John Zachary DeLorean ( January 6 , 1925 -- March 19 , 2005 ) was an American engineer and executive in the U.S. automobile industry , widely known for his work at General Motors and as founder of the DeLorean Motor Company .
John Zachary DeLorean ( January 6 , 1925 -- March 19 , 2005 ) was an American engineer and executive in the U.S. automobile industry , most notably with General Motors . He founded the DeLorean Motor Company .