The fact that a new company of the same name has now established itself as a DeLorean merchandiser has drawn a lawsuit from the estate of the late John Z. DeLorean.
DETROIT, MI - If you're not a DeLorean car enthusiast you likely don't realize that you can buy DeLorean Motor Company luggage, hats and even refurbished versions of the classic 1980s car that starred in the "Back to the Future" movies.
The wares are all being sold by a newer, Texas-based DeLorean Motor Company, or DMC, even though the original company went defunct in 1982.
The fact that a new company, which says it was founded more than 20 years ago, of the same name has now established itself as a DeLorean merchandiser has drawn a lawsuit from the estate of the late John Z. DeLorean, a legendary former engineer at General Motors who founded the original DMC in Detroit in 1975.
John DeLorean passed away in 2005, but his widow, Sally DeLorean, has been a plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit over naming rights that appeared to be near a conclusion. But news reports now indicate that the settlement has, as several media have noted, hit a roadblock.
After reaching a preliminary settlement in June for an undisclosed amount, Sally DeLorean's attorney sent a letter to the judge in the case, saying the defendants were trying to change the agreements at the last minute.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the new DMC is seeking to have John DeLorean's estate go on record saying their case has no merit and that it can use the DeLorean name "for virtually any purpose."
An attorney for the company denied those claims, saying it just wants to use the DeLorean name and guard itself against future lawsuits.
The Texas company has built a national business using not only the DeLorean name but also the signature product: The stainless-steel plated, gull-wing door DeLorean DMC-12.
For DeLorean enthusiasts, the company is a godsend. It keeps a running stock of used DeLorean DMC-12s for sale, offers parts and service, and even has a budget restoration program. That's in addition to series of accessories, such as key chains, pens, hats and other items.
A little more than 9,000 DeLorean DMC-12s were produced in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the 1981-83 model years.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.