"Hi, my name is Robert, and this section covers my custom DeLorean. I decided to give my DMC the power it deserves by doing an engine swap with a 1997 Lotus Twin Turbo V8 engine. The Lotus Conversion section will show the finished result of the project, as well as the rest of my DMC, which has a plethora of customizations necessary to make the engine conversion successful."

Owners who expected their DeLoreans to be an investment have been disappointed, but values are expected to rise soon. Contrary to some predictions, the cars have turned out to be reliable, with the exception of a handful of components.

"The car appears to look somewhat stock. The addition of a rear spoiler, custom pinstripes, and new rims/tires still doesn't grab the attention of what the car holds beneath the louvers and engine cover."

The difference between mid and rear engine location means 6.5 lb in weight distribution. That’s about as much as a heavy sandwich… - JZD

"That is definitely not stock! Sitting in the engine bay is a 1997 Lotus Esprit V8 Twin Turbo engine just begging to be opened up on a straight stretch of road. Notice the attention to detail in terms of fit and display. The engine is garnered with a custom electronic junction cover and SS coolant tank."

A few cars have found their way to Britain via Northern Ireland – bought at auction as investments, showroom traffic stimulators or simply for curiosity value. Right-hand drive variants, shorn of the performance-sapping emission control equipment required for the US, are even rarer in the UK.

"When you thought it couldn't get better, take a look at the undercarriage. Breathtaking is one word that comes to mind. The exhaust system uses Borla mufflers and 3" tubes all custom built and perfectly hidden underneath the car. Press here to see a close up of the Lotus transmission."

With a factory damaged during the Bobby Sands riots and a recession looming, creditors and Thatcher's government were keen to recoup the money ploughed into the venture, and DMC was placed in receivership, despite continuing high demand for the car.

"Extensive frame modification had to be done to fit and mount the engine in the rear of the car. The transmission is Lotus, and it uses the same case as a DeLorean, with a Quaife Limited Slip Differential installed. Notice the two charge coolers straddling the transmission. Each turbo was reworked to add 40% more air flow, boosting the cars horsepower to approximately 500 Horses!"

Acceleration just isn't as much as one would expect from the 2.8 liter version of the V6 engine made by the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo consortium. The five-speed gearchanges is firm yet slick with its close ratios. For the type of performance you or I might expect, a lot of second and third gear work is necessary.

"The rear end is definitely something most people better get used to seeing, since this car will be leaving most people in the smoke. I love the way the rear end looks with the custom exhaust setup and the Lotus oil pan, very sharp."