The DeLorean DMC-12 is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of retro-futurism and pop culture nostalgia, thanks to its starring role in the Back to the Future trilogy. With its stainless steel body, gull-wing doors, and futuristic design, the DeLorean has captivated car enthusiasts and collectors alike for decades. While production of the DeLorean ceased in 1982, its legacy lives on, and many car lovers seek vehicles that capture the same unique spirit and design.
In this article, we will explore cars similar to the DeLorean, from classic vehicles with retro designs to modern cars inspired by futuristic aesthetics. Whether you’re a collector or simply a fan of unique vehicles, this list will introduce you to some fantastic alternatives that share the DeLorean’s iconic appeal.
Top Cars Similar to DeLorean
While the DeLorean remains a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, there are several cars that share similar design elements, futuristic aesthetics, or retro appeal. Here are some top contenders:
1. Lotus Esprit (1976–2004)
- Design Similarities: The Lotus Esprit is a sleek sports car with sharp angles and a futuristic look, much like the DeLorean. Its low-profile, wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights make it visually reminiscent of the DeLorean’s 80s-era design.
- Performance: Unlike the DeLorean, which had modest performance, the Esprit was built for speed. With its lightweight design and turbocharged engine options, the Lotus Esprit offered exhilarating performance, especially in later models.
- Collectibility: The Lotus Esprit is a highly sought-after car among collectors, particularly the Turbo variants. It has appeared in several James Bond films, further cementing its status as a cult classic.
2. Bricklin SV-1 (1974–1975)
- Design Similarities: The Bricklin SV-1 is often compared to the DeLorean due to its gull-wing doors and wedge-shaped design. Like the DeLorean, it has a distinct, futuristic look that was ahead of its time.
- Performance: The SV-1 was available with both AMC and Ford V8 engines, providing significantly more power than the DeLorean’s V6 engine. However, it shared similar reliability issues, contributing to its short production run.
- Collectibility: The Bricklin SV-1 is a rare find today, with only about 3,000 units ever produced. Its unique design and limited availability make it an attractive option for collectors of retro-futuristic cars. More details can be found on Hemmings Classic Car Auction.
3. BMW M1 (1978–1981)
- Design Similarities: The BMW M1 shares the same low-slung, angular design language as the DeLorean. While the M1 lacks gull-wing doors, its aggressive styling and iconic 80s aesthetics make it a close match for DeLorean fans.
- Performance: The BMW M1 was a supercar in every sense of the word. Powered by a 3.5L inline-six engine, it was capable of reaching speeds of up to 162 mph. This places it in a much higher performance category than the DeLorean, which was more style-focused than speed-focused.
- Collectibility: With only 453 units produced, the BMW M1 is one of the rarest and most collectible sports cars from the 1980s. For more on this, check out BMW M1 history on MotorTrend.
4. Toyota 2000GT (1967–1970)
- Design Similarities: While the Toyota 2000GT predates the DeLorean, its sleek, low-profile design and long, flowing lines evoke the same kind of futuristic elegance. It was Toyota’s attempt to create a supercar, and its iconic status in the world of classic cars is well-earned.
- Performance: The 2000GT was powered by a 2.0L straight-six engine, which delivered respectable performance for its time. It wasn’t a speed demon, but its handling and balance were often praised.
- Collectibility: The Toyota 2000GT is now one of the most expensive Japanese cars ever sold at auction, with some examples fetching over $1 million. Its rarity and connection to the James Bond film You Only Live Twice have made it a highly coveted collector’s item.
5. Mercedes-Benz C111 (1970)
- Design Similarities: The Mercedes-Benz C111 was an experimental car with a futuristic design that still looks ahead of its time today. With its wedge-shaped body, gull-wing doors, and striking orange paint, it could easily be mistaken for a close relative of the DeLorean.
- Performance: The C111 wasn’t just a design experiment; it was a testbed for various advanced technologies, including rotary engines and turbocharged diesel powerplants. While never meant for mass production, its top speed of over 180 mph made it an engineering marvel.
- Collectibility: The C111 remains a one-off prototype and is not available for purchase. However, its design and technological innovations have inspired generations of Mercedes-Benz engineers, and it remains a symbol of futuristic car design.
Retro-Inspired Modern Cars
Not all cars that resemble the DeLorean are from the past. Some modern vehicles take cues from the retro-futuristic designs of the 1980s, offering a blend of nostalgia and contemporary performance.
1. Tesla Cybertruck (2022)
- Design Similarities: The Tesla Cybertruck immediately drew comparisons to the DeLorean upon its unveiling. Its sharp, angular design, stainless steel exoskeleton, and overall futuristic appearance make it feel like a spiritual successor to the DeLorean.
- Performance: Unlike the DeLorean, the Cybertruck is a powerhouse. With all-electric powertrains that offer up to 500 miles of range and a 0-60 mph time of under 3 seconds, it’s a performance beast.
2. Polestar 2 (2020–present)
- Design Similarities: The Polestar 2 is a modern electric car with a clean, minimalist design that has echoes of retro-futurism. While not as angular as the DeLorean, its smooth lines and tech-forward interior give it a futuristic vibe that DeLorean fans may appreciate.
- Performance: The Polestar 2 offers strong electric performance, with up to 408 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of around 4.5 seconds. It blends sustainability with high performance, much like the DeLorean attempted to balance style with engineering.
- Collectibility: Being a relatively new car, it’s too early to gauge the Polestar 2’s long-term collectibility. However, its design and focus on technology could make it a future classic.
DeLorean in Pop Culture and Its Influence on Car Design
One of the primary reasons the DeLorean remains so iconic today is its deep connection to pop culture. The Back to the Future trilogy immortalized the car, making it an emblem of futuristic design and time travel. Its gull-wing doors, stainless steel body, and overall sci-fi aesthetic have inspired car designers and manufacturers for decades.
From the Tesla Cybertruck to BMW’s futuristic concepts, the DeLorean’s influence can be seen in cars that dare to challenge conventional design. Its legacy lives on in the world of automotive design, where car manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of what a car can look like. This influence has extended far beyond the 80s, shaping the direction of modern car aesthetics and engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What cars have gull-wing doors like the DeLorean?
Several cars have featured gull-wing doors similar to the DeLorean DMC-12. These include the Bricklin SV-1, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, and Tesla Model X. Each of these cars carries the distinctive and futuristic door design that sets them apart from traditional vehicles
Can I still buy a DeLorean today?
Yes, DeLoreans are available on the secondary market, particularly from collectors. Prices vary depending on the condition and modifications made to the car.
Conclusion
The DeLorean may be irreplaceable, but many cars capture elements of its iconic design, retro appeal, or futuristic aspirations. Whether you’re interested in classic vehicles like the Lotus Esprit and Bricklin SV-1 or modern marvels like the Tesla Cybertruck, there are plenty of options that embody the same bold, innovative spirit.
Sources
- Money Inc.
“20 Cars Similar to the DeLorean” – This article explores a variety of classic and retro cars that share design elements with the DeLorean, including the Toyota MR2, Saab Sonett III, and Ferrari 512BB.
Read moreMoney Inc - The Truth About Cars
“Bricklin SV-1 and DeLorean DMC-12: So Alike Yet So Different” – A detailed comparison between the DeLorean DMC-12 and the Bricklin SV-1, both iconic for their gull-wing doors and futuristic designs.
Read morethetruthaboutcars.com - Hagerty Media
“The DeLorean DMC-12 and Bricklin SV1 Have More in Common Than Gullwing Doors” – A deep dive into the similarities and differences between these two iconic cars, focusing on their designs, performance, and collectibility.
Read moreHagerty - Cheapism
“Unique Cars That We Would Like to See Again” – This article covers quirky, retro-futuristic cars like the Stout Scarab and BMW Isetta, drawing comparisons with the DeLorean’s distinct design.
Read moreCheapism - Carscoops
“What Car Would You Replace the DeLorean With in a Hypothetical Back to the Future Reboot?” – An exploration of modern alternatives to the DeLorean for a potential movie reboot, including the Fisker Karma.
Read moreCarscoops