DeLorean 25th Anniversary

27/5/06

DeLorean 25th Anniversary 2006 marked the 25th anniversary for the start of production of the DeLorean DMZ12 which was first released to the public in 1981. The car was Northern Irelands best attempt at a production sports car to date, but production only lasted around 2 years. The car also owes much of its fame to its use the the film 'Back to the Future'

On Saturday 17th May, approximately 70 DeLorean cars, as well as many other owners and enthusiasts from all over the world, arrived at the original factory in Dunmurry where every one of the cars was assembled. The day started with a tour of the factory, now used by Montupet, a company known for supplying alloy wheels and cylinder heads to cars manufacturers such as PSA (Peugeot & Citroen) and Ford.

After the tour, owners were invited to take their cars around the original test track, which remains fully intact to this day right beside the factory. It's only a short track, similar to a moden outdoor go-kart track and taking just a matter of seconds to complete, even behind a rather slow pace car. The pace car was required as 5 years ago at the 20th anniversary event, one owner managed to crash on the track.

Around 1pm , a cavalcade with police escort was formed to go from the Dunmurry factory to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where the cars in attendance where put on show to the public.

Thanks to Mike R (North Down) for bringing us along on the day.