Re: [DML] Hand Built DeLoreans

["therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

For a limted run, things probably are not as gloomy as they look. The main 
thing of course is yes, DMCH would need to be able to issue new VIN#'s. 
What that costs, I've no idea, so I'm not even going to begin to speculate. Body 
dies are of no concern. Less expensive dies can be created for limited 
production runs of body panels, and the cost of things such as torsion bars 
would help to be absorbed by the sale of new cars.

Crash testing shouldn't b e a problem. From what I have heard, if the 
production #'s are low enough, then the testing is not required. And even if it 
was, only 1-2 cars would need to be sacrificed. EPA testing is no problem 
either. If the car uses a motor which has already been tested by the EPA, then 
only a limited milage test would be nessisary for that particular application of 
the motor within a specific vehicle. Just like the original DMC-12 did with the 
PRV.

Speaking of the PRV, I don't think that it will be reused in the DeLorean. It is a 
good motor, I like it, and if massaged and reworked properly, then it has great 
potential as a powerful engine. In addition, it has been advanced quite a bit 
since 1982. Not couting the fact that it isn't widley used here across the pond, 
it still has the stigma of only being a V-6. To really stay competative with other 
supercars in it's class (which is what this new car will most likely end up 
being), then it will need at bare minimum a V-8 powerplant. Preferably with 
some sort of forced induction. And if Houston isreally good, then they'll also 
make this same motor available to existing DMC-12's as well! =) The price 
range too I would imagine to be somewhere in the $80K+ range.

As far as keeping old designs, I don't think this will be a problem at all. We've 
now got 22+ years or re-engineering experience behind us, so I have a gut 
feeling that reliability will very much be apart of this car (although I'm sure that 
new parts will be introduced, not just old recycled ones). However, only one 
single quesion remains: Will VIRM still be used to make the new underbodies, 
and if so, are there any liciencing restrictions from Lotus (or their owners and 
affiliates) that will need to be overcome?

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"