Corvette Grand Sport Coupe

Make
Chevrolet
Segment
Coupe

Despite its innovations like concealed windshield wipers, vertically stacked headlights, and a rust-proof stainless-steel body, the DeLorean DMC-12 was a financial flop when it launched in 1981. Its poor performance didn't match the car's futuristic looks and high price tag.

Less than 9,000 models were produced between the 1981 and 1983 model years before the DeLorean Motor Company went bankrupt in late 1982. But thanks to its appearance in the 1985 science fiction film Back to the Future as a time machine on wheels, the DeLorean became one of the most iconic movie cars of all time. As a result, replicas of the famous DeLorean are a common sight – but we've never seen one quite like this.

Bjorn Harms's love for the Back to the Future films led to the creation of the one and only full-size, remote-controlled DeLorean in the world. You may remember the Dutch computer technician also turned a Corvette into a remote-controlled car a few years ago. Harms admits the ambitious project wasn't easy, as the prototype car took around six months to build and another three months to make it safer and more reliable.

You've got to admire Harms's attention to detail. The car's remote control is designed to replicate the one Doc Brown used to operate the DeLorean in the Back to the Future movie. It has the same functionality, too. The DeLorean can be remotely driven just like in the movie, and an off button activates the car's failsafe system that applies the brakes to bring the car to a stop.

One of the main challenges was getting the steering to work. Harms had to remove the original steering axle and replace it with a power steering system from an Opel Corsa.

Like the original DeLorean, power is provided by a 2.8-liter V6 good for 130 horsepower but top speed has been reduced to 100 mph. With all the Back to the Future-inspired modifications, the remote-control DeLorean weighs around 3,300 pounds. Best of all, this DeLorean is still road legal, even with the remote-control system. Unsurprisingly, Harms says the DeLorean gets stronger reactions from the public than his remote-controlled Corvette.

Photo credit: Bjorn Harms Facebook