Posted 3/20/2005 04:31:00 PM by Douglas

John DeLorean, we hardly knew you.

John Z. DeLorean, an automotive innovator who left General Motors Corp. to develop a radically futuristic sports cars only to see that venture crash spectacularly as he fought federal drug charges, has died at age 80.

DeLorean was among just a handful of U.S. entrepreneurs who dared start a car company in the last 75 years.

While apt to be remembered popularly as the man behind the car modified for time travel in the "Back to the Future" movies, DeLorean left a powerful imprint in automaking built on unique, souped-up cars.

"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. At GM, he will always be remembered as the father of the Pontiac GTO, which really started the muscle-car craze of the '60s."

What a pity that a man of so many accomplishments is going to be remembered for his drug scandal. How many people would have the stones to spit in the eye of the big three, hang out their shingle, and start making cars? His creativity and vision are worthy of admiration, even if his follow-through leaves something to be desired. For example, his car turns heads even today, but who the hell wants a car, no matter how cool it looks, if you can't get out of it when it's parked in 90% of America's parking spots? Also, when looking for a place to build a factory in the early 1980s, he chose Northern Ireland. Was Beirut already full?

So remember the man that realized his dreams, even if they didn't always work out for the best. Half of us should be so lucky. And if you're ever in Snyder, Texas, stop by and see the gold DeLorean