DeLorean resurrection is go

The DeLorean DMC-12, an American coupe from the 1980s made famous by the Back to the Future movies, looks set to make a comeback.

DeLorean Motor Company, the Texan operation that bought the tooling and parts from the original (and now deceased) manufacturer, has plans to revive the classic vehicle under new US laws that allow low-volume sales – 325 units per annum or less – of historic car replicas.

Expected to be priced at around $100,000, the reborn rear-engined DeLorean should be ready by 2017, according to the company's Facebook post today.

"In anticipation of the Low Volume Manufacturing Act and the news about DeLorean Motor Company has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to allow production for 2017.

"A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, and we’re still early on in this process of determining the feasibility of moving forward. Further updates will be posted here. Thank you!" reads the post.

DeLorean vice-president James Espy has also been quoted by Maxim as saying the reborn DeLorean will look exactly the same as the original, of which less than 10,000 vehicles were built between 1981 and 1983.

It will also retain its iconic gull-wing doors, but will offer several modern upgrades, least of which will be a new V6 engine.

The company is shooting for 370hp or roughly 270kW from a new, modern V6, although it's understood the DeLorean Motor Company is still negotiating with an engine supplier, with names such as GM and Ford being bandied about.

The DeLorean Motor Company vice-president also says the reborn car will be offered with modern convenience features, such as satellite-navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats.

The Texan company is shooting for around 300 vehicles per annum over a five-year production cycle, but it's unlikely it will build right-hand drive versions of the car.

Photos: Kevin Abato www.grenexmedia.com