The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports vehicle that was originally manufactured in Northern Ireland by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company for the American market in 1981–1982. It is most commonly known simply as the DeLorean, as it was the only vehicle ever produced by the company. The DMC-12 featured gull-wing doors with a fiberglass "underbody", to which non-structural brushed stainless steel panels were affixed. A modified version of The DeLorean DMC-12 is the vehicle Doc Brown turns into a time machine in the Back to the Future franchise.

The first prototype appeared in March 1976, and production officially began in 1981 (with the first DMC-12 rolling off the production line on January 21) at the DMC factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland. During its production, several features of the vehicle were changed, such as the hood (bonnet) style, wheels and interior. Approximately 9,000 DMC-12s were made before production stopped in late 1982. Today, about 6,500 DeLorean Motor Automobiles are believed to still exist. Texas entrepreneur Stephen Wynne started a separate company using the "DeLorean Motor Company" name after acquiring the remaining parts inventory of DeLorean Motor Company. The company and factory stock were acquired privately in 1997 and made-to-measure new build Automobiles can still be purchased.

The primary facility opened in 2008 in Humble, Texas. Additional facilities are currently located in Bonita Springs, Florida, Crystal Lake, Illinois, Bellevue, Washington, and Garden Grove, California. The current Delorean Motor Company is not, and has never been, associated with the original company but supports owners of DeLorean Automobiles.

DeLorean’s popularity throughout the early 1980’s continues into present day. For this matter, numerous clubs, discussion forums, magazines, and organizations indulge DeLorean owners. Additionally, hobbyists can put together their own replica with a DeLorean kit car. Furthermore, a number of auto businesses focus attention on creating and designing custom DeLoreans, and selling original DeLoreans and their parts. Even more, there are mechanical shops, such as DeLorean’s Houston service department, that employs mechanics qualified to repair DeLoreans. These mechanics are also experts in DeLorean body work.