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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

DeLorean DMC-24

1981

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
1981
Body style
Berlina
Type
Concept
Production
1

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The DeLorean DMC-24, also recognized under the internal designations Project 831/1 or DMC200, represented a pivotal endeavor initiated in 1981 within the realm of automotive innovation. It marked a significant departure from the iconic stainless-steel body that had come to symbolize DeLorean’s identity, venturing into the uncharted territory of novel materials and design concepts. As archival Italdesign sketches unveil, the DMC-24 epitomized a progressive stride towards DeLorean’s envisioned future, poised to redefine the landscape of automotive engineering. In its essence, the DMC-24 was envisioned as a 4-5 seat vehicle, promising both practicality and elegance in its design. This departure from the conventional two-seater configuration underscored DeLorean’s commitment to adaptability and accessibility, catering to a broader spectrum of consumers. The year 1981 witnessed the commencement of its developmental journey, as the minds behind DeLorean Motor Company set out to craft the next emblematic creation to bear the distinguished DeLorean insignia. Central to the developmental phase was the collaboration with Italdesign, renowned for its prowess in pushing the boundaries of automotive design. Italdesign’s creative ingenuity breathed life into the conceptualization of the DeLorean DMC-24, culminating in the realization of a full-scale styling mockup that embodied the aspirations and aspirations of the project. However, amidst the fervent progress, fate dealt an unexpected hand as the final bill for the project remained unpaid by DeLorean Motor Company Limited (DMCL). Undeterred by the setback, Italdesign’s visionary, Giorgetto Giugiaro, seized the opportunity to repurpose the design, infusing it with a new identity and purpose. The transformed creation, now christened the Lamborghini Marco Polo, emerged as a testament to Giugiaro’s adaptive genius and Italdesign’s resilience in the face of adversity. The year 1983 witnessed the grand debut of the Lamborghini Marco Polo, a manifestation of innovation borne from the remnants of an erstwhile collaboration. In retrospect, while the DeLorean DMC-24 may have eluded realization within the annals of DeLorean’s history, its legacy endured through the metamorphosis orchestrated by Italdesign. It stands as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of automotive pursuits, where innovation intertwines with fate to sculpt the narrative of progress.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
1
Production type
Concept

Engine & performance

Specification notes
Italdesign's DeLorean material supports a DMC-24 design programme/concept rather than a documented production vehicle with a stable technical package. Production DeLorean specifications are deliberately not inherited.

Design & manufacture

Designer · Candidate
Giorgetto Giugiaro
Design Studio · Documented
Italdesign
Manufacturer · Documented
DeLorean

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
Italdesign — DeLorean historical release www.italdesign.it Official first-party historical publication

THE CONVERSATION

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