Re: [DML] John Delorean and Reliability.

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxx>]

While I know the Vega thread is dead, something in its first post bothers me. I want to set the record straight by pointing out evidence that John Z. DeLorean intensely disliked the Vega.

I believe that both his autobigraphy and "On a Clear Day you can See General Motors" mention how much he hated that car. He inherited the Vega project when he took the reigns of Chevy. JZD disliked the Vega engine and he disliked its name, both of which he claimed were
selected by corporate higher-ups.

In fact, I think that JZD's disagreements with GM over the Vega project were a major reason why he left. They did not like his attitude about the car and he did not like theirs.

William Sternbach's assertion that John DeLorean "introduced" the Vega might be technically correct, insofar as JZD was running Chevy when the Vega first hit showrooms. But by the time JZD formed his own company, I believe the Vega represented everything he disliked about
American cars. I think he wanted the DeLorean to be the Anti-Vega.

- Mike Substelny