A fake speedometer was used in this make of car from a 1980s movie since the actual car’s speedometer didn’t go high enough
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Jeopardy featured a Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Cars & The Movies” that gave a nod to one of Hollywood’s most iconic vehicles. The clue read: “A fake speedometer was used in this make of car from a 1980s movie since the actual car’s speedometer didn’t go high enough.”
What is DeLorean?
The reference, of course, is to the legendary 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 used as the time machine in Back to the Future. In the film, the DeLorean needs to hit 88 miles per hour to initiate time travel. But there was a problem: the real-life speedometer on the car only went up to 85 miles per hour. This limitation stemmed from U.S. regulations in the late 1970s that capped speedometer readings to discourage speeding. To make the on-screen moment work, the production team faked the speedometer by adding a new graphic overlay that extended up to 95 mph, allowing the audience to see the needle climb past the crucial 88 mark.
The Real DeLorean and Why It Was Chosen for the Film
The DeLorean wasn’t picked for the film just because of its futuristic look—though its stainless steel body and gullwing doors certainly helped. Screenwriter Bob Gale has said that the DeLorean represented something rebellious and countercultural, especially given its association with its controversial founder, John Z. DeLorean. At the time the movie was being developed, DeLorean was in the headlines for a federal drug trafficking case—he was later acquitted—but his company was already defunct by the time the movie debuted in 1985.
Despite the troubled history of the brand, the DMC-12 stood out visually and thematically. The filmmakers were drawn to its unique aesthetic, and its obscurity added to the mystique of Doc Brown’s homemade time machine. It was a deliberate choice, one that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. Ford even attempted to pay Universal Studios to use a Mustang in the film instead, but Gale famously rejected the offer, saying bluntly, “Doc Brown doesn’t drive a [expletive] Mustang.”
Behind-the-Scenes Craftsmanship and Creative Problem Solving
Three DeLoreans were used during the production of Back to the Future, each serving a different role. The “A-car” was the hero version used for close-ups, fully outfitted with detailed props. The “B-car” handled the stunt driving scenes, and the “C-car” was custom-altered to allow for filming interior shots with bulky cameras. In fact, the C-car had its front and rear ends partially removed to accommodate lighting and camera gear.
The car’s transformation into a time machine was done through a process known as kitbashing—attaching various unrelated mechanical parts to create a believable sci-fi prop. Components from helicopters, old American cars, and garage tools were modified and arranged to look like a nuclear-powered invention. This attention to detail, from the outside-in, made the DeLorean not just a prop, but a character in its own right.
Mechanical Reality vs. Cinematic Illusion
While the movie DeLorean appears to rocket through time with urgency, the reality was much slower. The DMC-12 came equipped with a 130-horsepower V6 engine from a joint project by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. With a 0-60 time of just over 9 seconds, it was underwhelming even by early 1980s standards. The stunt team struggled to get the car up to speed during chase sequences, and the original engine sound didn’t meet the dramatic needs of the script. Sound designers later layered in more aggressive audio effects to give the car a bolder on-screen presence.
That discrepancy between fiction and fact is part of what makes the DeLorean’s use in Back to the Future so fascinating. The filmmakers didn’t just accept the car’s limitations—they found clever ways to work around them. The fake speedometer wasn’t just a prop; it was a storytelling tool that helped elevate the drama and sell the illusion of time travel.
Legacy of the DeLorean Time Machine
Today, only one of the original DeLorean time machines from the first film still exists. Known as the “A-car,” it was stored at Universal Studios for years and eventually deteriorated due to exposure. It has since been fully restored and is now on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Replica builds have also become popular among fans, with specialty builders recreating the vehicle for collectors, museums, and conventions.
The DeLorean’s presence continues in pop culture, from video games and action figures to museum exhibits and fan builds. And that fake speedometer? It’s just one small piece of the ingenuity that helped turn an otherwise underperforming sports car into a legend of American cinema. The clue on Jeopardy was more than just trivia—it was a glimpse into the kind of movie-making problem-solving that brings fiction to life.