The DeLorean was made by the DeLorean Motor Company, which was founded by John Zachary DeLorean, an American engineer and automotive executive. The company's iconic car, known as the DMC DeLorean or DMC-12, was produced from 1981 to 1983. John DeLorean left General Motors to start his own company in 1973 and developed this futuristic sports car featuring stainless steel body panels and gull-wing doors. The car's design was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, and the chassis was redesigned by Colin Chapman of Lotus to improve rigidity and handling. The manufacturing plant was located in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, and significant funding was obtained from private investors and governments to support the project.