When will you be able to walk into a DeLorean showroom and pick up the keys for a new gleaming-stainless sports car? At one time they'd hoped to have them on sale at the end of 1976; obvioulsy that didn't happen.

"I aimed at keeping everything underneath the car black except for the transmission and oil pan. I feel it gives a nice look to the car."

All things considered, the De Lorean has a lot in its favour. The appearance is striking. It's very sporty and rewarding to drive, yet comfortable and relaxing for long journeys. And on top of this it should last forever and a fortnight.

"Wow, that is really clean Tamir!"

Technically the most interesting aspect of the DeLorean is the structure. The appropriate names for the chassis-body construction would be "plastic sandwich" or "plastic laminate" and in this respect it's quite similar to the XP-898, Chevrolet's radical Vega-based sports car (R & T January 1973).

"The transmission, oil pan, valve covers, and other engine pieces were detailed using aluminum silver paint."

His previous reputation aside, the DeLoreans have become homebodies in four homes in four states. John is a jock and fitness nut, who jogs, golfs in the 70s with buddy Arnold Palmer and bombs around in the family's 22 assorted cars, motorcycles and trucks.

"Wow! A zoom shot!"