Earlier this summer we reported on the comeback of the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). The Houston-based outfit is not the same company founded by John DeLorean. But it does do repairs and sell replacement parts for the DMC-12. It's also planning to launch a new car in 2017. A lot of the particulars are still up in the air, including what engine it will have and how much it will cost. Despite the uncertainty, the DeLorean Motor Company announced on its blog that it has opened up a "pre-order interest application."

Those who actually care enough to fill the online form out will be given first dibs when it comes to the ordering process, with the application stating: "Because the standard and optional feature list is still being finalized, these are non-binding expressions of interest only. Respondents will be given first notification and priority before the ordering process is opened to the general public." The application itself is a lighter version of the one Ford made those interested in the new GT fill out. There are questions regarding past or current DeLorean ownership and the applicant's use of their current/former car along with an option to select a transmission preference (manual or automatic).

Since the new DeLorean Motor Company is a low-volume manufacturer it only makes sense for it to gauge interest in its upcoming car as early as possible. That being said, we don't think the automaker will have trouble selling out all of its new models. According to its blog the production plan for the first 12 months is just 12 cars, or one car a month. That will be ratcheted up to one car per week by the end of year two. Even if the new DeLorean carries a price tag of up to $100,000 there have to be at least 12 people out there willing to pay that sum. Right? Maybe. Nostalgia is a powerful motivator, and a modern interior, tech and engine will sweeten the deal. But the new DeLorean will look identical to the old DMC-12.

The DeLorean Motor Company still has a long way to go before it can begin production. The numerous government agencies charged with implementing the new laws regulating low-volume automakers are still figuring out how the rules should work. Then there's the whole other issue of building a new car from the ground up. If all goes well the first new DeLorean may roll off the line by this time next year...at least that's what we're guessing. Anyone care to take a wild guess as to who the lucky owner might end up being?