DeLorean Motor Company — Full Brand Guide 2026

Model Lineup 2026

Current DeLorean Motor Company vehicles and pricing as of 2026. Pricing reflects base MSRP before destination, taxes, and fees.

Prices exclude destination, taxes & fees. Verify at manufacturer website.

Electric Sports Car

Alpha5

TBD ~$100K+

Gull-wing EV · 4-seat · pre-prod

Heritage

DMC-12 (1981–82)

Used: $30K–$80K

Stainless body · PRV V6 · icon

Brand Overview

The original DeLorean Motor Company was founded by John DeLorean in 1975, producing the iconic DMC-12 in Belfast, Northern Ireland from 1981 to 1982 before bankruptcy. The car's stainless-steel body panels, gull-wing doors, and starring role in the Back to the Future film franchise made it a permanent piece of American automotive culture.

The Revival: A new DeLorean Motor Company entity was established in Texas around 2021. The revived company obtained federal low-volume manufacturer (LVM) status, allowing limited production without full FMVSS compliance. The Alpha5 — an all-electric spiritual successor to the DMC-12 — was unveiled in 2022 with target specs of ~483 hp and ~300 miles of range. Status as of 2026: Pre-production; delivery timelines have been subject to revision. Verify current status at delorean.com.

1981

Original DMC-12 Launch

100+

Alpha5 Reservations

483 hp

Revival Founded

2021

Revival Founded

Reliability

DeLorean Motor Company reliability varies by model and powertrain. Low-volume specialty manufacturers have less third-party reliability data than major OEMs — verified owner feedback and long-term durability data is limited. Verify with current Consumer Reports and J.D. Power ratings before purchasing.

Model / Config	CR Reliability	Powertrain	Build Quality	Primary Concerns
Alpha5 EV (pre-prod)	Too New	Too New	Not yet in production	Timeline delays; low-volume LVM status
DMC-12 (1981–82)	Below Avg	Below Avg	Fit & finish concerns documented	PRV V6 reliability; parts availability

Reliability ratings are editorial assessments based on available third-party data, owner reports, and published reviews as of 2026. Verify current ratings at Consumer Reports and J.D. Power before purchasing.

Recalls & Safety

Always check the current NHTSA recall database at nhtsa.gov/recalls using the VIN for your specific vehicle. The items below are representative of known actions — not a complete recall history.

Physical Recall1982

DMC-12 — Multiple NHTSA Actions

Original DMC-12 had several NHTSA safety-related actions during its production run covering fuel system, braking, and seatbelt components. For vintage vehicles, consult nhtsa.gov and specialist restoration shops.

Physical Recall2026

Alpha5 — N/A Pre-Production

No Alpha5 recalls as of 2026 — vehicle not yet in customer hands. Monitor nhtsa.gov/recalls after production commences.

Always Verify

Check nhtsa.gov/recalls with the specific VIN before purchasing any used DeLorean Motor Company vehicle. Recall status can change. Physical repairs require a dealer visit; OTA updates apply automatically if connected.

Latest Updates

2026

Alpha5 Production Timeline Update

DeLorean continues refining the Alpha5 timeline. Low-volume manufacturer status provides regulatory flexibility. Reservation holders advised to verify status directly with DeLorean Motor Company.

2025

Alpha5 Interior Reveal

Interior design and infotainment concept for the Alpha5 revealed. Features dual-screen layout and modern EV architecture while preserving heritage design cues.

2024

LVM Federal Approval

DeLorean Motor Company confirms low-volume manufacturer federal approval, enabling a path to limited US market deliveries without full FMVSS compliance.

2022

Alpha5 World Premiere

The Alpha5 electric concept is revealed to the public — featuring gull-wing doors, stainless-steel accents, and an estimated 300+ mile range target.

Competitor Comparison

How DeLorean Motor Company stacks up against direct competitors and alternatives in its segment.

Brand / Model	Starting Price	Power	Notable Edge	Reliability
DeLorean Alpha5	~$100K+ (est.)	483 hp · EV	Gull-wing heritage · LVM status	Too New
Porsche Taycan	~$93,400	402–938 hp · EV	Benchmark EV sports car · proven	Strong
Tesla Model S Plaid	~$89,990	1,020 hp · EV	Fastest accelerating production car	Mixed
Fisker Ocean	~$37,499 (bankrupt)	564 hp · EV	Bankrupt 2024 — not recommended	Poor
Lucid Air	~$69,900	410 hp · EV	Longest range EV · luxury segment	Mixed
DMC-12 (Used 1981–82)	$30K–$80K	130 hp · ICE	The original icon	Below Avg

Pricing and specs from manufacturer data and automotive press, 2026. Reliability ratings are editorial assessments — verify at Consumer Reports.

Buying Tips 2026

The revived DeLorean Alpha5 remains in pre-production as of 2026. Buyers placing reservations should treat this as a speculative commitment — LVM timelines for low-volume startups frequently shift. For buyers seeking the iconic DMC-12 experience today, a well-maintained original example from a specialist dealer with full service history is the practical choice. Original DMC-12 values have appreciated significantly driven by Back to the Future cultural status.

Before You Buy — Checklist

1. Verify current Alpha5 production timeline directly at delorean.com before placing any reservation deposit. 2. Understand LVM status means reduced regulatory compliance vs. full-volume manufacturers. 3. For original DMC-12 purchases: use a specialist DeLorean dealer and get a full pre-purchase inspection. 4. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls for any vintage DMC-12 safety actions. 5. Confirm parts availability — specialty suppliers exist but are limited.

FAQ

Is DeLorean making a new car?

Yes — the revived DeLorean Motor Company is developing the Alpha5, an all-electric sports car featuring gull-wing doors as a nod to the original DMC-12. As of 2026, the Alpha5 is in pre-production. Verify current delivery timeline at delorean.com.

What is the DeLorean Alpha5?

The Alpha5 is an all-electric 4-seat sports car with gull-wing doors, targeting approximately 483 hp and 300+ miles of EV range. It is being produced under federal low-volume manufacturer (LVM) status, allowing limited production with reduced regulatory requirements.

How much did the original DeLorean DMC-12 cost?

The DMC-12 originally sold for approximately $25,000 in 1981–1982. Adjusted for inflation, that's roughly $85,000–$90,000 today. Well-maintained original examples currently trade between $30,000 and $80,000+ depending on condition, mileage, and documentation.

Why did the original DeLorean go bankrupt?

DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy in 1982 following John DeLorean's arrest on drug trafficking charges (later acquitted), combined with overestimated demand, quality control issues, and a challenging UK manufacturing environment. Only approximately 9,200 units were ever produced.

Is the new DeLorean Motor Company related to John DeLorean?

The revived DeLorean Motor Company purchased the DeLorean trademark and brand rights. It is not directly controlled by the DeLorean family estate. The revival company is a private enterprise with the legal right to use the DeLorean name and associated intellectual property.

Sources

DeLorean Motor Company — delorean.com (2026)
NHTSA — nhtsa.gov/recalls
Automotive press — Motor Trend, Hagerty, Road & Track
Federal LVM program — NHTSA.gov

AmericanCarBrands.com is independent editorial research — not affiliated with DeLorean Motor Company or its parent company. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Pricing, specs, and information as of 2026 — verify at manufacturer website before purchasing.