Should Tesla have bought Delorean and built this car?

[@saramark4622]

Definitely the most worthy conversion so far. Turning what was a futuristic car of its day into what it should have always been, a pleasure to drive! Wouldn't it be great to see loads of little MG midget EV's in cities, BGT's cruising the back roads, and old Jaguar Mark 2's eating up the motorway miles. All powered by electricity. Definitely more interesting than the dull grey boxes we currently see.

[@iCampTV]

how much would it cost to own one, i only wish i could have one of that inexchange of PI 🙏

[@SwedishMeatball53]

I agree with you Sara - and MGB or TR6 with an EV motor would be great.

[@PlaidZoomer]

If Tesla bought DeLorean, they could make the best DeLorean ever with the cybertruck technology. It would be quick, fast ,practical, long range and durable. With the same steel exoskeleton it would stay true to the original design, unlike the new delorean that uses paint

[@PlaidZoomer]

@@alanmay7929 🤨

[@busog97641]

*Agreed!* I used to have a 1966 Ford Mustang until my parents gave it away, with my okay, before anyone started converting older cars to electric... now I do so regret that move.

[@ProjectCamper]

The sound of the motor really suits the DMC12, the best conversion ever for a Delorean, such a shame the technology wasn’t available back in the day. Its totally transformed my favourite car. Lovely.

[@macstar8317]

Not an EV fan but if ever there was a car that was perfect for a conversion the DeLorean is it. Nice job.

[@qbanz00]

The cyber truck

[@scubatrucker6806]

I agree❤

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

I've owned mine since July 2000. There have been some nice engine swaps...but EV is the only conversion that 100% fits the entire lore and ethos of the DMC-12. John Delorean HATED the weezy PRV. He would 100% have made it EV if he started the company today.

[@josephringling]

Very happy to see the Delorian truly “back to the future” with an EV. Doc & Marty would be proud!

[@MikeyRB77]

Despite DeLorean written dozens of times on this page, you spell it wrong. BRAVO. Regards, your high school English Teacher.

[@tannerhembree8966]

The car was not electric in the movie.

[@BritanniaMotorcycles]

I had a gull wing door on my Bond Bug. I got soaked getting in and out if it was raining.

[@ianwatson3315]

What a perfect car to turn into a EV

[@laurieharper1526]

I thought the same thing as I was watching.. Should last for ever with an under-stressed Tesla motor and stainless bodywork.

[@jimsouthlondon7061]

Please convert the 1989 Micheal Keaton Batmobile with the after burner and the grappling hook.Thanks

[@tony_25or6to4]

Definitely. The best conversions are ones that need a new drivetrain. The worst part of the Delorean was the drivetrain. Anti-EV people complain that conversions take away the soul of the car, but the Delorean's soul is in the look. The Delorean is the perfect conversion.

[@harrygregory6227]

thats the worst idea ever

[@silverghini2629]

@@harrygregory6227I can think of many more ideas that are worse than converting a DMC-12 to electric. 😆

[@user-neo71665]

The body was SS but everything under it that likes to rust is mild steel. They epoxy coated it but one chip and that allows water in. The epoxy starts flaking off and the subframes rust out.

[@andresilva8444]

I would have put stainless steel bullets instead of fake pipes where the exhaust used to live. If we're talking classic screen cars I'd have to say the K.I.T.T. (with the weird wobbly light in the front too).

[@chargeheadsuk]

Not seen anyone do an electric Kitt yet, however that would be epic 🤓⚡🙏

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

Or smiley faces need Lazer lights to 😁

[@pet219]

I came here to say KITT as well. DO IT!

[@andresilva8444]

@@pet219 great minds think alike

[@scottcarr3264]

Yeah, that would be awsome.

[@TheGramophoneGirl]

11:04 That is how a Delorean should look and sound when driving.

[@hmk..]

6:42 love the sound the rear bonnet makes when opened . great

[@joeg3950]

Absolute fun! Did you take it to 88 mph? 68 Ford Mustang GT, 80 Turbo Trans Am, 53 Sunbeam Alpine Mk1 (To Catch A Thief) beautiful car, so many!

[@JMGilberto]

John was given the Preston Tucker treatment. They entrapped the guy because going against the US car building titans with anything disruptive was like poking at the mafia. It's a shame. John gave us the Pontiac GTO, and a lot more. While debuting underpowered, one can only speculate what options might have come next, had the company survived. John liked performance cars. Giving one all the gigawatts is just totally appropriate.

[@netgnostic1627]

Very true, he was talking about twin turbos and intercooling. That could have regained the respect factor.

[@dclipper8052]

No, this is not wholly accurate. DeLorean was a willing participant in the coke thing. Moreover, he didn't care about the failing company at that point. He had already been draining its funds to line his and Colin Chapman's pockets. DeLorean was a scumbag.

[@dboboc]

That’s a bunch of crap, Tucker was at fault more than the big 3. People always love a conspiracy theory because to them the truth is boring.

[@garyferrari1366]

This conversation falls right into what Doc Brown would have done, you have brought it right back to the future

[@SwedishMeatball53]

There is a company now based in Houston TX that bought all the DeLorean inventory out of the receivership. They have been trying to manufacture the vehicle, currently they restore vehicles and over power improvements. This is another beautiful build by your craftsman. It would be nice if these converstions get closer to a 250 mile range. Here in the U.S. the infrastructure has not kept pace with the availability of EV’s. Another sunny day in Wales.

[@Sniffy1975]

Well another screen classic from the 80's is a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am as used in Knight Rider.. that would be an awesome EV conversion.

[@SumUnicus]

That engine was made between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo... PRV And sat in both the 760 and the 780. And it wasn't really a good engine. If got a little bit to hot (not even boiling) the cylinder linings lost the tightness to the block and started slowly to fall down. AND when they catch the crankshaft the engine sounds like it gonna totally blow up.

[@leonarddaneman810]

Both the DeLorean and Tesla were based directly off Lotus models. DeLorean even contracted a Lotus designer . . .

[@dennisschlieckau8723]

Lotus Frame was known as the “double Wishbone “ The dash board VIN plate was Painted a Matching color on later Production cars because of the reflection.

[@Sbrillo43]

delorean dmc-12 it's the most futuristic car ever for its time. It's very incredible.

[@ckafam]

It’s been said before, but my vote goes to the Citroen DS. There was one dressed as a taxi in Back to the Future 😉

[@rjung_ch]

I'd love one of those with the great suspension. 200kw or less would be more than enough for a fun car indeed.

[@sandersson2813]

I'd love an electric Saab 900 Aero Turbo

[@JP212nyc]

I was going to suggest the DS as well. Not only was it very futuristic, the creators were never happy with the actual engines that were fitted. It should have had a smooth V6, which Citroên didn't have at the time. Of course, a Tesla drive unit would be even smoother so I think a "DeS" would be the perfect combination of heaven.

[@pauljakeman]

Back to the future II 😉

[@4TheRecord]

It's amazing that this company still exists today and they've just started making the left fender as this was one of the parts they never had when the company originally went bust. So now they have all the parts for this vehicle and new dies to make more. With any luck they may start making new cars one day as it shouldn't be that difficult to scale this up to production. It would be a very popular car if sold today.

[@PaulM745]

During the oil crisis in the early 70s, Corvettes were given hopelessly under powered engines... Perhaps you could convert one of those?

[@sIightIybored]

To answer a question late, a conversion of one of the smaller MGs (B/midget), though maybe with a smaller lighter drive system than the massive Tesla stuff.

[@chipnerd]

What a great build, this really works on all levels. Just like to thank you for the nice chat we had at FoS last weekend, I’m the guy from the Netherlands asking about a conversion for the S1 Elise. Great stuff, keep up the good work!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Hi. Great to meet you at FOS. 😁👍

[@spudproductions7606]

Hi, great to talk to you at FOS. Keep us posted on developments with the S1. Greatest car ever made ( in my opinion) 👍👍😀😀

[@desh9121]

Love that idea makes better sense being able access hydro power generator plug up's not every place has or think about that as alternative.

[@Billy_Bull_Sheeter]

I was the Head designer on the delorean. I'm so proud of what we achieved On a budget of £26 quid.

[@mattikaki]

Nice car you have. BUT you told that PeRVo [(as we call it here in Finland (Peugeot Renault Volvo)] engine is a good one. I had one of them in my Volvo 760 GLA -88 and have had nothing but bad experiences. If your water hose breaks and you don’t stop the engine ASAP, the both of this V6 aluminium heads warp so badly that it’s impossible to machine them and you must buy a new heads. And this was exactly what happened to me. Actually it was cheap as I bought two used heads from Sweden which was 5200 FIM in the 90’s Finland what the repair shop billed me in total.

[@georgedaville4662]

I think this one was a natural for conversion Richard, subtle engineering mods to suspension, with the usual amazing packing of battery packs and drivetrain. Love the new dials, minimal alterations to the interior, the electrically opening doors are the coup d’état for the De Lorean. Well done to the team in producing this fabulous conversion. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿😎

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. 👍👍👍

[@Designer_TopG]

@@ElectricClassicCars short answer to your video question YES

[@statuescher]

If I won the Lottery I’d come to you with a classic Citroen DS. The engine never lived up to the futuristic styling and it would be the perfect conversion.

[@adam-g7crq]

Yep Delorean great ev conversion, love to see a Bond Bug converted to electric.

[@jamesfrench7299]

What a fantastic idea for the DMC-12. It took 40 years time travel into the future to achieve it. Not MrFusion but not bad.

[@zapfanzapfan]

If you plug 1.21 GW into it you recharge to 100% in 1/4 second... then make sure to pull the plug out fast... :-)

[@dclipper8052]

Neat project. I'd like to know what kind of weight balance the battery placement has yielded. Two criticisms: Those phony exhause tips need to go. And the cheesy off the shelf autometer gauges need to go along with them. This car deserves a custom designed gauge panel along the lines of the silkscreened original, which was actually really attractive and befitting the car.

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

I totally agree! Tesla powertrain is a perfect match for Delorean!

[@ZakiWasik]

Citroen SM would be a brilliant candidate for conversion!

[@cma71]

Saab 96 or the station wagon Saab 95 would be a cool classic cars electric conversion.

[@spudproductions7606]

Cool Saab’s 👍

[@gordonnesbitt2407]

Love these cars as a young man back in the day i fitted the engine and gearbox into them . With the extra power with the Tesla motor is the oversteer fixed .

[@ElectricClassicCars]

It handles a lot better now. 😎👍

[@joejoejoejoejoejoe4391]

I think some cars suit electric conversion more than others, some need an exhaust note, the Delorean is a car that suits the electric whine more than a petrol engine. I also think a Jag xjs would work well, it's a car to waft along in, in silence.

[@habsom1406]

totally agree with your comment joejoejoejoejoe joe....joe! It does suit the electric whine indeed.

[@JeanPaulRGagnon]

MGB too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKCndJmqd5Vspdk

[@CynicalKnight]

A 1970's Cadillac Eldorado convertible. In Jennifer Blue. It already has a flat floor, you could fit a huge battery pack under there. Make it 2 or 3 motor 4wd and it will win some races.

[@cmdrdata6553]

Love watching the conversion process of this timeless classic on Vintage Voltage. When will season 3 comes out? Can't wait to see what the team is converting at the workshop. 👍

[@davids2033]

Love to see a Plymouth Prowler EV conversion. They were always chastised for not having V8 power.

[@MrNineCherries]

Amazing. This car suits an electric conversion sooooo well. The car was so ahead of its time in some ways when it was new (like concept, styling, materials), I mean look at it, it still looks so cool today. 👍🏻

[@Ian.Does.Fitness]

A beautiful car! Always will be!

[@originaldcjensen]

You could rig up flames to shoot out of the former tailpipes. Only for special purposes, of course. Follow all safety protocols, kids.

[@anthonyxuereb792]

Both the Tesla Cyber truck and Delorean are stainless steel clad. Looking at the profile of the Delorean and the Lotus Esprit both designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, I believe have influenced the Cyber truck to. Yes it's questionable but designers like musicians, look to others for inspiration sometimes.

[@TG-wf6ln]

I kind of hope this kind of swap will become an affordable option for older vehicles. I have a Jeep Cherokee which, although I love the 4.0L I6, I'd love to have it electrified. I'll never be anti-ICE as I love my motorcycle and other gas-powered machines, but for something like my Jeep, I'd be extremely excited to make that swap... Imagine, a Jeep that doesn't leak oil!

[@Clark-Mills]

Great job! love the charge socket under the numberplate; should be considered for new EV models.

[@alexscarbro796]

I think I would have added some sounds effects to the engine & car management 😁

[@martinlagrange8821]

I'm guessing you will be fitting the mandatory flux-capacitor behind and between the seats later on ? A great solution, and when SSB's become available, even better in time to come.

[@mattgardiner313]

That is exactly what a delorean should be. If i could ever afford it, i would ask you guy's to convert a 1980's Lotus Esprit (my favorite).

[@ElectricClassicCars]

I love an 80’s Esprit. 😎👌

[@miesev5771]

What is there not to like? Everything as it should be and nice added features like remote gullwing doors! Awesome conversion again sirs.

[@ruialbuquerque9558]

Great filming combining the dam with the theme. Thank you so much

[@spudproductions7606]

Welcome👍😀

[@lucamatteobarbieri2493]

I suggest you do a K.i.t.t. from "Knight Rider" 80's tv series conversion. Also give it a AI agent assistant that can talk back.

[@ElectricClassicCars]

That would be very cool. 😎👍

[@pepermintpilot1694]

In the past, like yourself, I was a dedicated "petrolhead". I built (converted) no less than three Triumph TR7's to TR7 (V8) or TR8's. These ranged from the standard 3.5litre V8 to the later 4.6litre "cross bolted" engine. i understand Tim is a Britsh clasic car fan as well. I wonder how you would approach converting one to electric, especially as it has a solid "live" rear axle?

[@byron3729]

Great Scott! I've been waiting for this video to come out🤩 So happy to see an electric Delorean! Doc Brown would be so proud😁

[@Matt2chee]

Volvo V6! Ran rough had a terrible exhaust note and that boat anchor in the back made it handle poor. First time I rode in one, I told the guy driving, Dude Floor it! He laughed and said it is!

[@JeremyVinny]

I feel like Tesla already has a SICK design. But Delorean is sick too, cool vid.

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

Cool future with the new era of electric

[@dl8538]

Pausing halfway through the vid to comment: I LOVE ECC's respect and appreciation of the cars that they're restoring. The choice to install faux tail pipes to maintain the purity of design is such a respectful nod to the preservation and improvement of the source vehicles. Huge thumbs up!!!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks 😎👍

[@ArtCarFunky]

This one definitely makes the most sense, love it! Sticking with the 80's theme, surely the natural progression from here has to be KITT or Ecto-1 👍

[@Ian.Does.Fitness]

KITT with actual FSD! 🙏

[@thuydoan7496]

Finally an original electric DeLorean that truly lives up to its Futuristic namesake.

[@myMotoring]

the Delorean design just scream electric. It should have been electric from the factory.

[@Bassinghi69]

The local EV garage here in Melbourne, EVolution, has just converted one of these beauties to electric.

[@creightonfreeman8059]

I started converting a Pontiac Fiero to electric back in 2008 before Tesla motors were available. I put a Netgain Warp 11 in it with a 1200 amp controller. I also did a custom rebody with carbon fiber hood, sunroof frame, and rear light panel and polycarbonate windows and roll cage so it would meet track regulations. I put kit car "Ferrari" suspension and 11.2" brakes on it. I'd love to see what you would do with a Fiero. I think it would be amazing with a Tesla motor in it!

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Cool. I bet that was quick. 😎👍

[@manoahvanderwolf3259]

Yes, Tesla should have, and called it the Tesla Model D. However, it could influence sales of the upcoming Tesla Roadster, to which boatloads of money are invested, meaning each Model D sold insteaf of the R would result in a 'loss' so to speak and above all, 'imago'. What Tesla also should definitely do is put in those supposed rocket engines for the Roadster into the Delorean if they would have taken it aboard. The biggest issue though is that, likely, Tesla would save a lot of money of development by buying the car, but, would still have to implement lots of money to make it 'Tesla fit', with driving autonomy, safety, etc, and every 'incident' would be problematic. So, i think the wiser thing would have been if Tesla DID buy the brand, yet release it independently under a different brand.

[@ShR33k]

That looks awesome - if that car was being manufactured today as an EV I too would definitely get one!

[@B0ldtaar]

I would have add some cool 80s looking digital instruments in the dashboard

[@miketejero]

The electric motor is definitely a match for that De Lorean. Great video!

[@spudproductions7606]

👍

[@scottlp2323]

If ever a car was born to be electric, it's the DeLorean. If Marty/Doc Brown had this back in the day, the film would have been quite different as I imagine this one hits 88mph a lot quicker. :)

[@bettyswallocks6411]

That was a big one right at the end. Straight off the top, Triumph Stag. Maligned at the time for being ‘underpowered’, supposedly because of all the ‘unneccesary’ gizmos added, like electirc windows (!). The TR4, too, of course, and while your at it, a proper vite Vitesse - ragtop, of course. Any Alfa Romeo or Alfasud. A milk float. And that’s just for starters. There’s a whole evening of conversation and several pints in that one question.

[@AshleyMckendree]

A Mr. Fusion on the back that you hook the charger to would be epic

[@retrotony4119]

I envy you. This is a car I would love to have and you turned it into a EV. Glad to see this vehicle brought to the 21st century properly. Awesome.

[@andersmeiniche2746]

And now it sounds like the one in back to the future 😊

[@marcusnicola1221]

this is a car that was crying out for the conversion, i love it

[@Dangineering]

I can't wait till I have the resources to finally do this.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

There has been talk for many years about rebooting the DeLorean with an updated look and even with an electric drivetrain if I remember correctly. Seems like a perfect candidate for crowdfunding! The engine on the original DeLorean is definitely its Achilles heel. Not only was the power anemic, but those that worked on "Back to the Future" say that it was extremely unreliable. They were constantly working on it supposedly. In any case, this is an excellent example of an improvement on a classic car by converting it to electric. Well done!

[@DanieleElaborati]

It actually has been announced at the end of May . I can't link you to the source due to google policy but a quick google search will bring up the articles. It's still a prototype, an alfa state project, but it's promising.

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

Agree

[@dcanmore]

and yet the same engine was in US market Volvos and were very reliable.

[@2pi628]

I can only imagine the great Easter eggs to be found... Verbal alarms, actions,events : "Great Scott!" , "1.21 Gigawatts", “If My Calculations Are Correct, When This Baby Hits 88 Miles Per Hour, You're Gonna See Some Serious S***.”, “Why Don’t You Make Like A Tree And Get Outta Here?”, “I Guess You Guys Aren’t Ready For That Yet. But Your Kids Are Gonna Love It.”....etc.. 🔥

[@ashtaroth1975]

DMC had plans to build an electric DMC 12 with the spare parts they had, even marty, an autonomous prototype but finally look like they redesign It totally

[@nunofernandes4501]

Did you keep the original flux capacitor or have you installed an improved one?

[@Larentuubi]

You should do Audi 100 avant year 1990 model. There should be nice place for batttery under trunk.😁

[@mouse_cop]

This has been my dream for a long time! And no wonder it’s already been done so well

[@Sn0wc4t]

The obvious TV/Movie car conversion would be KITT. Canonically, the car was always a Gas Turbine/Electric hybrid... There were Gas Turbine range extenders being touted a few years ago but everything went quiet. Is it still (legally) possible?

[@matthewphillips80]

No no no, This sucker’s electrical - but it required a nuclear reaction to generate the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity I need.

[@100percentnothing]

Well in case your battery runs out and you strand on the road with no charger in sight you could always park yourself in front of a train to reach those magic 88mph! Also as some else suggest, getting your hands on a '82 Trans Am would be an awesome next step to take!

[@iantheinventor8151]

On the subject of classics with a Lotus frame what about a Sinclair C5 with a better motor & modern batteries, looking into finding a midmount motor to drive my C5 & installing modern batteries for a longer range. 🤔

[@habsom1406]

Looks very cool as it wafts along. This is what this car was waiting for all these years, it's been in a state of stasis until now. The low down torque of an electric motor is precisely what that heavy stainless steel body requires. I was wondering how he was going to close that gullwing door once he was behind the wheel, I couldn't see a pull strap. Oh and my little Peugeot 1007 also has remote fob operated electric doors from the factory, ha! Great video!

[@bitcoinski]

All that is missing is Kate Bush's 80's hit "Runnin' Up That Hill"...what a nice ride!

[@2pi628]

YES! And with a Flux Capacitor as well. That would have been really cool and fun. Not saying the Spaceball referencing isn't, but the Delorean was the quintessential futuristic car. I'm sure the body mold/stamps are still out there. He should buy them and reproduce it. It would sell like hotcakes! I wouldn't cancel my Cybertruck order, I would buy both. 😁

[@kimern68]

DeLorean Motor Company in Texas owns all the production molds and stamps for the DMC-12. But I think they have branched out to two different companies now, Classic DMC who takes care of parts and restoring the classic DeLorans, and DeLorean who have just recently said they will build a new electric DeLoran called Alpha5.

[@stacysanders-w3e]

Amazing. And now for your next trick take a Cyber truck and make it more practical by installing the Delorean engine in it. As crappy as that engine was it will still be better than electric.

[@nelsonc6173]

This is what the Delorean should have been from the start! LOL that's an awesome conversion! It's THE perfect combination of future tech and future car! This is awesome! And what you guys did with the gull wing doors is awesome too!!😀

[@ruppert5134]

A Matra Murena could use an electric power boost..... specially the 1600 version..... The futuristic looks it has already got....

[@Mike_Costello]

Gee that's gorgeous! I've seen a few static pictures of these but that Tesla drive makes it so sweet on the road!! That's a massive battery pack in there too. 315km of range is nuts!!

[@davidestate]

This is a really tasteful gas to electric conversion with attention to detail rendition of the DMC.

[@markwellington1254]

If I was able to convert a car it would probably be a VW Scirocco(USA) but I believe there are not too many of them left. This beautiful car had a futuristic look like the Delorean. Second choice a Ford/Mercury Capri 1974-76. Great Video!

[@gacattack1234]

Could still drop an inch or two for looks. Two in the front and one in the rear.

[@deanwaters]

outstanding! this is going to be big for Delorean owners

[@jamessizemore7103]

literally any car company could take the delorean and make it 1000x better

[@6996brandyl]

I like that you left the exhaust tips, that makes it like a street-sleeper, someone seeing the tips might think it;s the underpower 2.8

[@buzzofftoxicblog791]

🤣🤣🤣 good point

[@computerjantje]

I think the Delorean is the perfect car to make electric. It fits the 'back to the future' feeling to have a Delorean with electric engine.

[@Tarry_Plaguer]

I think it would be a blast to do an Autozam AZ-1 with the same Tesla motor you put in your beetle. You would probably have to redo the entire suspension and brake system to handle it though. I know GReddy did their VI-AZ-1 with Porsche 962 suspension, and brakes from a Ferrari F40. May be able to use that as a reference. Try for the world record as the world's fastest Kei car.

[@L3WO_the_vehicle]

What was the cost in parts and time to do the conversion? Another cool car to make electric (and taking and self driving) would be the original K.I.T.T. from the 1980's Knight Rider, a pontiac trans am. Or the citroen 2cv or the VW bubble from the 60's

[@jonathantaylor1998]

What an amazing conversion, Richard - you and your team have absolutely pulled it out of the bag with this one...! The DeLorean was such a 'space-age' design back in the 70s, when the rest of us were driving around in Austin Allegros and Morris Marinas...! So, yes, a brilliant choice for conversion, if ever there was one - magic. A question for you, though - do you fit Pedestrian Low-speed Warning noise safety systems to your conversions?

[@ElectricClassicCars]

Thanks. Yes we can fit those. 👍

[@user2C47]

Does the law require an actual speaker, or can you do something more interesting like driving a 400hz square wave into the motor?

[@johnbb99]

@@user2C47 ???????????

[@RobFarley74]

I don't think it'll be long before you'd get some audio modelled engine growl being broadcast from an EV so it "sounds right" too