Robert Zemeckis’ 1985 “Back to the Future” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. While many enjoy the film for its entertainment value, a select few become so deeply immersed in Marty McFly and Doc Brown that they go to extraordinary lengths to bring the iconic DeLorean time machine to life.
One such individual is Dixie, an Australian musician and passionate “Back to the Future” fan. Dixie’s journey began in 2020 when a devastating event led him to vow never to purchase another special vehicle. However, fate had other plans.
Just days later, Dixie stumbled upon a “For Sale” ad for a DeLorean replica from the second “Back to the Future” film. The seller was none other than Bob from Bob’s Prop Shop, a renowned creator of movie car replicas. This serendipitous encounter ignited a spark within Dixie, setting him on a path to own and restore his very own time-traveling machine.
Bob’s shop in Dallas is renowned for creating iconic prop cars like KITT from Knight Rider and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters. His 34th creation, a DeLorean, ended up in Dixie’s hands through a hilarious series of events. The original owner, unable to drive a manual transmission, ordered another car, leaving this DeLorean available for purchase.
Dixie acquired the DeLorean after a lengthy wait, but it was in dire condition. The shop only focused on aesthetics, neglecting the mechanical aspects. Over four years, Dixie meticulously rebuilt the car, addressing issues like a faulty fuse box, melted electrical parts, a malfunctioning engine, a broken suspension, and incorrect tires.
Dixie’s passion for the DeLorean stemmed from his childhood love for the “Back to the Future” films. The car served as a tangible connection to his youthful dreams, fulfilling a lifelong desire. As he drives the DeLorean on the road, people are fascinated by its iconic design, often slowing down to take pictures or record videos.
Dixie’s dedication to his dream car is evident in the attention to detail. The DeLorean features accurate sound effects, a time travel clock, and a collection of “Back to the Future” memorabilia. Despite the challenges of finding parts for a car produced in the early 1980s, Dixie was able to build a faithful replica.
While the original DeLorean had limited performance, Dixie’s version is a testament to his passion and expertise. With plans for additional modifications, Dixie’s DeLorean continues to evolve, capturing the spirit of the iconic film series.
