Were you obsessed with “Back to the future“grow up? Did you never outgrow this obsession? Do you quote ’80s movies so often that your wife ended up leaving you for a man who’s willing to watch newer movies and eat his vegetables without being told? Then I have the right car for you – this Back to the Future-themed car from 1982 DeLorean DMC-12 that is currently listed on Cars & Bids. I can’t explain why there are already bids up to $35,000 at the time of writing, but then again, I have no idea who these replicas are for.
Now I readily admit that I’m too young to really understand Back to the Future. Although I lived in the late 20th century and saw the film for the first time on VHS, I was a 1989 baby. By the time I was old enough to appreciate Back to the Future, its cultural impact had evaporated. If I had been born 20 years earlier, I would have been 16 when it came out and I would probably understand how much people want a prop out of a crappy car, but whether it’s age or something else, I get it just not. I don’t understand it.
The thing is, though, I don’t think it’s specifically a Back to the Future thing. I just don’t see the point in owning something that is so obviously a movie prop. Would you like to build a replica of the black Toyota SR5 from the same series? Do it. In fact, I even understand paying a little extra for a truck with the correct BTTF see. It’s a subtle nod to those in the know, but to everyone else, you’re just driving around in a cool old pickup truck.
Meanwhile, a DMC-12 that’s been given the time machine treatment is only cool for people who are big fans of a movement that’s almost 40 years old. If you took it to a meeting or something I could see the appeal there, but for use outside of that? You’re just driving around in an obvious movie prop and it seems like you really want people to talk to you about your car. For less than $10,000 I might understand that, but these things are for real money! The auction is still running for five days and as mentioned, one bid up to $35,000 has already been submitted. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this thing ends up costing more than I make in a year.
The real questions here are: “To whom?” and “Why?” And while it probably sounds like I’m being snarky here, I promise I really want to understand it. What is the appeal of these cars? Recognize the members of the generation Please tell me what I’m missing, because I’m clearly missing something here.
This story originally appeared on Jalopnik, our sister site, on Friday, October 11th.
