John DeLorean Dies

**Mr70** · #1 03-20-2005, 11:17 PM

1980s carmaker DeLorean dies at 80
Sunday, March 20, 2005
John DeLorean, developer of a futuristic sportscar that captured the country's attention in the 1980s, has died. He was 80.

DeLorean died Saturday at the Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey, from complications from a stroke, said Paul Connell, owner of Desmond and Sons funeral home in Michigan.

DeLorean's stainless-steel, gull-winged car, which bore his name, became more engrained in American culture after director Robert Zemeckis used a DeLorean as a time machine in the 1985 film "Back to the Future" and its two sequels.

I'll remember him more for what he did for GM in the 1960's.
GTO...

JoeG · #2 03-20-2005, 11:39 PM

There was a time....

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Jim Mattison · #3 03-21-2005, 01:08 AM

I worked under John DeLorean when I was at Chevrolet. John may have been controversial and arrogant, but he was the brightest automobile guy that I've ever had the pleasure to work with!

It is a very sad day in the automotive community. Another one of the "Great Ones" are gone forever!

Jim Mattison

Belair62 · #4 03-21-2005, 01:15 AM

**sYc** · #5 03-21-2005, 01:36 AM

Jim, knowing John, I would imagine the two of you worked on some prretty neat projects at Chevrolet. Any come to mind? What years did you work under John?

mike s · #6 03-21-2005, 02:25 AM

i did not know john delorean but i do know the delorean cars very neat machines they are

JChlupsa · #7 03-21-2005, 02:30 AM

Toughts and prayers go out to the DeLorean family as well to you Jim for the loss of your friend as well.

Jim Mattison · #8 03-21-2005, 05:02 AM

Tom,

I was already at Chevrolet when John DeLorean came to Chevy from Pontiac to become general manager in early 1969, replacing Pete Estes.

Yes, he was flamboyant, arrogant and demanding, but he was also "great" boss and very supportive of those that worked under him!!! When I left GM in 1972, he personally called me to his office to wish me well and offer his support, if needed.

I'll never forget the last time I saw him. I was at a Pontiac event in 1996, in Denver and DeLorean was scheduled to be a guest speaker there. Many were betting that he wouldn't show....but he did. I think that it was one of his very last public appearances.

I had been asked to represent Pontiac Division at this event and had arrived at the hotel early. I saw John sitting in the hotel restaurant, away from everyone else. I decided that someone (me) should welcome him and try to answer any questions that he may have about the group and the event.

I went up and introduced myself and he replyed....."Mattison....Mattison, I remember a young fellow by that name that used to work for me, any relation"? I replyed, "I'm the very same person, just older". (I was absolutely floored that he remembered my name for all these years.) We went on to have a nice conversation for about five minutes. I'll never forget that day!!!

Jim Mattison

**Paul_S** · #9 03-21-2005, 05:55 AM

Bill Howell · #10 03-21-2005, 06:21 AM

I recently bought Smokey Yunick's book on cd. John was the narrator and it was great to hear him recite the book and tell of his personal experiences and friendship with Smokey. They both truely did things their way and thought outside the box. I hate to hear he too has now passed.