“The Back To The Future films were classics in their own right” reports Suite101.com, but the car they chose was something even more legendary. Back in 1985 when the film was first released, the DeLorean DMC-12 was already a pretty unique car, but imagine turning up to a school reunion now in this classic car – you may not have been cool at school but undoubtedly this vintage vehicle will ensure you’re now the king of cool.
The DeLorean, one of the most controversial cars of all time, featured in the Back To The Future trilogies in its much modified state and was created by Formula One design innovator Colin Chapman of Lotus Cars -” little did he know that the car would become one of the most famous movie cars”, reports Suite101.com.
Imagine getting into trouble before you’re even born! It seems like a pretty difficult task, but Marty McFly managed to do it via the Back To The Future films – and all thanks to the metal marvel of the DeLorean. Vintage cars hold their classic status due to their rare existence, which is why the DeLorean earns its classic title with only around 8,500 DMC-12 cars produced.
Thanks to the films being regularly aired and the likability of the Doc Brown character, “it’s not just middle-aged dads who get a kick from the DeLorean car” reports the Times Online. The hype for the DeLorean was huge back in the 1980’s, but the classic vehicle still had some unflattering reviews, such as being said to be “underpowered”. However, with 130bhp (which seems nothing now), the difference isn’t that significant when compared to the “smog-strangled Corvette of the late seventies” and it’s 165bhp.
The hype generated by the introduction of such a unique vintage motor meant that in 1981 it was going for the kind of money you’d get a Ferrari or Porsche 911 for. It cannot be disputed that the Delorean was a revolutionary car for its time; with the Times Online reporting that “some people even thought it was a kit car” – but it of course was not.
You certainly feel like your back in the past driving one of these cars, with an 85mph speedometer and a three-speed automatic gear-box – taking you back to the 1980’s. The Times Online states that “the whole DeLorean thing is a fascinating chapter in automotive history, and the good news is that it could be around for a while”, with Stephen Wynne taking on the DeLorean name and rebuilding these vintage cars – making them as good as new.
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If you’ve always wanted to travel like royalty then now is your chance – the Queen’s customised Jaguar Daimler Majestic is now up for sale. News.sky.com has reported that “drivers who fancy travelling in royal style now have a unique chance”.
According to the Daily Mail website, keeping its regal touch by displaying the same number plate as when it was used by the Queen between 2001 and 2004, the Jaguar Daimler is being sold by specialist memorabilia dealer Peter Ratcliffe. Peter has said “this is a one-off chance to buy a car that was made especially for the Queen of England”.
The Jaguar was mainly used by the Queen for driving around the grounds of the Windsor estate, so it’s no surprise that the Daimler has only clocked 14,000 miles. The Geae Times website has reported that “nothing in the car has been changed from when it was owned by Her Majesty”, which is another unique selling point as well as the low mileage – a Jaguar enthusiast would love to get their hands on such a majestic machine.
Painted a shade of British racing green, the Daimler Majestic V8 has undergone numerous modifications to suit the previous owner. If it’s good enough for the queen I’m sure it will be good enough for the lucky person who can afford such historic beauty. As expected, this royal transporter comes with a hefty price tag of £65,000, which makes it a rather expensive second-hand vehicle – but considering the previous owner it’s no surprise really.
The Daimler could be perfect for a lady looking for a classy car with a compartment specifically dedicated to holding a handbag. One of the customised features of the Jaguar was an in-built section of the armrest designed to keep the Queens handbag in place while driving – this may come in handy for women who take about 10 minutes looking for their keys while trying not to drop their handbag.
Another additional characteristic of the Daimler which relates to the previous owner is the telephone link to 10 Downing Street. Unfortunately this is not part of the deal and the line has been deactivated – it could have been a pretty handy addition though if you got caught speeding.
