From Childhood Tinkerer to DeLorean Dreamer: Val-de-Ruz Man Restores iconic Time Machine
Val-de-Ruz, Switzerland – A lifelong fascination with the iconic DeLorean, immortalized in the Back to the Future film trilogy, has culminated in a remarkable restoration project for Cédric Blanc, an orientation advisor by profession. Blanc, who as a child famously dismantled electronics out of curiosity, has successfully brought a piece of cinematic history back to life, transforming a neglected DeLorean into a fully functional, albeit rarely driven, marvel.
Blanc’s journey with the DeLorean began in his youth, fueled by a deep admiration for the films. “As a teenager, with one of my friends, I could recite all the replicas adn I always wanted to have this car one day,” he shared. The dream began to materialize after his fortieth birthday, when he acquired a DeLorean in France that, while possessing good bodywork and an engine, required significant attention.
The restoration process involved overhauling engine components, repairing various elements, and addressing the rear electrical system and fuel supply. Blanc noted the surprising ease of sourcing parts for the DeLorean, even after the company’s bankruptcy. “when the company went bankrupt, it still had in stock enough to build around sixty cars,” he explained.”The spare parts were bought by an Englishman installed in Texas, and it is vrey easy to find resellers.” While many parts are original, Blanc also utilized modern advancements like 3D printing for reinforced components.
Drawing heavily on online resources, technical advice, and dedicated forums, Blanc tackled most of the restoration himself. The only exception was the braking system, which he entrusted to a professional mechanic. After a year of work and successfully passing cantonal vehicle service and navigation tests, including a noise test, Blanc can now enjoy his meticulously restored DeLorean.
Despite the pride in his accomplishment, Blanc admits the car is more of a “museum piece” then a daily driver, attracting considerable attention on the road. “I feel a certain pride in having been able to restore this car almost without any basic knowledge in mechanics, but I ultimately use it very little; it attracts the eyes too much,” he confessed. Looking ahead, Blanc is eager to share his passion and the unique vehicle with others, expressing his delight in renting it out for private events such as birthdays, weddings, and themed parties.
