The DeLorean Time Machine: A Car That Made Movie History

When Back to the Future roared into theaters in 1985, audiences weren’t just introduced to a great story — they met one of the most unforgettable cars in cinematic history: the DeLorean time machine. Sleek, stainless steel, and strikingly futuristic, it instantly became a pop culture icon. The moment Doc Brown rolled it out of that truck and sent Marty McFly hurtling through time, movie magic — and automotive history — were made. 

A Bold Design Meets Movie Magic

Long before its Hollywood debut, the DeLorean DMC-12 was already a car that turned heads. Created by former GM executive John DeLorean, the DMC-12 was meant to redefine the modern sports car. Its brushed stainless-steel body, distinctive gull-wing doors, and angular lines gave it a space-age look that stood out against anything else on the road.

When filmmaker Robert Zemeckis and his creative team were searching for a time machine that looked both believable and otherworldly, the DeLorean was the obvious choice. With its metallic sheen and sci-fi silhouette, it didn’t just fit the part — it became the part. Once equipped with the flux capacitor, glowing time circuits, and that fiery trail left behind after every jump through time, the DeLorean transcended its engineering roots. It became more than just a vehicle — it became a symbol of imagination, adventure, and the limitless possibilities of the future.

The Most Iconic Cars in Film History, Ranked

While Hollywood’s biggest stars take home the Oscars, we think some of the most award-worthy icons of the silver screen ride on four wheels. From time-traveling DeLoreans to muscle cars with serious attitude, these vehicles often steal the spotlight—becoming characters in their own right. But which movie cars are truly the most legendary, unforgettable, and flat-out cool?

The team at Speedway Motors set out to answer that question with their definitive ranking of cinema’s most famous cars—from the Back to the Future DeLorean and the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off Ferrari to pop culture favorites like the hilariously over-the-top Wagon Queen Family Truckster from National Lampoon’s Vacation.

Buckle up for a ride through movie history and see how your favorites ranked. You might be surprised by how many of these famous cars call Volo Museum home!

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Behind the Scenes: Building a Legend

Transforming the DeLorean into a functioning movie prop was a feat of creativity and craftsmanship. The production team worked tirelessly to balance realism with spectacle. Engineers, model builders, and special effects artists collaborated to make the car look like it truly could manipulate time.

In total, three main DeLorean time machines were built for the trilogy, each one serving a unique purpose. One was used for close-up shots and dialogue scenes, another was modified for stunts, and a third was later adapted for the flying sequences seen in Back to the Future Part II. Every knob, cable, and blinking light was purposefully designed — not just to impress, but to tell a story. The mix of analog tech and futuristic fantasy perfectly captured the 1980s spirit of innovation and optimism.

Fans may recall that even the car’s famous “88 miles per hour” threshold became part of pop culture vocabulary — a number forever etched into the minds of anyone who ever dreamed of time travel.

A Legacy That Travels Through Time

Nearly forty years later, the DeLorean time machine remains one of the most beloved and recognizable movie vehicles ever built. It appears at conventions, film festivals, museums, and fan events around the world — often greeted with the same awe it inspired in 1985.

The DeLorean’s appeal lies in more than nostalgia; it represents the boundless creativity of filmmakers and the enduring dream of breaking free from time itself. It’s a tangible reminder that movie magic isn’t just about special effects — it’s about imagination made real through design, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

See One in Person

For those who’ve ever wanted to stand beside the car that made cinematic history, the Volo Museum offers that rare opportunity. An authentic, high-quality DeLorean time machine — built by a Universal Studios–approved fabricator — is proudly on display. Every element, from the glowing flux capacitor to the intricate dashboard wiring, has been recreated with screen-used precision.

Visitors can step close, peer into the cockpit, and feel the electric thrill of one of film’s greatest inventions. Whether you grew up watching Back to the Future or are discovering it for the first time, standing next to the DeLorean feels like stepping inside the movie itself — one thrilling moment at 88 miles per hour.

Fun Facts:

• The DeLorean time machine debuted in Back to the Future (1985), becoming a pop culture icon.
• Designed by John DeLorean, the DMC-12 featured a stainless-steel body and gull-wing doors.
• Filmmaker Robert Zemeckis chose the DeLorean for its futuristic look, enhancing the film's time travel theme.
• Three DeLorean time machines were built for the trilogy, each serving different filming purposes.
• The car's design combined analog tech with futuristic elements, reflecting 1980s innovation and optimism.
• The phrase "88 miles per hour" became a cultural reference linked to time travel.
• The DeLorean remains a beloved movie vehicle, appearing at conventions and events worldwide.
• Visitors can see a replica DeLorean time machine at the Volo Museum, crafted with screen-accurate details.