FROM AMAZON: The inside account of the DeLorean saga written by a senior manager who worked with the company from beginning to end. The short life of the DeLorean DMC-12 sports car – a vision of the future with its gullwing doors and stainless steel body – began after John DeLorean secured financial backing from the British government for his car-making venture. In a blaze of publicity the DeLorean dream arrived in Belfast in the summer of 1978. The challenge was to build a car and a factory in 18 months, with two prototypes and 72 acres of muddy fields in West Belfast as the basic ingredients. Money shortages and civil disturbances – the result of the IRA hunger strike campaign – caused major disruptions. Four years and almost 9,000 cars later the company went bust and John DeLorean’s dream turned into a nightmare as he was tried for alleged drug offences, eventually to be found ‘not guilty’ due to entrapment by the FBI. His apparent charmed life continued when he was also found ‘not guilty’ of embezzling the missing equity money from the Belfast factory. His big ally, Colin Chapman of Lotus, also drew posthumous scrutiny. Prior to John DeLorean’s trials, Margaret Thatcher vetoed a plan by a UK consortium to restart the DeLorean site, which would have provided over 1,000 jobs, but she decided this recovery plan was not for her. What were her reasons? This book offers one possible answer. Who were the real heroes and villains in this saga? The DeLorean Story reveals everything about the car, the people and the scandal, from 1978 to 2004. And includes the story of Stephen Arrington who transferred the cocaine from Florida to Los Angeles.
The DeLorean Story: The Car, the People, the Scandal
“The DeLorean Story: The Car, the People, the Scandal” by Nick Sutton is a comprehensive account that explores the rise and fall of the iconic DeLorean Motor Company. Sutton delves into the creation of the DeLorean car, the charismatic figure behind it, John DeLorean, and the scandal that rocked the company. The book provides an intriguing look into the automotive industry, the personal and professional struggles faced by John DeLorean, and the lasting legacy of the DeLorean car.
About the Author:
Nick Sutton is an automotive journalist and author with a passion for the history of automobiles. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in the automotive industry, Sutton brings the DeLorean story to life with his engaging writing style.
Summary:
“The DeLorean Story: The Car, the People, the Scandal” by Nick Sutton offers a detailed and captivating exploration of the DeLorean Motor Company, its visionary founder John DeLorean, and the scandal that ultimately led to its demise.
Sutton begins by delving into the background of John DeLorean, a charismatic and ambitious automotive executive who played a significant role in the development of iconic cars such as the Pontiac GTO. The author sheds light on DeLorean’s rise within the automotive industry, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his aspirations to create a revolutionary sports car.
The book then focuses on the development and production of the DeLorean car itself, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. Sutton provides insights into the technical challenges, design decisions, and marketing strategies that shaped the car’s development.
However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as it explores the scandal that enveloped the DeLorean Motor Company. Sutton delves into the financial difficulties, questionable business practices, and legal troubles that plagued the company. The book examines the circumstances surrounding DeLorean’s arrest on drug trafficking charges, which ultimately tainted both his personal reputation and the reputation of the company.
“The DeLorean Story” also explores the broader socio-cultural context of the time, including the economic downturn of the 1980s, the allure of luxury sports cars, and the fascination with the DeLorean car due to its association with the iconic “Back to the Future” film franchise.
Through meticulous research and interviews, Sutton provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the DeLorean Motor Company’s history, the individuals involved, and the factors that contributed to its downfall. The book offers a balanced perspective, exploring both the achievements and controversies surrounding the company and its founder.
In summary, “The DeLorean Story: The Car, the People, the Scandal” by Nick Sutton is a compelling account that delves into the creation, rise, and ultimate downfall of the DeLorean Motor Company. Through its exploration of the car’s development, the charismatic figure of John DeLorean, and the scandal that surrounded the company, the book offers readers a fascinating insight into the automotive industry, the personal struggles of its key players, and the enduring legacy of the DeLorean car.
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My Goodreads Review:
The Delorean Story: The Car, the People, the Scandal by Nick SuttonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
An intriguing account written by Delorean Motor Company’s employee #16. Sutton sheds light on DMC’s history, Northern Ireland, The Troubles, and the UK government’s role in the company’s realization. The book provides unique insights into the complexities surrounding the iconic Delorean car, offering a captivating blend of automotive history and political context.
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