Growing Up DeLorean: Kat DeLorean on Dad's DMC-12 & Family Legacy
About this episode
Kat DeLorean shares her unique perspective on life lessons learned through cars, influenced by her father, the legendary John DeLorean. She recounts how her dad taught her responsibility and resilience through automotive experiences, from washing cars to learning to ride a motorcycle. The conversation dives into her first cars, including a tricked-out Mercedes and a temperamental Trans Am named 'Christine.' With anecdotes about family, cars, and personal growth, Kat offers a heartfelt look at how automotive culture shaped her life and career.
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Kat DeLorean offers an intimate look at automotive nostalgia and family legacy in this very special episode. As the daughter of the legendary John Z. DeLorean, Kat’s earliest car memories involve the iconic gull-winged DMC-12 itself – including her first time behind the wheel of her family’s own DeLorean. She shares heartfelt stories of how classic cars and her father’s larger-than-life career shaped her values, from bonding over engine tinkering to the life lessons learned during Sunday drives. Listeners will hear car history anecdotes from the frontline of an automotive dynasty, but also relatable tales: Kat’s first “regular” car, the song on the radio that reminds her of dad, and how preserving these car memories has become her mission. With a tone that’s both reverent and warmly personal, Growing Up DeLorean delivers a treasure trove of car culture insight and emotional resonance.
Kat's favorite episode is "Campus of Cars – Makenna and Brandon’s Educational Restoration Adventures" https://pod.link/1733902541/episode/6101fe7007f56a999211944be3a14faf
By episode’s end, you’ll feel how every car – whether a famous sports car or a family sedan – can carry the legacy of love, heritage, and hope from one generation to the next.
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GM
"Her father was an automotive executive, an entrepreneur in the let me see if I get this right 1950s, Packard, 1960s, GM, 70s GM and into Pontiac in the 80s where he started his own car company."
GM stands for General Motors, a huge car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Chevrolet and Cadillac. They have been a major player in the car industry for a long time.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of vehicles under various brand names, including Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. GM has a significant history in the automotive industry, influencing many aspects of car design and production.
Packard
"Her father was an automotive executive, an entrepreneur in the let me see if I get this right 1950s, Packard, 1960s, GM, 70s GM and into Pontiac in the 80s where he started his own car company."
Packard was a famous American car company that made luxury cars, especially popular in the early to mid-1900s. They were known for their quality and style.
Packard was a luxury automobile manufacturer in the United States, known for its high-quality vehicles and innovations in the automotive industry during the early to mid-20th century. The brand is often associated with elegance and performance.
two-stroke engine
"Maybe her heart is a two-stroke, naturally aspirated model. I don't know, maybe that's too personal to ask, but it is brought to our doorstep and we're very happy."
A two-stroke engine is a kind of engine that makes power in just two movements of the piston, making it lighter and more powerful for its size. You often find them in things like dirt bikes and small tools.
A two-stroke engine is a type of internal combustion engine that completes a power cycle in just two strokes of the piston, allowing for a more compact design and higher power-to-weight ratio. They are often used in applications where weight and size are critical, such as in motorcycles and small machinery.
automotive engineer
"...he did this, though, even outside of your very basic automotive things, because he was an automotive engineer. We talked about cars constantly..."
An automotive engineer is someone who works on cars, helping to design and improve how they work and how safe they are.
An automotive engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests vehicles and their systems. They work on improving vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.
Chevy Citation
"...I remember when I was learning to drive as a teenager in my father's 1980 Chevy Citation which I wasn't getting any dates in that car I remember a very specific life lesson."
The Chevy Citation is a small car made by Chevrolet in the early 1980s. It was known for being affordable and was one of the first cars to have front-wheel drive, which helped with handling.
The Chevrolet Citation was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1980 to 1985. It was notable for its front-wheel-drive layout and was one of the first cars to use the GM X-body platform.
standard
"...one of the hardest things to do with a standard is to start it from a dead stop on a hill and we were stopped at a red light..."
A 'standard' car is one that has a manual transmission, meaning you have to change gears yourself using a stick shift and a clutch pedal. It's different from an automatic car, which does this for you.
In automotive terms, a 'standard' refers to a manual transmission vehicle, where the driver must manually shift gears using a clutch pedal. This type of transmission requires more skill to operate compared to automatic transmissions.
DeLorean
"...two years ago I bought my DeLorean let's just say it needed some electrical work."
The DeLorean is a unique car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous because it was featured in a popular movie about time travel.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famous for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained iconic status from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' film series.
NSX
"And one day we're working out and I said dad, when we get home will you teach me how to drive stick on the NSX?"
The NSX is a sports car made by Acura, known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a unique design and is considered one of the best cars in its class.
The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car that was first introduced in the late 1980s. It is known for its combination of performance, luxury, and reliability, and is often regarded as one of the first affordable supercars.
Deloreans
"And my father and I used to go to the gym every morning together and one day we're working out and I said dad, when we get home will you teach me how to drive stick on the NSX? And you heard all the weights in the room drop and one guy looks over and goes John DeLorean's daughter doesn't know how to drive a stick shift. My dad packed up all of his stuff and said come on, we're going."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a special car known for its unusual doors that open upwards and its shiny metal body. It became really famous because it was used in a popular movie, which makes it a fun topic for car lovers.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique sports car that became famous for its distinctive gull-wing doors and stainless steel body. Produced in the early 1980s, it gained iconic status after being featured in the 'Back to the Future' film series, making it a popular subject of discussion among car fans and collectors.
Morgan
"...my first car was a Morgan. No joke, I used to tell people, oh I had a kit car, and then I posted it on Instagram and somebody goes that's a Morgan."
Morgan is a car brand from the UK that makes unique, classic-looking cars. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship and sporty feel.
Morgan is a British car manufacturer known for its unique and classic designs, often featuring wooden frames and retro styling. The brand is famous for producing sports cars that emphasize craftsmanship and driving enjoyment.
Mercedes-Benz 1972 Convertible
"...my dad traded an old farm bulldozer for a 1972 convertible Mercedes two set and it was this gorgeous blue color, like royal blue, with this burgundy interior. He swapped..."
The 1972 Convertible is a type of car made by Mercedes-Benz, a well-known luxury car manufacturer. It's famous for its stylish design and comfort, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
The 1972 Convertible from Mercedes-Benz is a classic car known for its elegant design and luxurious features. It represents a significant era in automotive history, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality and performance.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...you can spend $25,000 and get a cute car like a Honda or a Jetta or something."
The Jetta is a car made by Volkswagen. It's a good option for people looking for a reliable and affordable first car.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its practicality, comfort, and solid performance. It is often considered a good choice for first-time car buyers due to its affordability and reliability.
Z28
"...if I got it used I could get a brand new Z28."
The Z28 is a special version of the Chevrolet Camaro that is designed for better performance and speed. It's a popular choice for those who like sporty cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance-oriented variant of the Camaro, known for its powerful engine and sporty design. It is often sought after by enthusiasts for its performance capabilities.
Trans Am
"...I consider my first car really Babs, which is my Trans Am."
The Trans Am is a sporty car made by Pontiac. It's known for being fast and has a lot of fans because of its cool design.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often remembered for its role in popular culture.
break stand
"...if I wanted to break, loose the rear end, no matter if I did a break stand, I couldn't do it if she didn't want to do it."
A brake stand is when you press the brake pedal and the gas pedal at the same time. This makes the back wheels spin while the car stays still, which can be used to show off power or prepare for a race.
A break stand, often referred to as a brake stand, is a technique used to hold a car in place while revving the engine to build up power, typically used in drag racing or to create wheel spin. It involves applying the brakes while simultaneously pressing the accelerator, allowing the rear wheels to spin without moving the car forward.
stick shift
"Am Was Christina a stick shift. No, she was an automatic. Nope, yeah, she was, that's okay."
A stick shift is a type of car transmission that requires you to change gears manually. It gives you more control over how the car drives, but it can be tricky to use, especially in heavy traffic.
A stick shift refers to a manual transmission system in a car where the driver has to manually shift gears using a gear stick. This type of transmission allows for more control over the vehicle's power and speed compared to automatic transmissions.
automatic transmission
"No, she was an automatic. Nope, yeah, she was, that's okay."
An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it manually. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without needing to manually shift gears.
manual transmission
"...as far as getting a car in manual transmission, that particular car, I got the one I could get..."
A manual transmission is a type of car gearbox where the driver has to change gears themselves using a stick and a pedal. It gives the driver more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission, also known as a stick shift, requires the driver to manually change gears using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. This type of transmission offers more control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
horsepower
"...that said to a bug, it's a 320 horsepower blender and I said my God, I need this car."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher horsepower generally translating to better performance.
internet wasn't a thing
"...and so the internet wasn't a thing and I couldn't just go look one up."
When they say 'the internet wasn't a thing', it means that back then, people didn't use the internet like we do today. It was harder to find information about things like cars.
The phrase 'the internet wasn't a thing' refers to a time before the widespread availability and use of the internet for information and communication. This limited access to resources for researching products, including cars, made it more challenging for consumers to find specific vehicles.
made about 10, 15,000
"...the year I bought her there was 2,700 made, unlike the years after where they made about 10, 15,000."
When they say 'made about 10, 15,000', they are talking about how many of that car were built. Fewer cars made can make them more special and valuable.
This phrase refers to the production numbers of a specific car model in a given year. Lower production numbers can indicate rarity and potentially increase a car's value among collectors and enthusiasts.
governed
"...because they were governed and I didn't want a white car."
When a car is 'governed', it means that the manufacturer has set a maximum speed that the car can go, usually for safety reasons.
In automotive terms, 'governed' refers to a vehicle being limited in its maximum speed by the manufacturer. This is often done for safety or regulatory reasons.
break-in miles
"...I drove home 55 miles an hour. All 500 break-in miles."
Break-in miles are the first few hundred miles you drive a new car, where you need to be careful to help the engine and parts work well together. It's important for keeping the car running smoothly in the long run.
Break-in miles refer to the initial miles driven on a new vehicle or engine, during which the components settle and wear in properly. It's crucial to follow specific guidelines during this period to ensure longevity and performance.
Chevrolet Banshee
"...his consolation prize for Chevrolet stealing the Banshee."
The Chevrolet Banshee was a car that Chevrolet designed as a concept, meaning it was never actually sold to the public. It was known for its cool design and ideas for future cars.
The Chevrolet Banshee was a concept car developed by Chevrolet in the 1960s, known for its futuristic design and performance potential. It was never put into production, but it influenced future designs.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...k the Banshee from him and they let him rebadge a Camaro, so he had nothing to do with it but rebadging. B..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It has been around for a long time and is often compared to other fast cars, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966. Known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling, the Camaro has become an iconic symbol of American automotive culture, often discussed in the context of its rivalry with the Ford Mustang.
F-body
"...anybody who knows anything about the F bodies back in the day and the F body shootout..."
The F-body is a type of car design used by GM for some of their sports cars like the Camaro and Firebird. It helps make these cars lighter and faster.
The F-body refers to a platform used by General Motors for the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird models. It is known for its lightweight design and performance capabilities.
Pontiac Firebird
"...that's how she was found and purchased and brought home and why I consider her John DeLorean's Firebird."
The Pontiac Firebird is a type of muscle car that was popular in the U.S. for many years. It is similar to the Chevrolet Camaro and is known for being powerful and stylish.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced by Pontiac from 1967 to 2002. It shares many components with the Chevrolet Camaro and is known for its performance and distinctive styling.
Ram Air
"...the big thing on that WS6 package was the Ram Air, correct, correct..."
Ram Air is a system that helps the engine get more air, which can make the car go faster. It works by using the car's speed to push air into the engine.
Ram Air is a performance feature that uses the car's forward motion to force more air into the engine, enhancing performance. This system is designed to increase horsepower by improving air intake efficiency.
T-tops
"Yes, yes, definitely T-tops. Awesome, yep, love it, love it."
T-tops are special roof designs on some cars that let you take off the roof panels for a more open feel. They usually have two panels that can be removed easily.
T-tops are a type of removable roof panel that creates an open-air experience in a car, typically found in sports cars. They consist of two panels that can be removed, leaving a central bar for structural support.
Ford F150
"But how about a harley davidson edition ford f-150? We have, look, our research staff here is so deep."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that many people use for work and everyday driving. It's known for being tough and can carry a lot of stuff.
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its versatility, capability, and range of configurations. It is often used for both work and personal purposes, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States.
Ford Lightning
"...the Harley Davidson F-150 was a Ford Lightning pickup truck that was super fast and really fun to drive."
The Ford Lightning is a special version of the F-150 truck that is built to be faster and more powerful. It's designed for people who want a truck that can go really fast.
The Ford Lightning is a high-performance version of the F-150, designed for speed and power. It features a more powerful engine and sportier design compared to standard F-150 models.
tonneau cover
"...it had custom taillights and a tonneau cover and video players in the seats. Everything it was totally tricked out."
A tonneau cover is a cover that goes over the back part of a pickup truck to keep things safe and dry. It also makes the truck look nicer.
A tonneau cover is a hard or soft cover that fits over the bed of a pickup truck, protecting cargo from the elements and improving aerodynamics. It can also enhance the truck's appearance.
Ford F-250
"...but I needed an F-250. And so the person I sold it to I sold it to a gentleman named Bill..."
The Ford F-250 is a strong truck that can carry heavy loads and is often used for jobs like towing trailers or hauling equipment.
The Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and durability, making it popular for both work and personal use.
Nissan 300Zx
"..., as I've said, I'm a DeLorean owner, also a 1990 300ZX owner. Long, wonderful story about that car that ..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast and stylish car that many people enjoyed driving in the late 80s and early 90s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a cool look that still attracts attention today.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for its sleek design and advanced technology for its time. It is often celebrated for its performance and handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors.
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