We sit down and chat with Matt Stone about his new book, which can be ordered through our affiliate link https://amzn.to/3zdwpOr
DeLorean: The Rise, Fall, and Second Acts of the DeLorean Motor Company
Glory, scandal, downfall, fame, and rebirth—discover the captivating saga of John Z. DeLorean, the maverick auto industry titan responsible for the stainless-steel-bodied, gull-winged sports car immortalized in “Back to the Future.”
The tale you thought you knew: In DeLorean: The Rise, Fall, and Second Acts of the DeLorean Motor Company, auto journalist and author Matt Stone recounts the life and career of John Z. DeLorean, from his influential tenure at General Motors, where he played a pivotal role launching the Pontiac GTO and igniting the ’60s muscle car phenomenon, to the founding in 1975 of the DeLorean Motor Company and its 1981 launch of the now-iconic sports car bearing his name.
Despite its American roots, the DeLorean Motor Company’s story weaves together a fascinating blend of Italian design, British financial backing, and a purpose-built factory in politically charged Belfast. The story takes a dramatic turn beginning in 1982, as DeLorean is ensnared in a drug sting, leading to the company’s bankruptcy. Though John DeLorean was ultimately acquitted, the original DMC was done too soon. After his Los Angeles drug-trafficking trial, John DeLorean dedicated the rest of his life to resurrecting his car, reputation, and company – albeit with limited success.
Unexpectedly, the DeLorean car gained a new following based on its starring role in the 1985 blockbuster “Back to the Future” and its two sequels. Since DMC’s bankruptcy in 1982, various entities have persistently sought to revive the brand for modern times, today’s marketplace, and new audiences. Rather than consignment to the dustbin of automotive obscurity, the DeLorean has achieved pop-culture status and remains well recognized, with growing appreciation today.
In DeLorean, misconceptions about the iconic DMC are dispelled, revealing the accurate and comprehensive tale. Author Matt Stone delves deep into the car’s design, development, engineering, and the intriguing missteps encountered during production. The book is richly illustrated with archival design photos from Italdesign—many never before published—alongside period ads and contemporary images. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, automotive historian, or a pop-culture aficionado, this journey promises an intriguing and enjoyable ride.
Matt Stone (Camarillo, CA), former executive editor of Motor Trend magazine, has been a professional automotive journalist and photographer since 1985. He is the award-winning author and photographer of several books, including Motorbooks’ best-selling 365 Cars You Must Drive, McQueen’s Machines, McQueen’s Motorcycles, Hot Rod Empire, and The IROC Porsches. He is the co-author, with Preston Lerner of Winning: The Racing Life of Paul Newman and History’s Greatest Automotive Mysteries, Myths, and Rumors Revealed.
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