Re: THINK - Ideas for a "new" DeLorean?

["funkymcfly" <danielpwillis@xxxx>]

Okay here's an idea,

First we have a steel backbone chassis. Then we put a glassfibre 
underbody that sits on top of the chassis - with maybe only a couple 
of bolts so the whole thing can be lifted at will (you know, for easy 
maintenance). Then we drop a torquey V6 in the rear (the best place 
for an engine, look where Porsche are!) mated to a strong industry 
standard 5-speed box (or a an auto option for the crusiers). Okay - 
here's the clever bit... we bolt (yep, bolt) stainless steel panels 
to the plastic underbody? Yessery! They could be painted if necessary 
but let's say for the moment that we "brush" them! Yeah, then if they 
get scratched or damaged we could then repair them ourselves! Easy 
maintenance and no paint-fade over the years!
Right what else? Connely leather inside and only two seats - proper 
sports car!
Oh and the gimmick... let's do the doors. Lamborghini has butterfly 
doors but they have the history there... what could we do? Oh how 
about Gullwings? They've not had a long run on any particular car 
have they? Plus they'd look amazing! Let's do that.

I'm sure there is plenty else we could do (no power steering as it'll 
be more of a drivers car) but I think the idea is sound!

Opinions anyone?

;o)

Dan - Vin#5641

--- In doc-uk@xxxx, "Stian Birkeland" <delorean@xxxx> wrote:
> 
> 
> If the DeLorean were to be re-produced (same styling), then it 
would be possible to offer a "cheaper" DeLorean without the expensive 
stainless steel panels. Someone at some time suggested fibreglass 
panels (painted) as one possibility in order to make variations of 
the car but based on the same platform.
> 
> But now, there are another material that could be of interest - its 
called Thermoplastic here in Norway.
> 
> Its being used in the production of the Norwegian(!) Electricity 
Car - THINK! 
> Although the styling is not of a sports car, the car has actually 
been designed by LOTUS in England!
> 
> Go to: www.think.no for more info!
> 
> THINK is now owned by Ford Motor Company, and I believe they have 
started to sell THINKs in California already.
> 
> The advantage of thermoplastic is that it is a solid, strong, re-
usable and environmental friendly material. Also, it can take a 
beating. I remember a commercial for THINK where they hit the front 
fender with a hammer! No damage! Believe it or not!
> 
> So - let this be a suggestion to DMC Houston (they do have all the 
spare parts and are the only ones that have the opportunity to make a 
new DeLorean if there is a market for it). I think that as time goes 
by, more people would want a "new" model 2001 based on the 1981 
DeLorean. DMC Houston has the mold for the glassfibre underbody, and 
panels made out of thermoplastic would be cheap to produce. Hey, 
maybe you could use the glassfibre underbody mold to make an 
underbody of another composite material ( Kevlar/carbonfibre comes to 
mind). This would all make the car very light-weight, which in turn 
would make the car faster, even with the standard PRV-V6.
> 
> My suggestion are open and free for anyone to use :-)
> Opinions please! E-mail me privately :-)
> 
> Best wishes
> Stian Birkeland
> Norway
> 
> VIN # 06759