My HUNT for the Missing Crash-Test Delorean

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#VINwiki #Delorean #backtothefuture

[@MrHamlet]

DeLorean guy here. Ken thanks for preserving a piece of DeLorean history and lore. Very cool you've found 515 and helped to unravel many of the DeLorean mysteries. I've owned many brands of cars, and I don't GAF what other gear heads say, the DeLorean mark is the most interesting, fun, with the biggest group of fun engineering nerds this planet has seen. It's what makes being part of that family so amazing.

[@Roosterjello]

I would’ve liked to of seen more pictures of the car he was talking about instead of back to the future pictures

[@helidude3502]

Incentive to go to the car shows😉

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

Vinwiki is notorious for just vomiting stock images like there's no tomorrow. I wish they would just show relevant photos.

[@Rainmotorsports]

​@@PasleyAviationPhotographyCan only show what people provide and use fillers for the rest. If you think passionate devoted enthusiasts who love telling stories are the best at getting photos ahead of or during the editing schedule you might be in for a surprise. What's next are clients spending hundreds of thousands of dollars after months of planning all of a sudden are going to start providing final measurements, colors, plans before the work starts. I mean I'd really like that but it doesn't happen often enough lol

[@alexander1485]

@@PasleyAviationPhotographyprobably cause they were too lazy to actually find the pictures or the owners obviously didn't get any (or got terrible ones and they were film or bad digital pictures)

[@OldIron2188]

Vinwiki works best as a podcast

[@MatthewSwanton]

I'm glad that Ken described the crash test footage accurately as the NHTSA testing the retrofitting of airbags Because the 35 and 40MPH crash test videos are often incorrectly shared around as the DeLorean's safety crash test (it wasn't) and that it failed the test (it didn't) The point of a crash test is to evaluate how well the passengers survive, not how well the car survives, you want the car to absorb all the forces and be a wreck afterward. The same conversation I saw happening with the Cybertruck's crash test video, Those proud at how well it was intact after the wreck, and those arguing that's actually a bad thing.

[@frankangelsolis]

yeah i agree, the cyber truck has almost zero crash crumple zone, the G forces must be insane.

[@dmcvegas2360]

The car actually passed with flying colors when it came to passenger safety. The reason being John Z. De Lorean’s 6’4” hight. He demanded a car for tall people. So contact with the passengers inside was absolutely minimal. Particularly with the footwells. Thus the energy transference from the crash was averted away from the passengers to keep them safe. One of the dummies in one of the crashes failed to report data. However, the complete report on the crash tests, including full telemetry data and archival video, currently resides in the archives of The National Crash Analysis Center at George Washington University.

[@alexander1485]

no, it was because of the poser copied lotus frame

[@dmcvegas2360]

@@alexander1485well, if you’re trying to trash talk the DeLorean, then you’re essentially trash talking Lotus too and saying that Lotus makes shit cars. Which would actually be an accurate statement. Tavarish and Soup Motoring both have excellent KZbin channels that go in depth into just how awful Lotus engineering is as they tear Esprits apart for restorations. DMC and Lotus did indeed have a very antagonistic business relationship. Lotus was always teetering on bankruptcy because of the racing program Chapman was so fond of. So Lotus were forced into taking on the DeLorean project because they were desperate for money. The real problem arose with the American standards of mass production that Lotus was incapable of achieving on their own. Everything from VARI curing times to proper vehicle assembly as demonstrated by the assembly line revisions that forced doors to be mounted first instead of last to ensure proper fitment as sealing. Lotus learned some very hard lessons from DMC in what they were doing incorrectly. The DeLorean isn’t a clone of the Esprit in the least. But later Esprits absolutely became DeLorean knock-offs. This is clearly evidenced by engineering revisions that DMC forced such as suspension modifications like properly triangulated lower control arms up front to rear suspension components being mounted to the chassis rather than the transaxle. The DeLorean from an engineering standpoint isn’t simply a different car than the Esprit, it is, in fact, a superior design in all aspects of engineering.

[@rwdplz1]

Would NOT have guessed that car survived, pre-production crash test cars are usually crushed

[@Rainmotorsports]

As far as this story tells it this wasn't a preproduction car.

[@erickquezada2642]

Moral of the story? Never change your phone number

[@Caksy12345]

My university building in Belfast has a delorean which was used as a MEng project for a group of students about 10 years ago. Since then it’s sat under a cover in the courtyard just collecting dust.

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Interesting. What university?

[@Caksy12345]

@@jeffreyoldham55QUB , school of mech and aero engineering

[@Fabulousprofound168]

It sounds like Queens University Belfast. They converted a Delorean into an EV a decade ago that made the news back when I was in uni… I’m guessing it’s that one?

[@Caksy12345]

@@Fabulousprofound168yup that’s the one , lying in a heap now. Shame really

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Thanks. Cheers!

[@EdBolian]

Great part of Delorean history and important to the automotive world at large.

[@TheBrokenLife]

Fort Wayne was once home to a (the?) Power Wheels plant, and I'd be surprised if that isn't part of the story about how that man managed to have one new in the box for decades. I've known a few people who worked there over the years and a lot of them built all sorts of crazy "hot rod" toys and ended up with a lot of discontinued items that went out the back door or were essentially given away in employee sales. So... For several decades at least, that Power Wheels Delorean was probably the least traveled example on Earth, having moved from one side of town to the other (and maybe a distribution center in the middle). 😂

[@SFx260]

I'm from Fort Wayne, and the fact that there has been a DeLorean stash here for 30+ years is mind blowing to me. Nobody knew about it, nobody talked about it

[@MikeyRB77]

That is a loooooong story, with lots of time spent on his failure to communicate with the owner. Around 6 minutes of very detailed flight logs, roadtrips, meeting friends and their partners...

[@devildog_iii3492]

I remember driving to St. Louis from Chicago on 80 or 88, there was always a small building w around 10 DMCs sitting out front. Wonder if they’re still sitting there..

[@ramtrucks3518]

Do you know what town it was by?

[@k5ren]

This was a cool story. I wish that you could've shown MORE actual pictures of "car "#515"". We've all seen Deloreans before. Show the damn car you're talking about. THAT'S why I tuned in!

[@richdiscoveries]

The dealership I work at currently was a DeLorean dealership back in the 80s. We still had the original dealership light up.Sign out in the back warehouse on a shelf. Tried to get it for years but they eventually sold it, I think I made a video of it on here at one point

[@Lambykin]

Burlington, Ontario, Canada, eh? Interesting how you mention my hometown in a random KZbin video (I was born & raised there - not many people are - I know, who cares!). I now live in a neighbouring town. Point is, there are lots of DeLoreans in this area. One guaranteed place to see many in one place is at the annual British Car Show that takes place every September at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. Definitely worth attending if you ever find yourself in the area at the time of the show. You will find many interesting British cars from all eras. Airbags - Interesting tidbit about airbags in the DeLorean I wasn't aware of. I follow all sorts of cars & stories that it's impossible to know everything. One thing I do know is airbags are not a new concept. Anyone doing their research will find that they go back a long way, and experimentation started at least in the 1960s, if not earlier. They were a failed contraption in practice once upon a time, and condemned. As technology improved, manufacturers would revisit the idea - sometimes with improved results, but not quite there yet. Maybe this was the finding for airbags in the DeLorean during the test? By the end of the 80s, airbags, while not perfect, were more of a proven technology and started to find their way into mainstream cars. Today, there are so many airbags & curtains that it's hard to imagine a car without them. For anyone wanting a read about early airbags, dig up some old Road & Track or Car & Driver magazines from the 1960s & 1970s. I'd love to be more detailed, but my old collection is stashed away in storage at the moment.

[@scottclark7559]

That's awesome that it's going to be preserved as it is...its a historical artifact at this point, and it's great to see it displayed as such.

[@DeLoreansgarage]

Very cool. I need to get my bad decision back on the road. This summer is the goal!

[@martinparent145]

Wow, so interesting. I'm so Glad Ken got this !

[@motorcitywestauto4674]

I looked at one on a used car lot in Madison Heights michigan around 1994/95. It had like 3500 miles and the asking price was $11,500 which is around $23,000 today. I thought it was expensive at the time, but really ahould have bought it.

[@noonehere1793]

Excellent story…this is the kind of thing that made me subscribe. Thanks!👍👍😄

[@ethansjsmith]

That's an amazing story Ken! Awesome find!

[@VashSpiegel]

As a fellow delorean fan, awesome. Been collecting die-cast, books, rear bumper, all before the modern kits/toys.

[@leoepcotfan2144]

Ken K. was also part of the team that restored the Hero “A” car DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future. Which resides in California at the Petersen Automotive Museum. For the curious

[@CarswithNash]

What an amazing find!

[@Happymali10]

They need to put a volvo wheel with a popped airbag in it.

[@Mr.Magicstick]

Anyone else noticed @Vinwiki Ed took down Doug's video from yesterday about that Tennessee Porsche dealer scams? That dealer most have not been a fan of the video😂

[@mexicanspec]

Did he say if the car still have the Volvo air bag steering wheel in place?

[@itscoldinhere]

I’ve owned my Delorean for over 10 years, it’s been very reliable and other than basic maintenance it’s been effortless to keep.

[@airthrowDBT]

Wow, well told, this was a very different type of story than the usual Vinwiki, love the variety

[@jasoncaine2600]

There's a backyard in Vegas with a few DeLoreans

[@dmcvegas2360]

There also used to be a huge cache of stainless panels in a shop over on ease Lake Mead Blvd.

[@Datminion420]

Waiiitttt i think ive seen your DeLorean driving down the 401 at somepoint

[@my31and37]

Very surprising that the car wasn't scrapped after the test

[@crazyguy_1233]

I find it interesting that most DeLorean fans are Back to The Future fans. I’m a DeLorean fan but not for the same reason. I actually was never a fan of the movie it just wasn’t my thing. I liked the car because of its retro look. I’d like to get one someday and maybe make it a fully electric car if it’s mechanically busted.

[@tonybrown6775]

I read Hard Driving about John DeLoreans attorney. Lot of history about car how he left GM.

[@bussin_buses]

Why would you use a '69 Monaco as a Bluesmobile?? The Bluesmobile was a '74, and that generation ran from '74 to '78, with a completely different body shape.

[@Strongholle]

Presumably he doesn’t know the year or mixed it up cause that replica is definitely accurate.

[@dannydillon997]

Thank you for more content Ed 🙏

[@travisbell4996]

Great job Ken!

[@Ramsdestroy]

Man. Fort Wayne is 30 mins south of me. I would have loved to see this collection!!

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

I recently sold my Delorean. Was purchased new in 1981. Hard to see it go but it's being built hopefully for Sema this year by the new owner.

[@compu85]

Wow I never would've guessed this car was still around!

[@neilmaccallum3476]

I can't wait to see the car this weekend!!! I will be at motorama on Saturday!

[@jriveraaustralia]

Well spoken, easy to listen to.

[@mexicanspec]

I wonder if there was any paperwork with car 515.

[@ThePrinceEffect]

My neighbor owns a DeLorean, pretty cool. Drives it around the block every now and then. I think he inherited it from his dad

[@pidgeiam4979]

Look forward to seeing it Saturday at Motoramma. Cool story man.

[@DrEtzor]

Imagine if you found the actual crash test dummies from the actual crash test next.

[@cpear760]

As a D owner, I can see the logic either way > A) Keep the car as a museum/education piece or B) restore it to a functional car because we're all car nuts.

[@ddivinia]

Cool stuff. I always wanted a Delorean but I have a back to the future pinball game. Not sure if it is the same one the guy had.

[@cadman10000]

What a fascinating story!

[@fullbackdive41]

If you ever want anything to do with the automative industry Indiana is the place. Indiana is a stones throw away from Bowling Green and Detroit. If you look hard enough you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Hoosier state.

[@mrnobody6573]

How many original miles is on the crash car? It may be low miles car. If so it may be worth using the engine/trans in a better condition car that has a bad drivetrain & putting the bad stuff in this since it`s going to be a non running static display anyway. Be a shame to waste a good low miles setup.

[@LovejoyProductions]

Nice I'm going to Motorama tomorrow!

[@evalonious]

There is a back to the future pinball machine for sale online. Just found it for $5,500

[@greengoog22]

One might think Adam Savage from Mythbusters might have few crash test dummies lying around 🤔

[@jaredgarlock1594]

Dude, that shirt is bad ass!!! I really want one, where did you get it???

[@TwinTurboV10]

Great story ! I need that shirt tho, who can tell me where to get it?

[@garyx5x]

Also just a super low VIN car which is very cool, didn't they start at 500?

[@fasterthansound13]

yes i think so

[@MooseModePXL]

That’s was…. Pretty cool.

[@fast97z24]

Gary Frank is a legend.

[@TheLaw1]

Love the stories!

[@jasonstilgebouer565]

New Title: I’m obsessed with Deloreans

[@steveobarnes]

where doug "one more car from a scammer' video

[@johnferron3709]

that t-shirt..... WANT

[@stavrosteve]

Haven’t seen Casey Putz on for a while.

[@Handles_are_good_for_holding]

Can’t you still buy a DeLorean brand new?

[@bwofficial1776]

There's a company that's restoring them using NOS parts. They were working to get the government's permission to start making a limited number of new production ones with modern powertrains.

[@highlive2166]

....here I am watching this hole video and I've never seen back 2 the future lol

[@MiniMotoAlliance]

Cool... Story... Bro?

[@shungiteman3005]

what happend to the dealer scammer video with doug?

[@Jedi007c6]

Most of the voters in california would make good crash test dummys.

[@mikes-wv3em]

keep slurping the orange poo gravy from the depends

[@tcaldwe]

You should reach out to Adam Savage

[@ApolloDenim69]

No more stock photos please. Show the pictures related to the story

[@conorshenanigans]

No shit I'm from fort Wayne

[@natehydrv1661]

Someone tell him to hit up calspan near Buffalo for the crash test dummy

[@NorthernChev]

What’s a guy gotta do these days to get these yahoos to stop cutting up DeLoreans and turning them into “time machines”?

[@endlesswonders5798]

Need subtitles please!

[@Michael666CA]

Turn captions 0n

[@Michael666CA]

Touch screen, Gear looking symbol

[@naveedzaman8252]

❤️🇬🇧

[@NorthernChev]

[@ronerrickson166]

Day 41 waiting for you guys to do a video on a crazy car collection this woman has in NJof all Saturn s-series cars and some other vehicles there …. 🫠

[@fullbackdive41]

If you ever want anything to do with the automative industry Indiana is the place. Indiana is a stones throw away from Bowling Green and Detroit. If you look hard enough you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Hoosier state.