I remember several things about DeLorean. First, that video of him being busted for cocaine in the 80's. Second, The car from back to the future. He really had some balls and is one of the few to actually create a new car brand in a long time. His cars were notoriously mechanically poor, but the shape, doors and unpainted metal color were just too cool to resist and will stick out in the history of the indutry as truly unique.

AP

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- While only about 9,000 of his namesake cars were ever built, John Z. DeLorean's place in auto history was assured as soon as the gull-winged sports cars rumbled off the assembly line.

DeLorean was among just a handful of U.S. entrepreneurs who dared start a car company in the last 75 years and he helped shift Detroit toward smaller, more efficient autos until his career was derailed by federal drug charges.

DeLorean died late Saturday in Summit of complications from a recent stroke, said Paul Connell, an owner of A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors in Royal Oak, Mich., which was handling arrangements. He was 80.

"John DeLorean was one of Detroit's larger-than-life figures who secured a noteworthy place in our industry's history," GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said Sunday in a statement. "He made a name for himself through his talent, creativity, innovation and daring."

Tipped by: Speed of Thought

Other Commentary:

TheBisch