DeLorean Motor Company (Texas)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Stephen Wynne |
| Headquarters | Humble, Texas , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Automotive parts, vehicle restoration, electric vehicles |
| Website | delorean |
DeLorean Motor Company—also known as Classic DMC—is a privately owned American automotive firm headquartered in Humble, Texas. Established in 1995 by Stephen Wynne, a mechanic originally from Liverpool, the company operates under the branding of the original defunct DeLorean Motor Company but lacks any direct corporate lineage. Its core business involves providing parts and services to DeLorean vehicle owners, encompassing maintenance, restoration, and the sale of NOS (new old stock), OEM, aftermarket, and replacement components.
After acquiring the remaining parts inventory of the original manufacturer, DeLorean Motor Company secured the trademark for the stylized "DMC" logo. It maintains an authorized dealership located in Orlando, Florida alongside a company-operated facility in Huntington Beach, California.
In 2022, the company announced its entry into electric vehicle manufacturing with the introduction of the DeLorean EV, an electric car inspired by the classic DMC-12. This initiative represents a strategic pivot from focusing solely on legacy parts sales to becoming a competitor in the electric sports car segment.
History
The original DeLorean Motor Company was established in 1975 by entrepreneur John DeLorean, commencing production in 1981 of a distinctive sports car noted for its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body panels. The firm declared bankruptcy and halted production in 1982. Nevertheless, the DeLorean’s prominent feature in the 1985 film Back to the Future helped maintain public interest. Stephen Wynne acquired leftover parts inventory and revived the brand name after the original company ceased operations, operating out of Houston, Texas.
In August 2007, Wynne revealed intentions to sell refurbished DeLoreans. At that point, assembling a vehicle using new original or reproduction parts combined with a donor car (to preserve an authentic 1980s title) cost around US$57,500. By 2019, prices for restored vehicles generally began at approximately US$50,000 depending on restoration quality and enhancements. DMC does not market unrestored cars; such models typically sell on the used market for about US$35,000 depending on condition.
On December 3, 2009, DMC collaborated with streetwear brand The Hundreds to release apparel including T-shirts and hats featuring updated DeLorean-themed graphics influenced by Los Angeles culture. This partnership also produced a special edition DeLorean wrapped in The Hundreds’ signature JAGS design, displayed at their flagship store in Los Angeles.
In November 2010, DMC teamed up with Nike to launch a limited-edition DeLorean Dunk sneaker. Approximately 1,000 pairs were produced with a retail price set at $90 each.
By October 2011, DMC announced plans to manufacture custom electric DeLoreans by 2013; however, progress was delayed pending regulatory clarity under the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015.
In October 2017, DMC expanded its product range into luxury accessories through the introduction of DMC Watches via a UK-based licensee. Two collections were released drawing inspiration from elements of DeLorean design.
Proposed new production
Following passage of the Low Volume Vehicle Manufacturing Act in 2015, DeLorean Motor Company declared intentions in 2017 to produce up to 300 new vehicles at an approximate rate of 50 units annually over six years. The anticipated retail price was estimated at $100,000 per car. However, regulatory approvals from agencies such as EPA and NHTSA were postponed until December 2019. As of October 2022, production plans remain indefinitely suspended.
In May 2022, DMC revealed its Alpha5 EV concept—an electric vehicle featuring gull-wing doors equipped with a 100kWh battery pack capable of delivering roughly 300 miles of driving range and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in about 2.99 seconds. The Alpha5 was slated for its official unveiling at Pebble Beach in August 2022.
Legal actions against the DeLorean Motor Company
In 2014, Sally Baldwin, widow of John DeLorean, initiated legal proceedings against DMC, alleging improper use of trademarks and asserting that her late husband's estate retained certain rights following the company's bankruptcy. The parties resolved the matter privately in 2015, with DMC obtaining authorization to utilize the DeLorean name, associated trademarks, and logo.
Baldwin pursued additional litigation in April 2018 aimed at securing royalty payments from Universal Studios connected to the Back to the Future film series. By October 2018, a U.S. District Court determined that the prior settlement had granted Universal licensing rights. This decision was affirmed by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2019.
On August 8, 2022, Karma Automotive LLC filed a lawsuit against DeLorean Motors Reimagined LLC in Texas. The suit alleges that former executives from Karma established Reimagined Automotive LLC with the intention of unlawfully appropriating a collaborative venture named Project 88 with DeLorean Motor Co. The complaint includes accusations of breach of contract, violations of fiduciary responsibilities, fraud, tortious interference, and theft of trade secrets.
Legal actions initiated by the DeLorean Motor Company
In 2021, DeLorean Motor Company took legal action against Ty DeLorean, a resident of Cornwall, who showcased a ‘DMC-21’ prototype at the British Motor Show purporting it as an authentic DeLorean model. The vehicle was a significantly altered Reliant Rialto designed to mimic the original DMC-12’s appearance, complete with gullwing doors and brushed aluminum finish. Ty DeLorean, previously known as Ben Grainger, claimed to be the illegitimate offspring of founder John Z. DeLorean. After losing in high court and being ordered to pay £20,000 in legal expenses, he pledged to continue pursuing his project and made various assertions including purported offers from the Taliban to manufacture the car. Subsequently, he absconded to Bali to evade legal charges.
In 2022, DeLorean Motor Company filed suit against NBCUniversal over alleged unpaid royalties. The company maintained it was entitled to five percent of revenue generated from merchandising and commercial activities related to the Back to the Future franchise under their contractual agreement. NBCUniversal refuted these claims.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- American companies established in 1995
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1995
- 1995 establishments in Texas
- Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Texas
- Humble, Texas
- Re-established companies
- Companies based in Harris County, Texas
- John DeLorean
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- Companies of the United States by year of establishment