John Zachary DeLorean (January 6, 1925 – March 19, 2005) was an American engineer and executive in the U.S. automobile industry, and founder of the DeLorean Motor Company.

At some point in 1982, John DeLorean became the target of an FBI sting operation designed to arrest drug trafficking criminals. DeLorean was popularly viewed as one of the auto industry's most charismatic figures. He was handsome and dashing, and the independent motor company that he had founded and which bore his name was lauded as a brave attempt to take on the Detroit "big guys." But on Wall Street it was a different story: whispers of DeLorean's financial difficulties were rampant, centered on the increasing problems at his Northern Ireland factory, and few expected the company to remain solvent for long. No one, though, was prepared for the stunning events of October 19.

That was the day when DeLorean was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with conspiracy to distribute $24 million worth of cocaine. Federal officials were cock-a-hoop, crowing that more than 100 hours of audio and video surveillance had culminated in the 57-year-old automaker being caught on tape accepting a coke delivery from undercover cops.

He was acquitted of all charges, but his reputation was forever tarnished. After his trial and subsequent acquittal, De Lorean quipped, "Would you buy a used car from me?"




In the end, sufficient funds were never raised to keep the company alive. The De Lorean Motor Company went bust in 1982, taking with it 2,500 jobs and over $100 million in investments.

Approximately 9,000 cars were made between January 1981 and December 1982, although actual production figures are unclear and estimates differ. The vehicle has also garnered worldwide attention and celluloid fame as the basis for the time machine in 1985 in the Back to the Future trilogy.


The PimpWiz Spin: Probably The only man in America to get caught with 24 million in drugs as well as caught on tape and acquitted on all charges. Now that's gangster. While his company tragically fell from grace he managed to get out of a very compromising position unscathed and with the huge coke bust and Back to the Future Movies will remain in infamy throughout eternity.

Labels: Cars, Dolorean