'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:

Col #	Year	Series	Color	Tampo	Base Color / Type	Window Color	Interior Color	Wheel Type	Toy #	Country	Notes / Variations
015 USA, 016 INT	2010	2010 New Models	Metalflake Silver	Light and trim details	Black / Plastic	Light Blue	Light Gray	10SP	R0931	Malaysia	Base Codes: B41, B44, B46
015 USA, 016 INT	2010	2010 New Models	Brushed Metalflake Bronze	Light and trim details	Black / Plastic	Clear	Light Tan to Pinkish Tan	Gold Chrome 10SP	R0931	Malaysia	Base Code(s): C05, C06, C12
015 USA, 016 INT	2010	2010 New Models	Gloss Black	Light and trim details	Black / Plastic	Clear	Gray	10SP	R0931	Malaysia	Base Code(s): C28, C30, C33, C42
141	2011	Faster Than Ever 1/10	Metalflake Silver	Light and trim details. Black stripe on sides, Black bumpers.	Black / Plastic	Clear	Black	FTE	T9848	Malaysia	Base Code(s): C49, C51, D05
	2012	Hot Wheels Boulevard	Silver	Light and trim details. Black stripe on sides, Black bumpers.	Black / Metal	Clear	Black	RR	W4600	Malaysia	Opening Rear Hatch Base Code(s): E01
	2012	HotWheels Collectors	Polished & Plated Zamac	Light and trim details, polished and plated opening doors, black bumpers, exterior mirrors	Painted Zamac Chassis	Clear	Black	RL	X0559	China	Base Code: E49 WA
	2013	Hot Wheels Jukebox Series	Black	Multi-color "New Wave" Graphics - Green, Purple, Pink with Hot Wheels logo on rear quarter panel	Silver / Plastic	Clear	Silver	10SP	R0931 Y9392		Base Code(s): F31
033 / 250	2014	Speed Team	Metalflake Silver	Black Stripe with red hash marks on lower body and hood	Black / Plastic	Clear	Black	10SP	BFC53	Malaysia	Base Code(s): F24, F32, F37, F43
033 / 250	2014	Speed Team	Red	Black Stripe with silver hash marks on lower body and hood	Black / Plastic	Clear	Black	10SP	BFF47	Malaysia	Base Code(s): F49, G02