New DeLorean Documentary Tells Story of the Car and the Man Behind It

Fans of 'Back to the Future' rejoice, because there's a new movie that features your favorite car prominently, albeit not in the way you would expect. There are no car chases, no time traveling, and none of your beloved characters. However, you'll learn much about the DMC-12 Delorean's back story in 'Framing John DeLorean.'

Starring Alec Baldwin in the title role, 'Framing John DeLorean' details the rise and fall of the carmaker through interviews with those closest to him, footage of DeLorean when he was still alive, and opinions and observations from public personas that have come across him in one way or another.

Of course, the film also tells how the famed DMC-12 came to be. Launched in 1973, the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) unveiled its first and only offering, with the goal of challenging the best sports coupes in the market during that time. Featuring a lightweight stainless steel body, an engine derived from Peugeot, Renault, and Lotus, and suspension sourced from the latter company, the DMC-12 had all the makings of a car that could make it big.

Unfortunately for the car, its maker and namesake found himself embroiled in multiple scandals, losing tons of money in the process. Eventually, DeLorean didn't have enough to keep his company afloat. He was arrested in 1981 on criminal charges. The first DMC-12s were only a year old by then, but production halted completely after DeLorean was taken into custody.

Despite its rocky history, the car itself continues to attract interest. Its regular appearances in popular media such as TV ('American Dad', 'Mistresses') and film ('Ready Player One', 'Driven'), attests to the gull-wing wonder’s timeless appeal.

'Framing John DeLorean' is set for a June 7 release.