If you’ve ever wondered what is the car in back to the future, you’re not alone. The iconic time-traveling vehicle in *Back to the Future* is a modified 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, famously equipped with a flux capacitor. This stainless steel sports car became a symbol of 80s pop culture and scientific adventure.
Its gull-wing doors and futuristic modifications captured the imagination of an entire generation. For many, it’s the most famous movie car of all time. This article will tell you everything about this legendary vehicle, from its real-world origins to its cinematic legacy.
We’ll look at why the DeLorean was chosen, how it was transformed, and where you can see it today.
What Is The Car In Back To The Future
The car is, without question, a DeLorean DMC-12. But its journey from a failed commercial automobile to a time machine is a fascinating story. Director Robert Zemeckis and producer Steven Spielberg made a deliberate choice that shaped the film’s identity.
The car’s unique appearance was central to the plot. It needed to look like it could be a time machine, even before Doc Brown’s modifications. The stainless steel body and unconventional design made it perfect.
Here are the core specifications of the base vehicle used in the films:
- Manufacturer: DeLorean Motor Company (DMC)
- Model: DMC-12
- Model Year: 1981
- Body Style: 2-door gull-wing coupe
- Exterior Material: Brushed stainless steel panels
- Original Engine: PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.85L V6
- Original Power Output: Approximately 130 horsepower
The car’s performance in reality was often critiqued as underwhelming. However, in the world of the film, its look was everything. It represented a vision of the future that was already nostalgic by the 1980s.
The Reason Behind Choosing The DeLorean
Production designer Lawrence G. Paull and concept artist Ron Cobb are credited with the initial idea. They needed a vehicle that would look instantly out of place in different time periods. A car from the ’50s or ’60s would blend in too easily in those eras.
The DeLorean, with its unpainted stainless steel and space-age doors, looked like an alien object in 1955 Hill Valley. This visual contrast was crucial for comedy and storytelling. Doc Brown even explains this in the film, stating, “The way I see it, if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?”
Another practical consideration was the gull-wing doors. They provided a dramatic and memorable way for characters to enter and exit the vehicle. The doors also contributed to the machine’s perceived technological advancedness.
Interestingly, the car was not the first choice. Early script discussions mentioned a refrigerator as the time machine. This idea was wisely abandoned for safety reasons, making the DeLorean the perfect alternative.
Key Modifications For Time Travel
The stock DeLorean was just a shell. The magic came from the modifications added by the movie’s special effects team. These changes turned an ordinary car into the Time Machine.
Each addition had a purpose, either for the plot or for visual effect. The modifications evolved slightly between the first film and its sequels.
The Flux Capacitor
This is the heart of the time machine. As Doc Brown yells, “It’s what makes time travel possible!” The device was a custom-built prop with glowing tubes and blinking lights installed between the driver and passenger seats.
It was powered by plutonium in the first film and later by Mr. Fusion. The iconic look was created by special effects supervisor Kevin Pike. The name itself is pure fiction but sounds scientifically plausible, which added to the film’s charm.
External Time Circuit Displays
Mounted on the rear deck were three clear displays showing the destination time, present time, and last time departed. These used vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) technology, which looked futuristic in 1985.
The numbers flipping as the car traveled through time became a signature visual. The displays were practical props that actually worked on set, controlled by a hidden technician.
Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor
Introduced in *Back to the Future Part II*, this device replaced the need for plutonium. It was a humorous commentary on consumer convenience, allowing the time machine to be fueled by household waste.
The prop was built from a Krups coffee grinder and other kitchen appliance parts. It was mounted on the car’s rear deck, right behind the driver’s side window.
Wormhole Generator And Hover Conversion
For the 2015 sequences in Part II, the DeLorean received its most dramatic upgrade: the ability to fly. The hover conversion included the following changes:
- Removal of the wheels, which would retract into the wheel wells.
- Addition of hover ducts where the wheels previously were.
- New “Floating” suspension achieved with wires and clever camera work.
- A new white and grey color scheme for the 2015 version.
The wormhole generator was the large, finned unit attached to the car’s hood. It helped create the temporal displacement field needed for time travel in the future.
The Real-World History Of The DeLorean DMC-12
To fully appreciate the movie car, you need to understand the real car’s story. The DeLorean was the dream of John DeLorean, a former General Motors executive. He aimed to create an ethical sports car with timeless design.
Production was based in Northern Ireland, thanks to British government incentives. The car featured a fiberglass underbody with a stainless steel exterior that never required painting. However, the company faced numerous problems from the start.
- Initial quality control issues and performance below expectations.
- Financial difficulties and allegations of fraud involving John DeLorean.
- The company went bankrupt in 1982 after producing about 9,000 cars.
Ironically, the film’s release in 1985 saved the DeLorean from obscurity. It created a lasting cult following and a strong aftermarket for the remaining vehicles. Today, the car is remembered more for its Hollywood role than its original intent.
Where Are The Movie Cars Now?
Several DeLoreans were used during the filming of the trilogy. Some were “hero” cars for close-up shots, while others were stunt or road-use cars. Their fates vary, but a few are on public display.
The most famous surviving car is the “A” car, or the primary hero car from the first film. It was meticulously restored by Universal Studios and is now a centerpiece of the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Another notable vehicle is the hover-converted DeLorean from Part II. It was also restored and is often displayed at fan conventions and special exhibitions. If you want to see one, checking the Petersen Museum’s collection is your best bet.
Some privately owned DeLoreans have been converted by fans to look like the time machine. These replicas are often seen at car shows and pop culture events, keeping the legend alive.
Building Your Own Replica
The popularity of the time machine has spawned an entire industry for replica parts. If you own a DeLorean or are thinking about it, you can convert it into a surprisingly accurate time machine.
The process involves both cosmetic and functional add-ons. It’s a popular project for enthusiasts who want to own a piece of movie history.
Here are the typical steps involved in a conversion:
- Source a stock 1981-1983 DeLorean DMC-12. The condition can vary, as you will be modifying it extensively.
- Acquire a replica flux capacitor kit. These are available from specialty vendors and include the housing, lights, and electronics.
- Install the external time circuit displays on the rear deck. These are often functional LED units that can be programmed.
- Add the nuclear reactor chamber (for Part I style) or Mr. Fusion (for Part II/III style) to the rear.
- Apply the correct decals, including the “OUTATIME” license plate and flux capacitor labels.
Complete kits can be purchased, but the work requires mechanical and electrical skill. It’s a significant investment, but for many fans, it’s the ultimate tribute.
Cultural Impact And Legacy
The Back to the Future DeLorean transcended its role as a movie prop. It became a symbol of innovation, adventure, and the promise of technology. Its image is instantly recognizable around the world.
The car has appeared in countless other media forms, from TV shows to video games. It is frequently referenced in discussions about time travel and 80s nostalgia. The design has influenced how futuristic vehicles are portrayed in film.
Perhaps its greatist legacy is inspiring interest in science and engineering. The blend of recognizable car parts with fictional science made technology feel accessible and exciting. It showed that invention could be fun.
Every year, fans celebrate “Back to the Future Day” on October 21, 2015, the date Marty McFly traveled to in the second film. DeLorean owners and replica builders gather, ensuring the car’s story continues for new generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Back to the Future car.
What Kind Of Car Is In Back To The Future?
The vehicle is a modified DeLorean DMC-12. The specific model year used for the hero cars was 1981. It is a rear-engine, two-seater sports car with gull-wing doors.
Why Did They Use A DeLorean For The Time Machine?
The filmmakers chose the DeLorean because its stainless steel body and unique design made it look like it could be a time machine. It also looked conspicuously out of place in the 1950s, which was important for the story. Its gull-wing doors added to the dramatic effect.
How Many DeLoreans Were Used In The Movies?
Approximately seven DeLorean cars were used across the three films. These included primary hero cars for close-ups, stunt cars for crashes and special effects, and a dedicated car for the flying sequences in Part II. Not all of them survived filming intact.
Can A Real DeLorean Fly?
No, a real DeLorean cannot fly. The flying effects in *Back to the Future Part II* were achieved using wires, scale models, and early digital compositing. There have been conceptual projects and jokes about building a flying version, but no functional hover-converted DeLorean exists.
What Happened To The Original Movie Cars?
The main hero car from the first film is on permanent display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Another key car from Part II is also in their collection. Other cars are owned by private collectors or were damaged during production and dismantled for parts.