John Zachary DeLorean (January 6 1925 - March 20 2005)

Died today in Newark, NJ due to complications following a stroke. He is known throughout the automotive world for his trend-setting ideals which brought such cars as the Pontiac GTO, pushing GM to the forefront of muscle-car design. Later in his career, he left his job at General Motors as the head of the Pontiac Division to start the DeLorean Motor Company in 1973. Eight years later, the DeLorean DMC-12 debutted. Sadly after a little over two years of production, DeLorean was arrested on drug trafficking charges. His arrest lead to the collapse of his company after only 8583 cars being built. Although he was acquitted of the charges, legal battles and creditor troubles permantly scarred his career. It wasn't until 1985's 'Back to the Future' which starred the DeLorean coupe that very much attention was even payed, and now it enjoys a cult following.

He will be missed.

R.I.P.