Porsche engines in a DeLorean...American subculture

[Senatorpack@xxxx]

Well said Matt. I'm still waiting for someone to install a rear seat, and 
diesel engine.

The law of diminishing returns...the classic or customized car. The cost 
to perform a total restoration Vs the cost to swap this and that part, and 
reengineer a car is a tough choice to make. Is either way the correct way? 
Who knows?

Concepts Vs Limitations
The current "Fast & the Furious" trend or fad, is to create a highly 
individualistic, distinctive car out of a mass marketed, high volume model 
from one of the global manufactures. These car owners strive for perfection. 
These "customizes" are fulfilling their needs, by creating their own personal 
view & belief of what car should or shouldn't be. There are many magazines, 
aftermarket parts companies, fashions, music, movies, books, an entire 
subculture built on customizing cars. (The DeLorean history buffs will 
recognize that history is again repeating itself, as this subculture was his 
inspiration during the 1950s and swinging 1960s)

When a car is designed the possibilities & concepts are put on paper. 
Various sketches and ideas are conceptualized. However, when the car is 
actually engineered and final decisions are made, the limitations of the car, 
such as top speed, handling, acceleration, braking, etc., etc., come to 
fruition. Ideas have to wait, concepts put on hold, limits for a myriad of 
reasons are established.

The difference between the possibilities & concepts of a new car, and the 
actual limitations that technology, money, time, can fulfill brings fourth 
competition. The competition from other manufactures to produce a car that 
is faster, better handling, has better safety features, etc., etc. Sure the 
engineers that designed the DeLorean wanted the DMC-12 to out pace a 911, out 
handle a Ferrari, have the competitive pedigree of a Mercedes Benz. You know 
the story, Viper Vs Corvette, 911 Vs NSX, etc., etc. 

DeLorean Vs the competition
The final result of those engineering limitations and concepts is what 
the consumer is going to purchase and enjoy...or purchase and regret. There 
were many that praised the DMC for everything it was, and there were many who 
criticized the car for everything it should have been or criticized it for 
everything it could be. Perfection is and always has been elusive. 
However, disappointment & dissatisfaction can inspire someone to 
accomplish the unthinkable, the unreachable, or unobtainable. As the old 
adage "to build a better mouse trap." I guess this is what inspired JZD when 
he created the DMC.

Many competing exotic car manufactures have built or are currently 
offering a better mouse trap, with the luxury, performance, styling, agility, 
pedigree, etc., etc. In 1981 to purchase a car that was faster, handled 
better, etc., than the DeLorean, you didn't have to look far. There were 
plenty of cars during the DeLoreans development period that were faster, 
better handling, "burned rubber at every stop light" sounded better, had 
better materials, etc., etc.

Many buyers looked at a DeLorean, test drove it, decided if it was 
suitable for their needs and made a purchasing decision. If their 
performance, rear seat, or perception needs were not met, they looked at 
different models from different manufactures. If the buyer wanted a car with 
a rear seat, or a car with a diesel engine, they purchased a car with those 
attributes. Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche, etc., anticipated the demand of the 
market and offered a car less expensive than their flagship models, 
Bora/Merak, Ferrari 308s with Fiberglass bodies, and the less expensive 
Porsche 944.

Rocket Science
For the money that you would spend after all is said & done, customizing 
and personalizing, you will triple or quadruple the cost of a very nice 
DeLorean...and it is still a DeLorean.
Yes,...the DeLorean is highly recognizable since it was in Back to the 
Future, however when someone drives "Magnum Pi's car" the same response is 
heard. 
There are plenty of faster cars, with more pedigree, class, better 
handling, in the $25-$30,000 range such as the NSX, 911, Esprit, Merak or 
Ferrari.
Besides, those old cars from the 40s, 50s, & 60s that were kept original 
or restored to factory original condition are worth more today that when new. 
Spend your money wisely, as you can buy another marque that fulfills your 
needs. 

Best Wishes,
Michael