By
Mark Elias
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Updated
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Cars touched by a visionary could be yours today with a visit to Hemmings.com
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John Zachary DeLorean is probably best known for the eponymously named DeLorean DMC-12 gull-wing sports coupe introduced in 1981. But there is much more to his story than just being the father of a stainless-steel movie car. He started his automotive career with a brief stint at Chrysler before heading across town to Packard where he gained the attention of his bosses by engineering improvements to the Ultramatic automatic transmission. Following Packard’s merger with Studebaker, he considered moving to South Bend, Indiana, until a call from General Motors brass changed his plans by offering him a position at any of GM’s five divisions.
It’s a good thing he left South Bend and headed to the Motor City, otherwise, there’s no telling if there would have been a Pontiac GTO, Tempest, Firebird or Grand Prix. And we can’t forget the Chevrolet Camaro, Cosworth Vega, Chevelle, or Monte Carlo. And of course, there was the DeLorean DMC-12 that went on to fame and fortune via a movie cameo. There were even a few that were never made, including the Pontiac Banshee, which was “binned” because GM officials thought it might cannibalize sales of the company’s flagship performance car, the Corvette.
John DeLorean passed away at age 80 in March 2005. Luckily, his legacy carries on thanks to efforts by his daughter, Katherine DeLorean Seymour, who provided valuable information to Hemmings.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda. Don’t put off buying a piece of automotive history. Whether it’s a Packard, Pontiac, Chevrolet, or DeLorean, you can buy many examples available for sale today onHemmings.com.
1969 Pontiac Grand Prix
This Pontiac personal-luxury coupe is an extremely rare example of the 1969 Grand Prix. From a total production run of 112,486 copies, this is one of 287 models equipped with a matching number 350-horsepower Pontiac 400 cubic-inch V8 and Muncie four-speed manual transmission. According to industry insiders, the Grand Prix was John DeLorean’s concept and included innovations like a wrap-around dashboard with center console, a windshield-embedded radio antenna and flush door handles. For those who like to brag, owners of the ‘69 GP could boast of the longest hood in the industry.
1969 Pontiac Firebird H.O.
John DeLorean ordered the original H.O. as a Firebird-based “Z/28 Killer,” and it was legendary. This restored and modified 1969 Pontiac Firebird started out as a 1969 Firebird H.O. The factory build sheet listed a 350-cu.in. V8. But the badging on this ‘bird says it’s now a 400. This example features a four-speed manual transmission for added driving excitement. The interior is in blue vinyl which was period-correct for this model and includes seatbelts for added safety. There are also power brakes and power steering for added driver confidence. This Peach is currently spending its time in Atlanta, Georgia.
1970 Pontiac GTO Judge
This 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge is a great example of a nearly original Polar White model. John DeLorean started by making the GTO an optional package on the Pontiac LeMans. In 1968, “The Judge” appeared and was improved upon with a 400 cubic inch Ram Air III option. This mid-level package offered 366-horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. It is matched to a four-speed Muncie M20 transmission with Hurst T-bar shifter. According to reports, Pontiac built only 51 GTO Judge models with black rear deck spoilers. All were white cars, the only official color offered with black spoilers. The interior could use some TLC, but with factory A/C and an 8-track tape player, you’ll not only stay cool but have a way to play those old jams that have been tucked away in a shoebox in your attic. Yes, we know you kept those 8-tracks.
1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
This 1972 A-body Monte Carlo Restomod features a Chevy RAMJET 350 (5.7-liter) fuel-injected V8 crate engine with 4-speed automatic transmission. This example features a nicely sorted interior complete with air conditioning, upgraded analog/digital gauges and Kenwood audio system with SiriusXM capabilities. DeLorean had a fascination with European cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO as inspiration for the Pontiac GTO, and the Mercedes-Benz 450 SL and tried to carry their influences over to the General with long noses and short tails. Did he succeed? You be the judge. Still, this very clean restomod includes modern features and comfort items that update it nicely.
1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega
In 1970, DeLorean wanted to make the 78-horsepower Chevrolet Vega into a performer. Cosworth Engineering in the UK had the solution, resulting in a 122 cubic-inch (2.0-liter) inline four-cylinder with aluminum block and head. The 110-hp / 107 lb-ft of torque engines were hand-built in GM’s Tonawanda, NY engine plant. A total of 3,508 cars were made; this is number 1225. This example is a survivor car with 33,913 original miles on the clock. It is complete with a four-speed manual transmission, Bendix electronic fuel injection, stainless steel headers and gold Cosworth Vega wheels. The interior is in nice shape. One of the original pocket rockets, this one is ready for takeoff in Orwigsburg, PA.
1981 De Lorean DMC-12
This 1981 DMC-12 two-seat rear-engine sports car from John DeLorean’s De Lorean Motor Company (DMC) is a pristine example of what might be one of the most famous cars in the world, thanks to a future-thinking movie that you may have heard of. With a body by Giugiaro, it featured gull-wing doors and elegant looks. From January 1981 to December 1983, approximately 9,600 units were built. At first, DeLorean considered the Wankel Rotary engine to power his dream car. Prototypes were fitted, but it was a short-lived experiment. So, too, the Ford Cologne V6. Several other choices were tried but DeLorean finally settled on the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) engine, which was reconfigured in the DMC-12 from mid- to rear-engine placement. This model has a beautiful interior and includes the PRV V6 engine with a five-speed transmission and 54,955 miles on the odometer. It’s currently living the good life in Beverly Hills, Calif., but would love to follow you home in a heartbeat.
