The Craziest CEO Ever: War, Drugs & Time Machines

 

Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine...out of a DeLorean?" "The way I see it, if you're going to build a time machine into a car why not do it in some style?" The DeLorean car was made famous thanks to the Back To The Future movies, but the real company that made DeLoreans went bankrupt within just a couple of years of starting. So what happened? The crazy story of DeLorean involves a war, FBI agents, and a million-dollar drug deal gone wrong. It’s a business story with a meteoric rise to the top and a disastrous fall to the bottom, with lots of wealth, fame, and drama along the way. Plus, a very eccentric CEO. But in true DeLorean style, to make sense of all this, we need to travel back in time.

Chapter 1: The Automotive Genius from Detroit

Our story starts in the 1920s in Detroit, Michigan - the Mecca of America's auto industry, and home of the Big 3: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler all proudly made their vehicles in this city that once employed one in every five people living in Michigan. It was also here that an automotive genius, John DeLorean, was born. His father, a Romanian immigrant, worked as a union organizer for the Ford Motor Company, but his poor English skills and lack of education restricted him from gaining a higher position in the business.

Chapter 2: The Rise of a Maverick

John DeLorean's journey was marked by challenges, including serving in World War II and working odd jobs. However, his determination and education eventually landed him a job at General Motors. He rose through the ranks, showcasing his engineering skills and innovative thinking. DeLorean's risk-taking paid off with the creation of the Pontiac GTO, launching America's Muscle Car Era.

Chapter 3: The Birth of DeLorean Motor Company

John DeLorean's ambition extended beyond his role at GM. He wanted to create a powerful luxury sports car, which led to the birth of the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) in 1973. He recruited Lotus founder Colin Chapman to design the chassis and created the iconic DMC-12 sports car, known for its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors.

Chapter 4: Manufacturing in a War Zone

To secure funding for his ambitious project, John DeLorean turned to Northern Ireland, a region struggling with high unemployment and violence due to the Northern Ireland conflict. The UK government provided grants to establish a car factory in Belfast, a move fraught with risks due to the ongoing conflict.

Chapter 5: The Rise and Fall of the DMC DeLorean

Despite initial excitement, the DMC DeLorean faced challenges. High production costs, engineering issues, and an economic downturn all contributed to its struggles. Government funding was abruptly cut off by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, pushing John DeLorean to desperate measures.

Chapter 6: A Desperate Deal Gone Wrong

Desperate to save his company, John DeLorean became entangled in a drug smuggling deal, which ultimately led to his arrest and a high-profile trial. Despite the evidence against him, he was found not guilty, but his reputation was tarnished.

Chapter 7: The Legacy Lives On

The DMC DeLorean found unexpected fame as the iconic time machine in the Back To The Future films, immortalizing the car in pop culture. Even after the company's closure, collectors and fans continue to cherish the DeLorean, and efforts to revive the brand with new electric models are underway.

Conclusion:

The story of John DeLorean and the DeLorean Motor Company is a rollercoaster ride through the automotive industry's ups and downs, personal challenges, and unexpected turns. It's a tale of innovation, ambition, and a touch of madness that left an indelible mark on both the car world and popular culture. John DeLorean's dream may have ended in bankruptcy and scandal, but the iconic DMC DeLorean lives on, a symbol of a time when the possibilities seemed limitless.