DeLorean to build new cars for the first time in 30 years

The DeLorean Motor Company is coming back to the future. 

Or rather, they're going back into production for the first time in over three decades.

Once of Belfast, Ireland, and now based in Texas, USA, the DeLorean group has been little more than a restoration and specialist club for several years, unable to produce 'new' vehicles due to safety and emission standards. A new 'remake' of the iconic DeLorean DMC-12, built to the same specifications of the Eighties classic, would never pass modern crash or emissions tests set down by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

But now, new US motor regulations have allowed for small-scale specialist manufacturers - making fewer than 325 cars per year - to forgo modern test standards. Which means DeLorean are going back on the road.

"The new law provides common-sense regulatory relief for small businesses that would otherwise be treated as if they were producing millions of cars," explains the DeLorean website.

"In anticipation of this legislation, DeLorean Motor Company has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to facilitate this production for 2017. A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, and we're still early on in this process of determining the feasibility of moving forward."

New (/old) models of the DeLorean DMC-12 are expected to cost between $80,000 and $100,000 (£55,900 and £69,800), though prices could vary depending on exactly what kind of engine customers want sitting under their stainless steel bonnet. Rest assured, all models will still rock gullwing doors and slitted rear window.

"There's no reason to change the appearance of the car," said DeLorean CEO Stephen Wynne. "As we go into the program, we'll decide what areas need to be freshened up." 

Now, if only someone could build a machine in which we could skip forward to 2017...