'81 DeLorean DMC-12

Description
The DeLorean DMC-12 was originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign in Turin, Italy. For the Mattel Hot Wheels release, the car was re-created by Manson Cheung. A modified DeLorean appeared in the movie trilogy of "Back To The Future", starring Michael J. Fox, Christoper Lloyd and Crispin Glover. Text on the back of the packaging reads "Italian designed and British engineered, this American dream car with gull-wing doors, rear engine and stainless steel body was a sports car unlike anything else on the roads in the 1980s - or today!"

The original DeLorean car came only in bare stainless steel, which is represented by the first color introduced, the Metalflake Silver.

In 1980, DeLorean Motor Company (in conjunction with American Express and their Gold Card Christmas Catalog) offered gold-plated DeLoreans for $85,000. Two were built and sold, and the second color Hot Wheel introduced, Brushed Metalflake Bronze, represents these cars.

Painted DeLoreans were never produced by the factory, but individual owners and dealers painted cars from time to time. The third color Hot Wheel, Gloss Black, represents a popular color for painted DeLorean cars.

A fourth version, part of the "Faster Than Ever" lineup, features the familiar silver exterior, black interior and a wide, black stripe that emulates the rare, dealer optional side stripe affixed to some DeLorean cars.

Another version of the DeLorean was included in the "Ahead of It's Time" sub-series as part of the "Boulevard" series in 2012. The Boulevard line was considered a "premium" line for the adult collector, and was reportedly cut short by retailers and therefore a limited run.

In late 2012, the Hot Wheel Red Line Club introduced a limited edition (4000 pieces) of a "doors up" version of the DeLorean. Designer Manson Cheung posted to a DeLorean enthusiast site:


 * Totally new sculpt. I reworked the car to better match the real car. I did not have my car when I made the first one for 2010 line. I took measurements off my car to make this one the best (as it may be the last) DeLorean that Hot Wheels can make. Although, some sacrifices were made (wheel size, graphic application, opening feature) because of production limitations. Also, this one is an Automatic, all others were Manual. Packed with doors open in same blister as RLC BTTF2. Limited to 4000. Available only through HotWheelsCollectors.com, and soon at delorean.com.

In late 2013, a version of the DeLorean was included as part of the Hot Wheels "Juke Box" series as one of the cars to represent the 1980s and "New Wave" music.

Versions
The '81 DeLorean DMC-12 has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions: