Everyone knows and loves the DeLorean in Back to the Future. But people rarely know much about the DeLorean itself. Today I'm not going to go into details. But I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day by talking about the DeLorean's Irish roots. Only about 9000 DeLoreans are said to have been built. All of which were built in Northern Ireland. Where?
Dunmurry, Northern Ireland to be exact. Dunmurry is located between Belfast and Dublin (closer to Belfast). The town is known for industry and also residential. It is considered a neighborhood of Belfast. Gotta love Wikipedia right? When considering possible locations for the factory DeLorean had debated between Northern Ireland and Puerto Rico. However Northern Ireland's Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) made DeLorean an offer at the last minute. This offer was intended to help bring jobs to Northern Ireland.
In October of 1978 DeLorean broke ground to what would become a 6-building complex over 660,000 square feet in area. The factory opened later in 1981 with over 2,500 employees. Of which many were new to the work force. Due to some issues with new workers, quality control was a major issue. There were reports of ill-fitting body panels being the most common. However several training standards were used to help aid these new workers. Included special black "mule" cars without the stainless steal panels (just fiberglass). These cars were used only for training and were never marketed.
Just as the plant workforce was becoming experienced things took a turn for the worst. Costs of producing the new car were exceeding sales and profit was little or none. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in late 1982. This would be the end of the Northern Ireland plant. An end to the DeLorean production. At least until recent light of the company making a come back. More on that later. Till then stay green my friends may luck be with ya!
References: DeLorean Museum, How Stuff Works
It's been said that "Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life" (Oscar Wilde). But what happens when art imitates' life more? I think that's where Two-Lane Blacktop fan Dave Smolski comes in. The other day I was browsing the Model Car group on Facebook and came across the model above. I had to stand back a moment and ask myself "Is that a real car or just a model?" Scary realism right? I contacted Dave on Facebook to ask if I could post this up for our readers to see. I was met with great enthusiastic. Not only did Dave share his great model. But he gave me some create photos of the build, a video (below) and some of the reference pictures. Dave says it started out as a diecast by Ertl that was completely disassembled, re-engineered and detailed. There are scratch built parts, like the headers made from Romex wire. There are also lots of parts that were modified from other sources, like the seats, tires, wheels, floor jack, etc. Let's check them out.
I really like the level of detail Dave went to on the trunk. Just like in the movie the trunk lid simply lifts off. It's common for race car builders to have the trunk lift off to save weight (less hinges etc). I can say I've personally have lifted (with help) the trunk lid off a stock tri-five. They an't light. I would hope in the movie it was fiberglass. Dave mentions that in his video above that it's possible it was made of fiberglass. But notice the properly branded battery mounted in the trunk along with tools, car jack and slicks. Firestone tires. The tool box is custom built to match the one in the movie. Even down to the brand. Slightly rusted bumper. Just like in the movie.
Now we're looking above from over the engine compartment with the hood-flipped forward. You can see the power-house 454 Chevy Big Block front and center. Dual quads on the top with a tunnel ram intake. I like the detail of the headers flowing under the firewall. The plug-wires are poring out over the engine and all neatly routed to the plugs.
Close shot from the passenger side. You can see the working doors and door jams. I really like the weathering work on the primer like paint coat. Not to mention the sweet sliding windows. Just like in the movie.
Another shot from the side looking into the interior of the model car. Dave spent a lot of time on the seat belts. Note the realistic carpet covering floor-boards. You can also see the header collector in this view as well.
Here's a build shot. Doesn't it remind you of someone working in their garage on the real thing? Almost forgot. Be sure to watch the video above for the full experience with diorama! Amazing detail and realism. I would like to thank Dave for sharing. You can see more photos on his Photo Bucket. If you have an On Screen Car related project you would like to share. Shoot us email via our contact page! Color Me Gone!
I'm sure everyone has had a nickname for their car at one point or another. I know my cousin has nicknamed nearly every car he's ever own (little shout out to CJ). But who could forget Frank the Tank and The Red Dragon from the hit comedy movie Old School. So with that. On Screen Cars presents: The Red Dragon.
There isn't a lot to be said for the car in the movie. It's red 1977 Pontiac Trans AM, 2nd generation car. Black interior. Flat roof. Under the hood, it looks like a small block Chevrolet possibility a 350. It's possible someone changed out the factory Oldsmobile plant out or "faked" a Trans Am. But let's not forget to mention it's the same model year as the original Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. However it's not painted black with gold accents, no t-tops or any of the other traits of a Special Edition (SE) Trans Am. But I felt it deserved mention. Heck Greenlight Collectibles thought it deserved a 1/64 replica (you can find it here). But what is special about Frank's car?
Well I believe Franks' car represents his life as a single man. Frank in the movie is newly married. He's having a hard time adjusting to married life. They're getting settled in and they have a house. Which by the way is a real house. I found a interesting site that has the filming location info. But anyways that's where the car kinda comes in. He's got it out in the drive way working on it. Then here comes the BS! I love it though! His wife comes out to see what he's doing. The car is smoking and making some rough noises.
He says "I took the restrictor plate off to give the red dragon a little more juice, but keep that on the down low, she's not exactly street legal." Hold on. Restrictor plate? Isn't that something they used in NASCAR? Yep you bet ya. Restrictor plates were installed on carburetors on NASCAR race cars to help hold the car back from achieving unsafe speeds thus reducing crashes. Frank I'm sorry I don't think your car has a restrictor plate.
But it makes a great line for car guys to laugh about. You can watch the whole scene in the clip above. Gotta love hearing Whitesnake in the background. But outside of all that Frank's car is just another F-Body. By the way. Frank isn't the only guy to call his Trans Am a Red Dragon. The Red Dragon BS makes for a great story. It makes it feel real. If you haven't seen Old School I would advise to pick it up on Amazon. Old School [Blu-ray] It is hilarious! So next time you're out with your buddies in the shop tell'm "Hey I'm gonna take the restrictor plate off, you with me?" Till then. Drive safe and sober! Bye!
It's only been a few months since Paul Walker's death. Thankfully things are starting to settle a little bit for the family. I can't imagine what they must be going through. I know Paul in-addition to being a great actor he was a dedicated father and community figure. He left a huge spot to fill in his charity organizations. But I came across an article today that made me think about Paul. The article talks about a car collector in Bucks County Pennsylvania who decided to honor Pual's life with a recent purchase of a certain Mitsubishi Evo from 2 Fast 2 Furious.
I didn't even know the Evo was on the sale list. It was Wednesday night about dinner time. I saw the car and knowing my sons very much admired Paul Walker and that we could give back to the community, just like Paul did, I bid on it and got the car.
Paul Walker is a hero to many kids today. He drove fast and hard in his movies. The kids today are into these types of cars. He is their hero like Ronnie Sox and Bill Jenkins are mine. Paul's movies are really popular and I figured we could give back to the community like Paul did, if I bought the car.
Above is a quote from Rob Leipziger, car collector from Bucks County. He said saw the car had went up for sales just before dinner one night recently. Rob remembered how much his own son admired the car and Walker. He wanted to purchase the car to honor his memory. As you remember the car was used in the second installment of the film in 2003. At the time of production the car wasn't available in the states. It had been imported from Japan. This car is one of four cars used in the film. This car was also featured on the cover a book entitled How To Build the Cars of The Fast and the Furious (Motorbooks Workshop) by Eddie Paul.
As time goes on I have to say this car will be an example of the golden era of tuner cars. It's got the big wing, low profile tires and big brake package. Not to mention that 305 horse beast of 4 banger feed by a turbo. I know the Fast and Furious films were met with a lot of criticism when it comes to technical accuracy. There were some things that were just flat out wrong. Especially when it comes to discussions about nitrous, fuel management systems, manifold issues, etc. But let's keep in mind. They're just movies. Hollywood screws up all the time. We'll have to just see what it will look like in years to come. Will we scratch our heads and wonder "What were we thinking?" Who knows. We'll see ya next time!
http://www.inquisitr.com/1145832/paul-walkers-movie-car-purchased-by-local-collector/#AiIz0IS78IlwC2Xc.99
Just found out moments ago. That Harold Ramis has passed away at age 69. I'm sure you may remember Ramis as Ghostbuster Dr. Egon Spengler. Ramis was known for his writing, directing and acting in countless films. According to ABC News Ramis died at his Chicago home surrounded by family. Please keep the family of Ramis in your thoughts and prayers during their time of loss. Harold we'll never forget you!
Everyone knows and loves the DeLorean in Back to the Future. But people rarely know much about the DeLorean itself. Today I'm not going to go into details. But I wanted to celebrate St. Patrick's day by talking about the DeLorean's Irish roots. Only about 9000 DeLoreans are said to have been built. All of which were built in Northern Ireland. Where?
Dunmurry, Northern Ireland to be exact. Dunmurry is located between Belfast and Dublin (closer to Belfast). The town is known for industry and also residential. It is considered a neighborhood of Belfast. Gotta love Wikipedia right? When considering possible locations for the factory DeLorean had debated between Northern Ireland and Puerto Rico. However Northern Ireland's Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) made DeLorean an offer at the last minute. This offer was intended to help bring jobs to Northern Ireland.
In October of 1978 DeLorean broke ground to what would become a 6-building complex over 660,000 square feet in area. The factory opened later in 1981 with over 2,500 employees. Of which many were new to the work force. Due to some issues with new workers, quality control was a major issue. There were reports of ill-fitting body panels being the most common. However several training standards were used to help aid these new workers. Included special black "mule" cars without the stainless steal panels (just fiberglass). These cars were used only for training and were never marketed.
Just as the plant workforce was becoming experienced things took a turn for the worst. Costs of producing the new car were exceeding sales and profit was little or none. The company filed for bankruptcy protection in late 1982. This would be the end of the Northern Ireland plant. An end to the DeLorean production. At least until recent light of the company making a come back. More on that later. Till then stay green my friends may luck be with ya!
References: DeLorean Museum, How Stuff Works
I'm sure everyone has had a nickname for their car at one point or another. I know my cousin has nicknamed nearly every car he's ever own (little shout out to CJ). But who could forget Frank the Tank and The Red Dragon from the hit comedy movie Old School. So with that. On Screen Cars presents: The Red Dragon.
There isn't a lot to be said for the car in the movie. It's red 1977 Pontiac Trans AM, 2nd generation car. Black interior. Flat roof. Under the hood, it looks like a small block Chevrolet possibility a 350. It's possible someone changed out the factory Oldsmobile plant out or "faked" a Trans Am. But let's not forget to mention it's the same model year as the original Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am. However it's not painted black with gold accents, no t-tops or any of the other traits of a Special Edition (SE) Trans Am. But I felt it deserved mention. Heck Greenlight Collectibles thought it deserved a 1/64 replica 
. But what is special about Frank's car?
It is hilarious! So next time you're out with your buddies in the shop tell'm "Hey I'm gonna take the restrictor plate off, you with me?" Till then. Drive safe and sober! Bye!
It's only been a few months since Paul Walker's death. Thankfully things are starting to settle a 
by Eddie Paul.
As time goes on I have to say this car will be an example of the golden era of tuner cars. It's got the big wing, low profile tires and big brake package. Not to mention that 305 horse beast of 4 banger feed by a turbo. I know the Fast and Furious films were met with a lot of criticism when it comes to technical accuracy. There were some things that were just flat out wrong. Especially when it comes to discussions about nitrous, fuel management systems, manifold issues, etc. But let's keep in mind. They're just movies. Hollywood screws up all the time. We'll have to just see what it will look like in years to come. Will we scratch our heads and wonder "What were we thinking?" Who knows. We'll see ya next time!
Just found out moments ago. That Harold Ramis has passed away at age 69. I'm sure you may remember Ramis as Ghostbuster Dr. Egon Spengler. Ramis was known for his writing, directing and acting in countless films. According to