn't quite get along with, but we started talking because of the car. Because of that friendship, I ended up meeting someone else who introduced me to my wife.

[mr_maxime]

I drove my Delorean to every job interview I had hoping to get that lucky lol. My mom's husband said that he would always walk people to their car to see what condition and how clean it was. No one ever did see it though.

[Timebender]

Personally, I love the BTTF references - cocaine jokes I'll always play dumb to just because when people think they're being funny I'd rather not give them the time of day and validate their stupidity. But every time I have the car out - either just me and it in plain clothes, or doing a Doc Brown gig, it always brings smiles to people's faces and they live learning more about the car. And when I let them take a pic inside that just totally makes their and my day. And I get to meet some pretty neat people too. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/4bf39e0b6886ba09607227492a552f17.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161103/82320a7a6781682d341fd6e4a4be7b33.jpg

[Peripatetic]

Today I got new insurance for the Millenium Falcon. The insurance guy was gushing over the car saying putting together a plan for a DeLorean was like a dream come true for him. He's a third generation insurance agent and a huge fan of Back to the Future. He took pictures with a point and shoot for the records and then pictures with his phone for his wife. He loved Bob Gale's autograph. After all of the insurance was done and signed and active I offered to give him a spin in the car and he was ecstatic.

Later, according to him, he went with some friends to marathon Harry Potter. He couldn't wait to brag about his ride.

On an extra bonus side: Today is the one year anniversary of me buying the DeLorean! Exuberance!

[Farrar]

I realized that yesterday was my ninth DeLoreanniversary. I can't wait for year ten. :)

[Michael]

The best thing about owning a DeLorean was today. My wife and I took 5609 out for a Sunday drive when we stopped by one of the first Pals restaurants (#2) for a late lunch. A little after we sat down to eat, a couple and their son came up and were looking at the car. The kid was mesmerized. His dad told me they were at a Burger King eating(I assume in the car) when I drove by and the boy was so excited they decided to finish their lunch and follow me (a good 5 or so miles). I immediately remotely opened my door and told them to take all the pics they wanted. They couldn't believe I invited them to sit in it. My wife went over and gave him one of the Hot Wheels Deloreans I keep in the back just for these occasions.
I tried to take a pic from our table but all I could see was his cap :) His parents were just behind the yellow column taking his picture.
I wish I could have got one with him smiling as it was the look of pure excitement and happiness. His dad said they went to the Huey Lewis concert we recently had here just because his son loved the movies so much he wanted to see the band in person. Oh well, that was the highlight of my day. It's such a privilege to share this car with the world, just like some kind elderly man did with me many many years ago. This kid joins the ranks of probably 100 or more that have sit in my car to have their pic taken. I missed a opportunity a long time ago to document all those times with pics and maybe at the end of my tenure of 5609, I would have made a nice wall collage to keep.
527135271452715

PS: on a side note if you ever find yourself in northeast TN. Southwest VA. part of the country, a stop by Pals is a must. The owner met Ray Kroc at a convention and started the chain in 1956 based on what he learned. Pals is a mainstay around these parts and without a doubt one of the quickest drive-thru's I have ever been to, but if you want to sit down and eat at Pals you must go to Kingsport and eat at store #1 or store #2. Every other store is drive thru only.

[Citizen]

The best thing about owning a DeLorean was today. ...[snip].

Good story Michael. You are a great ambassador, and actions like this is what will ignite future generations to preserve our cars, once we give them up.

Thomas

...

[Pizza Joe]

For the short period of time I've had my Delorean on the road I've had many instances of stopping traffic. Not sure if that is good or bad.

Upon a friend of mine finding out that I had a Delorean, he had asked to bring his friend over who was a Delorean fanatic, but had never seen one in person. We surprised his friend by showing him and taking him for a ride. His reaction was priceless to put it lightly, I'm not going to quote what he said when I opened the garage door.

I've never seen a car spark so many conversations and have so many questions asked about it. Its definitely worth having though, to see the thumbs up and smiles on people's faces.

[Domi]

My wife went over and gave him one of the Hot Wheels Deloreans I keep in the back just for these occasions.


That's a very good idea, the kids must be very happy with one of them :)

[Jonathan]

That's a very good idea, the kids must be very happy with one of them :)

I haven't been able to do this for a couple of seasons because I can't seem to find Hot Wheels DeLoreans for sale anywhere anymore. I used up all the extra ones I had bought and don't have anymore to give out at shows. Are they not producing them anymore? Or am I just not looking in the right places? The last time I was in either Toys R Us or a Wal-Mart looking for Hot Wheels, I did notice that the section for the simple, $1 kind of cars got a lot smaller and there was a lot of other sections for HW cars that were a fancier line. And $5 or more as well. Did the "regular edition" style cars lose their appeal or something?

[SamHill]

Good story Michael. You are a great ambassador, and actions like this is what will ignite future generations to preserve our cars, once we give them up.

Thomas

...

He is also fronts the most kick ass Death Metal Band in the Tri State Area.

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[Michael]

He is also fronts the most kick ass Death Metal Band in the Tri State Area.

52762

It's an underground thing mostly.

[SamHill]

It's an underground thing mostly.

Humble as always. There's a huge industry buzz around these guys. A few years from now everyone will be saying "Oh, I knew DLG when they were just starting out." I hate bandwagon jumpers.

52763

[SamHill]

And I guess I should add a story to make it on topic.

Specifically drove it to work at the request of a coworker. I warned him that it was going to draw certain attention, moreso than a Ferrari or a Lambo. While at a stoplight in the middle of Crystal City a guy ran out into the street and practically laid down behind the car to get several pictures. Even I was impressed.

[Peripatetic]

One time I was at a hot dog cash only place and there was a family with a daughter who was on the spectrum who liked the car and we talked as I answered questions. Real nice family.

But the real highlight of that trip was that my brother was talking about his dream car being a Dodge Challenger and just then an actual Dodge Challenger stopped in the middle of Rand road (a 45mph street) to get a better look at my DeLorean.

I turned to my brother and laughed.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170810/15ecaa8f9f64d1f619a277bf47443a8c.jpg


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[Michael]

I love that photo.

[blueshark66]

Did my first local car show last weekend. The response was fantastic - people loved the car. One fan was a local reporter. Here's the result...

http://www.thesalinepost.com/community/pastors-transport-choice-takes-him-back-future

[BladeBronson]

Did my first local car show last weekend. The response was fantastic - people loved the car. One fan was a local reporter. Here's the result...

http://www.thesalinepost.com/community/pastors-transport-choice-takes-him-back-future

I bet you really wish that they'd left the destination time as December 25, 0000. :)

[Peripatetic]

I love that photo.
Thanks! I should post it to that best photos of your DeLorean thread.

Positive story time!

I drove my DeLorean down to Makanda, IL which was in that exact center of the Path of Totality for the total solar eclipse this past Monday. I paid $20 to park in some family's yard and came in second as the best thing they saw all day.

Someone even had the best comment (which I then stole) "if you're going to see the Eclipse why not do it in style?"


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[S_J]

Time to jump start this thread again...I really enjoyed reading the stories in it earlier...

‘So I have had a vibration in my steering wheel above 58 MPH ever since I took possession of 10921 earlier this year. Most of it was due to the car sitting for awhile and the tires being a bit stiff. It seemed like it had settled out quite a bit and it was now time to have the balance checked. I made an appointment at a local tire center to have them checked out.

I showed up with the car and the Manager first needed to be sure that I had indeed said that I had a Delorean...

It was hilarious when the technician pulled the car into the bay - all of the technicians in the shop (about 8 of them) stopped what they were were doing and came running over to look at the car. The Manager asked if they could take photos. I said yes and every one of them pulled out their phones and circled the car taking pictures.

The technician eventually took the front tires off and took them over to the balancing machine. He had a bit of an issue with first one and eventually the Manager came over to assist. They were having a bit of an issue with it because it still has a minor flat spot in it. He explained that they would do their best with it and that I should just continue to drive it to see if it would work it’s way out.

They completed the other one with no issue and reinstalled the wheels.

I went back inside the store to pay, and the Manager said

“No Charge. We could not fully balance the one. You shared your car with us and let us take pictures!”

‘so I got work done for free, got to watch these guys all enjoy the car, and my steering wheel shake is now gone!

[SS Spoiler]

My wife and I took the DeLorean to her all school reunion
in Ravinia SD. We stayed over night at Wayne and Marys
[future Delorean owner] in Roberts MT. They had us park in
their barn because of recent hail storms, and took lots of
pictures. Next morning Kate and I drove to the reunion and
wowed the troops. On the way back the car was bucking and
surging, oh-oh fuel pump? It died this side of Butte MT. We
triple AAA'd to Butte when my son came down with a car hauler
and got us back home. Later making contact with Mary she
told us about bragging what was in their barn last week to the
parts man, who pulled out his phone and said was it this one?
He had a photo of us beside the road! Strangely not one
person stopped in two hours to see if we needed help.

[SS Spoiler]

Did a parade at "Heritage Days" in Columbia MT today. It was
fun slowly weaving back and forth hearing "back to the future", "88
miles an hour", and "flux capacitor". About every block we shut the
doors for a bit then opened them to "neat", "wow", "oooh", it was
almost like being at a fireworks show.

[Farrar]

I took #2613 to be registered in the state of Florida. At the DMV office, a guy who pulled up next to me said "Hey, butthead!" I turned around and said "What are you lookin' at, butthead?" He said "Ha! I'm glad you got that because otherwise I'd just be a jackass. Do you mind if I take a selfie with your car?" I said no problem. Hey, at least he was polite. LOL

[Rood]

I could read this thread all day, every day. As a relatively new owner and avid follower of the forum, I know these cars are and will be a lot of work and probably be a significant "investment" but it is important for me to see the positives of ownership outside of my own experience. Helping your fellow owner is key but to distract from the "DeLorean problems" for just a minute is quite refreshing. I've learned how to be a better owner and steward of the gift of DeLorean ownership from this thread, from carrying hot wheels for kids to just chatting up the interested stranger. Maybe I will get sick of the questions and BTTF jokes (I hope not), but there are many reasons I bought this car and low maintenance isnt on that list, but I am happy to have a thread that puts me back in my happy place.

[CriticalB]

A local museum received the screen-used BTTF2 hoverboard and self-lacing shoes about 2 weeks ago and hosted a screening of the movie. I bought tickets for the family and drove the DeLorean, but parked it in the lot and didn't make a big deal about it. I just thought some folks might get a kick of spotting it. After the movie the museum staff asked if it was my car and if I would mind pulling up to the front for folks to take pictures. Everyone was really excited about it as most folks had never seen one in person. Afterwards, the staff asked if I'd like to come back when the exhibit was over to view the artifacts privately, so earlier this week I got a chance to snap the pics below.

Growing up I always thought of owning a DeLorean as a long shot, and I certainly never imagined I'd get this close to the hoverboard and shoes with my own D parked outside :) Not to mention getting to hold Indiana Jones' whip was icing on the cake.

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[Farrar]

On the way to work today, #2613's a/c went out. (High pressure relief valve burped a bunch of R-134a on the streets of downtown Miami... LOL) So I drove home with the windows open, which is an invitation for people to comment at me at stoplights. One guy hollered out, "What year are you going to?" I said "Sadly, this one!" He laughed and we went our separate ways.

[Michael]

On the way to work today, #2613's a/c went out. (High pressure relief valve burped a bunch of R-134a on the streets of downtown Miami... LOL) So I drove home with the windows open, which is an invitation for people to comment at me at stoplights. One guy hollered out, "What year are you going to?" I said "Sadly, this one!" He laughed and we went our separate ways.
No matter if it's nice out or not, stereo and windows go up at every red light

[Jonathan]

A local museum received the screen-used BTTF2 hoverboard and self-lacing shoes about 2 weeks ago and hosted a screening of the movie. I bought tickets for the family and drove the DeLorean, but parked it in the lot and didn't make a big deal about it. I just thought some folks might get a kick of spotting it. After the movie the museum staff asked if it was my car and if I would mind pulling up to the front for folks to take pictures. Everyone was really excited about it as most folks had never seen one in person. Afterwards, the staff asked if I'd like to come back when the exhibit was over to view the artifacts privately, so earlier this week I got a chance to snap the pics below.

Growing up I always thought of owning a DeLorean as a long shot, and I certainly never imagined I'd get this close to the hoverboard and shoes with my own D parked outside :) Not to mention getting to hold Indiana Jones' whip was icing on the cake.

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Great story! And some kinda fun I bet you had.

Icing on the cake is right for the Indiana Jones whip. To steal a line from Indy for how beat up those BTTF2 shoes appear to look... "it's not the years honey, it's the mileage." :)

[opethmike]

No matter if it's nice out or not, stereo and windows go up at every red light


https://youtu.be/gzi8MZEcWd8?t=16

[dodint]

I'm finding that the more comfortable I get with the car the less I notice people noticing me. Either that or I drive it enough everyone in Pittsburgh has already seen it at least once. Then again, my wife as a passenger notices way more of the shenanigans people do than I do.

[Delorean3610]

I'm finding that the more comfortable I get with the car the less I notice people noticing me. Either that or I drive it enough everyone in Pittsburgh has already seen it at least once. Then again, my wife as a passenger notices way more of the shenanigans people do than I do.

Cool, another Pittsburgh owner. Where do you guys live?

[dodint]

Allison Park. Cars and Coffee is pretty close so I've taken it up there a few times. But we also have a house in Latrobe so it spends some time down there as well. I drive it a good bit.

[Delorean3610]

Allison Park. Cars and Coffee is pretty close so I've taken it up there a few times. But we also have a house in Latrobe so it spends some time down there as well. I drive it a good bit.


I’m over in Greensburg area, hope to see you around the city.

[dodint]

Our Latrobe house is on Twin Lakes Road which is practically Greensburg. I'm sure our paths will cross, the Delorean world is small.

[CFI]

I spent yesterday morning getting my recently acquired D insured and registered. My insurance agent nearly fell out of his chair when I gave him the vehicle information. He says he’s never seen one in real life and could I drive it down sometime so he could see it? He knew a little about the car, including that it was made in Ireland and that John DeLorean was an engineer.

At the motor vehicle registry the woman helping me had a big smile on her face when I handed her the paperwork. “That’s the car from BTTF! I love that movie!” She too knew a few things about the car.

In the afternoon I took my six year old son for a ride. Cruising down a four lane road I notice that we are slowly getting passed by a pickup truck with a young man hanging out the passenger window recording us with his cell phone. I wave and he gives me a huge smile and thumbs up. That really made my day, and I’m pretty sure I made his day too:)

[Jimmyvonviggle]

Picked my son up at high school today. While waiting I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised how respectful these teenagers were, from asking if it was ok to take pictures, to just a simple thumbs up.

One guy pulls up next to me and says he loves the car, I said your embarrassing your girlfriend but thanks, he drov off laughing.

Another two guys walked up to me and said would it be ok to check out the car. They even asked about the graining of the SS.They we’re thrilled to sit in it. Then they asked me how much one of these goes for. They actually asked in a polite way, but I answered that it is not what an exotic (can I call it an exotic?) costs, it is the yearly maintenance cost that is important.

[S_J]

Get used to the attention - I had many similar experiences this summer driving my car that I bought last January.
‘Funny that I got virtually the same comment from the woman at the NY DMV.
It is amusing to see how many people take pics when you are stopped at stoplights. One of the most amusing times was when I passed a guy at an intersection out on a country road. I saw him watch me go by and did not think much of it. He chased me down and caught me at a stop sign a few miles down the road. He jumped out of his car and started waving at me as I was about to pull away. He very politely asked for a photo. I pulled off to the side of the road and took his picture standing next to the car. He was so excited and could not wait to show it to his family. ‘ Very pleasant young man that I otherwise would never have met...
‘Enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces!

[DaraSue]

The other week was "bring your child to work day". One of my co-workers has an autistic stepson (we'll call him Adam) who is 18 but still very kid-like. Adam really loves DeLoreans and was super excited about getting to ride in another co-worker's son's car years ago so I thought it would be nice to bring my car in to show him.

I wasn't sure when I'd get my dinner break so I left the doors unlocked and told my buddy he could let Adam sit in it as long as he was closely supervised. When I finally got a break I went out and found the whole family out there, Adam grinning from ear to ear. He said he remembered the other one being bigger and his mom had to remind him that he'd been smaller then :) His mom said he'd been over the moon when they pulled into the lot and he saw my car through the fence.

We were walking back to the building so they could take a tour of the facility when I asked if Adam would like another DeLorean ride. Needless to say, he was a lot more excited about that than seeing where his stepdad worked, LOL. We drove up the road past the airport and circled back via the freeway. Adam was videoing everything on his iPhone and talking about how awesome it was and how it had been so long since he'd gotten to ride in "this magical car"!

When we got back I spent another 20 minutes showing Adam the trunk and engine and taking his picture with the car. At the end, he got down on his knees in front of the grille and talked to the car, telling it how much he loved it and thanking it for the experience. Just watching him put the biggest smile on my face I'd had in months. We should all have such unconditional love for our cars!

[Michael]

The other week was "bring your child to work day". One of my co-workers has an autistic stepson (we'll call him Adam) who is 18 but still very kid-like. Adam really loves DeLoreans and was super excited about getting to ride in another co-worker's son's car years ago so I thought it would be nice to bring my car in to show him.

I wasn't sure when I'd get my dinner break so I left the doors unlocked and told my buddy he could let Adam sit in it as long as he was closely supervised. When I finally got a break I went out and found the whole family out there, Adam grinning from ear to ear. He said he remembered the other one being bigger and his mom had to remind him that he'd been smaller then :) His mom said he'd been over the moon when they pulled into the lot and he saw my car through the fence.

We were walking back to the building so they could take a tour of the facility when I asked if Adam would like another DeLorean ride. Needless to say, he was a lot more excited about that than seeing where his stepdad worked, LOL. We drove up the road past the airport and circled back via the freeway. Adam was videoing everything on his iPhone and talking about how awesome it was and how it had been so long since he'd gotten to ride in "this magical car"!

When we got back I spent another 20 minutes showing Adam the trunk and engine and taking his picture with the car. At the end, he got down on his knees in front of the grille and talked to the car, telling it how much he loved it and thanking it for the experience. Just watching him put the biggest smile on my face I'd had in months. We should all have such unconditional love for our cars!

Awesome!!:cool:

[DMC-81]

^+1

[DMC_Farmer]

A couple of weeks ago my friend and his wife invited me to a local Humane Society benefit event. It's a banquet type event with a meal and wine/beer tasting, silent auctions, door prizes, all kinds of stuff. It was beautiful out, so I drove the Delorean. My friend was cornered during the event by a guy that he knew, who was beside himself that there was a Delorean parked outside, and he wasn't sure what to do about it. He was that excited. My friend says, "Oh yeah, that's my buddy Joe's car, he's standing right over there. You should go talk to him, he'll let you sit in it and take pictures. He'd probably even let you drive it if you haven't had anything to drink. He was in disbelief the whole time, and he was too nervous to just come over and talk to me about it. It reminded me of some young dude who's to afraid to talk to a beautiful girl. After the event, we drove a couple of blocks to the local legion for a beer. My buddy introduced us and I talked to him for a bit about non-Delorean stuff, and he finally asked me about the car. I said, "Yeah, it's parked out front. Let's go look at it." He was like a little kid on Christmas morning. It was fun seeing him so excited about it. It reminded me of the couple of times that I saw a Delorean before I had one of my own.

[DMC-81]

So, I was fueling up the car today at WaWa where they have 89 octane non-ethanol gas. It is a recently built station with pumps that feature built in video screens and speakers. They were playing random elevator music at all the pumps when I got out of the car. Mid-way through my fill-up the elevator music was over-ridden with the first 30 seconds of the Back To the Future theme song, then the other music resumed. It took a second for me to realize that it was intentional. I looked in the direction of the cashier in the store and gave a smile and a thumbs up.

Every drive is an adventure with fans, but this was a first for me. :)

[David T]

During one of our Fall Tours when we were at Brookhaven National Laboratories on Long Island NY, touring the particle collider, they played BTTF stuff over the PA system. I asked if anyone there knew how to adjust a Flux Capacitor. Turned out there was a Delorean there before we even got there, one of the scientists drives his there every day! We were all treated like celebrities.

[Michael]

So, I was fueling up the car today at WaWa where they have 89 octane non-ethanol gas. It is a recently built station with pumps that feature built in video screens and speakers. They were playing random elevator music at all the pumps when I got out of the car. Mid-way through my fill-up the elevator music was over-ridden with the first 30 seconds of the Back To the Future theme song, then the other music resumed. It took a second for me to realize that it was intentional. I looked in the direction of the cashier in the store and gave a smile and a thumbs up.

Every drive is an adventure with fans, but this was a first for me. :)
As much I despise BTTF jokes, I have to give credit to that guy.

[CFI]

As much I despise BTTF jokes, I have to give credit to that guy.

Yes, that’s a cool story.

[CFI]

It was fun seeing him so excited about it. It reminded me of the couple of times that I saw a Delorean before I had one of my own.

That’s so awesome. 3 of us took a cruise around North Carolina and stopped at a strip mall in Edenton for a food break. A woman came over and just could not get over the fact that 3 DeLoreans had shown up in her quiet little city. I let her sit in my car (which she did....several times over the two hours or so we were there) while her kids took her picture. She stayed for quite some time, mostly just staring in awe. It was too cool.

[iflights]

So I stop for lottery tickets today at a retailer (ok, liquor store) I had not planned to stop at. Moments later a car parks next to me and a young man gets out and tells me that his father died an hour ago. He went on to share that he and his father used to watch all the BTTF movies together, and this was his all-time favorite car.

He just stood looking at the car and cried. He said thank you and stated it had to be a sign, turned and went into the store. After sharing that experience with him I was too moved to do anything else but go home.