Debut of the De Lorean

John Z. De Lorean, 56, has been audacious enough—many would say foolhardy —to attempt what no American has done since Walter Chrysler opened his first assembly line in 1925: launch a successful new mass-production auto company. The De Lorean is a low-riding, two-seat sports car that seems more suitable for Monte Carlo than Main Street. Two of the vehicle's distinctive features: a brushed stainless-steel finish expected to be rustproof for at least 25 years and unusual gull-wing doors that open up instead of swinging out and make it simple for someone as lanky as the 6-ft. 4-in. De Lorean to nestle...

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