Few films have left as deep a mark on popular culture as Back to the Future. However, what many fans don't know is that the iconic DeLorean DMC-12 was almost not the main car in this story. This change, if it had occurred, could have completely altered the iconic image of this film trilogy.
Initially, the idea of a time machine built into a car was not in the plans of creators Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. The original version was much more static and less stylized: a lead-reinforced refrigerator, designed to withstand a nuclear explosion, which would act as a channel for time travel. But this idea was scrapped for safety reasons and the possible negative influence on children, who could imitate the dangerous action of hiding in refrigerators.
The search for a vehicle that met the expectations to become the time machine led the creators to consider several options, until one brand stepped forward. Ford Motor Company, seeing a golden opportunity for indirect advertising, offered $75,000 for a Ford Mustang to become the time machine.
The proposal, as is evident, was rejected. Bob Gale and his team had another idea: they wanted something that reflected the unmistakable style of the eccentric scientist Emmett Brown. "If you're going to build a time machine into a car, you have to do it with style," became a phrase that would define the spirit of the final decision.
The choice of the DeLorean DMC-12 was, in part, a lucky coincidence. Its futuristic design with gullwing doors and stainless steel bodywork meant its flaws were overlooked, as it was neither particularly fast nor powerful. This decision was crucial, not only for the film, but for cementing the DeLorean's status as a cultural icon.
Interestingly, by the time Back to the Future was produced, the DeLorean Motor Company had already gone bankrupt, eliminating any chance of the company benefiting commercially from its appearance in the film.
To turn the DMC-12 into a full-fledged time machine, they used three units of the car and gave them a facelift, adding parts from other vehicles and even airplanes. This is what Andrew Robert, the person responsible for the design of the time machine in the film, wanted. All to achieve that futuristic look that has become one of the most memorable hallmarks of cinema.
