Podcast Title: What It Was Like
Episode: How Cocaine Killed the Car in 'Back to the Future'
Host: Julian Morgans
Release Date: May 16, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of What It Was Like, host Julian Morgans delves into the fascinating yet tragic story behind the iconic DeLorean time machine from the beloved film Back to the Future. Joined by Kat DeLorean, the daughter of automotive legend John DeLorean, the conversation unpacks the rise and fall of the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC), the personal and familial repercussions of John's legal troubles, and Kat's mission to reclaim and honor her family's legacy through her new venture, DeLorean Next Generation.

The Rise of John DeLorean and the DeLorean Motor Company

Julian begins by setting the stage, highlighting John DeLorean's illustrious career in the automotive industry. As the youngest division head at General Motors (GM), DeLorean made significant contributions to the creation of legendary muscle cars in the 1960s, including the Pontiac GTO and the Pontiac Firebird. His ambition and innovative spirit led him to establish his own company, DMC, in 1973.

Notable Quote:
Kat DeLorean reflects on her father's achievements:

“He was a hero. Because it's really hard to conceptualize for people today what it means to have achieved what he did back then.”
[05:39]

Struggles and the Downfall of DMC

Despite the DeLorean's iconic design, characterized by its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, DMC faced numerous challenges. Delays in production, coupled with the economic downturn during the early 1980s recession, severely impacted sales. Additionally, questionable financial practices, including the misappropriation of development funds into offshore accounts, led to the company's eventual bankruptcy in February 1982.

Julian emphasizes the complexity of DMC's failure, noting that numerous factors contributed to the company's demise, from market conditions to internal mismanagement.

John DeLorean's Legal Troubles and Arrest

The conversation takes a dramatic turn as Kat discusses the circumstances surrounding her father's arrest. Contrary to public perception, Kat clarifies that John was not a recreational drug user. Instead, she reveals that he was thrust into the drug trafficking scandal when he became entangled in a government sting operation aimed at making a high-profile example during the War on Drugs.

Notable Quotes:
Julian questions the nature of the cocaine deal:

“Based on you, he wasn't actually trying to save the business at this point. He was actually just trying to save his family's life.”
[24:09]

Kat provides insight into the setup:

“He created fake stock certificates worth nothing. He wrote a letter to his lawyer saying, I'm about to rip off the mob so that I could save everybody's life.”
[20:03]

She further explains that John's attempt to extricate himself from the situation was unsuccessful, leading to his arrest without any actual exchange of drugs or money.

Impact on the DeLorean Family

The fallout from John's arrest was profound, not just professionally but personally for the DeLorean family. Kat describes the emotional toll it took on her father, who struggled with the loss of his reputation and the collapse of his life's work. The legal battles and financial losses led to significant strain within the family, exacerbated by Christina, Kat's mother, whose behavior complicated their household dynamics.

Notable Quote:
Kat discusses the lasting effects of the trauma:

“There is a level of trauma that carried forward through me that comes from just other things. So the fame of all of it as an autistic child, can you imagine what it was like to be subjected to all of that stuff?”
[29:08]

The DeLorean Time Machine in Pop Culture

Despite the company's failure, the DeLorean car achieved iconic status through its role in Back to the Future. Kat reveals how the filmmakers chose the DeLorean for the time machine after initial concepts, such as a refrigerator, were deemed less impactful. This association with the film helped preserve the car's legacy long after DMC's closure.

Notable Quote:
Julian highlights the cultural significance:

“They originally had the time machine as a refrigerator, but then Bob Gale was like, no, let's make it a DeLorean.”
[31:18]

Reclaiming the Family Legacy: DeLorean Next Generation

In the latter part of the episode, Kat shares her ambitious project, DeLorean Next Generation (DNG), a non-profit organization aimed at manufacturing Detroit-built supercars to fund educational opportunities. Inspired by her daughter's health challenges during the pandemic, Kat seeks to create a support system that mirrors the privilege she once had, emphasizing the importance of connections and community over mere financial wealth.

Notable Quotes:
Kat elaborates on her motivation:

“I wanted to create that level of security and support for others in a unique way. I wanted to meet the positive intent of the privilege.”
[43:03]

She also touches on the personal catharsis involved in reclaiming her family's name:

“I want DeLorean to mean dream. I want it to mean everyone's dream, not a person. It shouldn't be about ego.”
[44:37]

Understanding Autism and Vulnerability

A poignant segment of the discussion focuses on how Kat's autism influenced her father's interactions and vulnerabilities. She posits that autistic individuals may be more susceptible to manipulation by those with narcissistic tendencies due to differences in social processing and the inability to engage in small talk that builds trust.

Notable Quotes:
Kat explains her hypothesis:

“We’re hyper susceptible to narcissists and people who have narcissistic tendencies who overwhelmingly operate in high levels of business.”
[40:27]

Julian reflects on this insight, acknowledging its depth and relevance:

“That really checks out.”
[40:31]

Conclusion: A Path Forward

The episode concludes on an inspiring note as Kat articulates her vision for the future. By leveraging her family's legacy and her own experiences, she aims to foster a community-driven approach to success and support, distancing the DeLorean name from past scandals and refocusing it on collective dreams and aspirations.

Notable Quote:
Kat summarizes her mission:

“If I want to actually achieve his dream, we have to give the dream back to the people. And it has to be about them, not us.”
[44:37]

Julian commends Kat's resilience and forward-thinking approach, underscoring the transformative power of reclaiming one's narrative.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy and Reputation: The episode underscores the fragile nature of reputation and how external forces can dramatically alter public perception and personal lives.

• Personal Resilience: Kat DeLorean's journey illustrates the strength required to overcome familial and societal challenges, turning adversity into a mission for positive change.

• Autism and Social Vulnerability: The discussion provides valuable insights into how autism can affect interpersonal interactions and susceptibility to manipulation, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support.

• Cultural Impact: The enduring legacy of the DeLorean time machine in Back to the Future serves as a testament to the car's iconic design and its influence on pop culture.

Further Information

• Follow Kat DeLorean: @katdeorean
• DeLorean Next Generation: Visit DNG to learn more about Kat's non-profit venture.

Produced by Rachel Tuffery. Mixed by Jimmy Saunders. Artwork by Rich Akers. Special thanks to intern Ellie Dickey. This episode is a Superreal production.