Re: John DeLorean & reliability

[rbrogren@xxxx]

In response to John Sternbach:
There are already a number of much more experienced people than myself that 
have said what I had to say, however:
1.
I suggest you buy some of the books about the DeLorean to get a better 
understanding of how the car came about. (Go to alibris.com, click on "More 
search options", type in DeLorean in the "Any word(s)" block and you will 
find an ample listing of available used books. None are still in print.)
2.
Anybody with a rudimentary understanding of design and manufacturing start up 
of a complex and for its day sophisticated product is amazed over how John 
DeLorean pulled it off in such a short time! If the DeLorean had had a normal 
life cycle with several design versions, properly tested, it would 
undoubtedly have become a truly fantastic car. (Compare it for example to a 
Porsche 911 with a design cycle of almost 40 years, with a large number of 
design improvements. Is that a more reliable car today? (I have a 1971 911T 
and that one is certainly not any more reliable than the D!) 
3.
There are a few people out there that bought their D new and still use it!
Most of us today are probably the 2nd, 3rd or whatever owner and still love 
the car, all for their own reasons.
4.
Who buys a 20 year old car in the first place? Yes, some are probably just 
infatuated, but most appear to be genuinely interested in owning and caring 
for a truly unique car.
5.
Is it a "super car"? Opinions may differ, but in my opinion it is.
In the January 2001 issue of Sports Car there is an article titled "Saleen 
Supercar Shocker". Yes, it looks snazzier than the DeLorean, but there is a 
resemblance in lines as well as design innovations and yes, it does have a 
550 HP engine, however, it IS advertised as a Daily Driver -- with a price 
tag of $375,000! Will it be more reliable than the DeLorean? Will any number 
of them be around and driven 20 years from now? With spare parts and 
technical support available? Not likely!
6.
Comparing a DeLorean to a Chevy Vega is both an anachromism and ludicrous! 
(I bought a Vega for my wife years ago and that clap trap tincan was by far 
the worst car I have ever owned!)
7.
I have had a number of different sports cars over the years and raced and 
rallied some of them. All were fun but finicky, one way or another. None were 
particularily comfortable. I still have a couple that I will part with 
without hesistation, if the offer is reasonable. My DeLorean I'll keep!

Roger
VIN 1074




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