By the time the DeLorean car made its film debut in 1985’s Back to the Future, it was already part of American history, a legendary futuristic car that had fallen victim to production problems and a financial disaster.
It is only fitting that filmmakers used it as a time machine, because The DeLorean was ahead of its time. And although the car has since been eclipsed by 21st century technology, the vehicle, as modified for the film, still may awe people who come to Auto Expo 2002 in Secaucus starting on Jan. 19.
The DeLorean will be on display at the Meadowlands Expo Center on Plaza Drive for two weekends, Jan. 19-20 and 26-27, and for Thursday, Jan. 24 and Friday, Jan. 25.
With its stainless steel surface and Bullwing doors that open upwards like rocket ship hatches, the car was an ideal choice for futuristic effect the movie sought. In fact, the car fit the film so well that many people thought it was designed as a prop. Yet for two or three years, the car had threatened to revolutionize the auto industry with its sharp angled, low-slung styling.
John DeLorean, the car’s creator, had a long history of successes in the auto industry, including the development of the equally legendary GTO series in the late 1960s.
While the DeLorean broke new ground as far as design, it also resisted some modern trends that its designer found faulty. The DeLorean – a vehicle with its engine in the rear instead of the front – maintained rear wheel drive at a time when other companies were shifting to front-wheel drive for their vehicles.
Although the car was introduced in 1977, it didn’t actually go into production until 1981, resulting in a massive increase in its cost, one of the contributing factors in the company’s eventual folding in October, 1982 after it had produced less than 9,000 cars. The dies to make the car were later dropped into the Atlantic Ocean, guaranteeing that no more cars could be made.
The car used in Back to the Future was modified to fit the futuristic needs of the film-makers and includes the installation of a converter that allows the film’s hero Marty – played by Michael J. Fox – to travel back to 1955, where his mother accidentally falls in love with him.
There were two sequels featuring the DeLorean as a time machine.
Batmobile and others to join in
For fans of more contemporary movie vehicles, the Batmobile from the 1992 film "Batman Returns" will be on site, and kids can meet the caped crusader live on Saturday and Sundays. Also for kids, the show will bring Tommy Pickles and Spongebob Squarepants from "The Rugrats" TV show.
For adults, racing simulators and major league sports stars will also be available such as Chris Chamblis and Roy White of the 1977-78 World Series New York Yankees, and New York Yankees 1960s outfielder Joe Pepitone and catcher Rick Cerone from the 1980s. Otis Anderson of the 1987 Superbowl-winning New York Giants will be there, as well as other New York Giants such as Joe Morris. The New York Jets will bring Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons to the show. Also featured is Ken Daneyko of the New Jersey Devils hockey team. Penthouse pets to appear at the show include Natalie Smith, Lavena Holmes and Linn Thomas.
The Secaucus Auto Expo, however, is most noted for its display of 2002 cars with more than 2000 cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles on the floor for people to look over. The show presents more than 100 after-market vendors who offer everything from miniature collectable cars to chamois butters, auto waxes and the latest style of wiper blades.
Show hours vary. On Saturday Jan. 19, the show is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. On Jan. 20 it’s open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Jan. 24 to 25, it’s open from 5 to 10 p.m. On Jan. 26, it’s open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Jan. 27 it’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12 years old, and toddlers four or younger are free.
For more information call (201) 223-1000. q