John DeLorean (1925

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Biography

John Zachary DeLorean was an American engineer, inventor, and executive in the U.S. automobile industry. He is widely known as founder of the DeLorean Motor Company, as well as for his work at General Motors.

Timeline

The story of John DeLorean, told in moments.

1964 Event

Developed the Pontiac GTO, widely considered the first true muscle car. It was supposed to be an options package, not a standalone model. GM brass didn't approve it. DeLorean built it anyway.

How do you build a car GM brass didn't approve? Was the GTO defiance or just good engineering? Did inventing the muscle car feel as revolutionary as it was?

1975 Event

Left General Motors as the youngest division head in its history to start his own car company. The DeLorean Motor Company promised a revolutionary stainless-steel sports car built in Northern Ireland.

What made you leave the youngest division head position in GM history? Was the DeLorean Motor Company a dream or an escape? Did Northern Ireland feel like the right place for a revolution?

1982 Event

Arrested in a FBI sting operation for allegedly attempting to finance a $24 million cocaine deal to save his bankrupt company. Acquitted on entrapment grounds. The company collapsed anyway.

Were you guilty or just desperate? Did the cocaine sting feel like entrapment or consequences? Was saving the company worth risking everything?

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Explore what happened on the days that shaped John DeLorean's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.