Delorean by John Z. De Lorean, Ted Schwarz (1985, Hardcover)

If for no other reason than it was written by John DeLorean, this is a book that every DeLorean enthusiast should own. At precisely 349 pages, including 8 pages of illlustrations, the first 90 or so pages of the book covers John's life "pre-DMC) or before he started DeLorean Motor Company. Detailing his childhood, education and rise from engineer to Vice President of General Motors this book provides an insight to the John Z. DeLorean story that is for the most part given short shrift in the other books written about him.

The balance of the book covers the beginning of DMC and quickly goes into the hunt for financing which seemed to dog JZD and DMC from the beginning. The latter half of the book details his involvement into the drug trafficking crimes for which he was arrested. The book goes into great detail about his involvement and the actions of the other parties involved, the DEA and their paid informant. His arrest is very well known to this day, but fewer people are aware of the outcome of the subsequent trial. Calling only two defense witnesses, and by tearing apart the prosecution witnesses and exhibits under cross-examination, DeLorean's defense team of Howard Weitzman (in his career-making case), Donald Re and Mona Soo Hoo were able to convince the jury that DeLorean was entrapped by the government, resulting in an acquittal on all charges.

The book ends with John recounting his divorce from Cristina Ferrare, and his relationship with his children, and his uncertain future. Those interested in JZD as a person will enjoy this book, and it's a must for those who have the other books about him of the era such as "Dream Maker" or "Hard Driving". Those who are more interested in the car that bears his name, the DeLorean, will be more interested in reading the book "DeLorean: Stainless Steel Illusion".

Autographed copies are not all that unusual, as the book was published in 1985, and John DeLorean was quite willing to sign copies of the book for fans and admirers up until his passing in March of 2005. Good copies can usually be found in ther $10-$20 range, expect to pay closer to $50 for a signed copy, perhaps more if NOT inscribed or personalized to an individual and just signed with his signature.