Tuesday September 21, 9:04 pm Eastern Time DeLorean Files for Bankruptcy NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- Former automaker John Z. DeLorean was able to prevent the U.S. marshal's auction of his sprawling Bedminster estate by filing for bankruptcy protection. DeLorean, known for the stainless steel, gull-wing sports cars that bore his name, issued a statement that his Chapter 11 reorganization filing would allow him to develop his 434-acre Lamington Farm into two 18-hole golf courses and an equestrian center. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday. One of his chief creditors, his onetime lawyer Mayer Morganroth, told The Star-Ledger of Newark on Tuesday that the filing was an ``inappropriate'' ploy to buy time and would be challenged. A message left for Morganroth at his Michigan office was not immediately returned. He is trying to enforce a $7.5 million judgment against DeLorean for unpaid legal fees. DeLorean, 74, also owes about $11 million to Merrill Lynch Credit Corp.