Ulster Aviation Society to host DeLorean owners

Wings and things: The distinctive gull-wing doors of a DeLorean are mimicked in this photo by the folding wingtips of a massive Phantom jet fighter in the hangar of the Ulster Aviation Society at the Maze/Long Kesh site.

Dozens of the legendary vehicles, built in Dunmurry in the 1980s, will arrive in Belfast and the Ulster Aviation Society will host their owners for a morning at its hangar collection — itself a tribute to the engineering imagination of the past.

The convention will be held from 26-29 May. During that time, it’s expected that various DeLorean cavalcades, some short and some long, will be seen on the roads in the Belfast, Lisburn and Dunmurry area.

“We’re very excited about the DeLoreans visit,” said Society Chairman Ray Burrows. “We have a few 1980s icons ourselves, most with a direct connection to Northern Ireland manu-facturing.

Two icons of the 1980s: Silver and gray will be the order of the day when dozens of DeLorean cars like this one arrive on May 28th for a private tour by their owners at the collection of the Ulster Aviation Society at Maze/Long Kesh. That brute of an aeroplane behind the car is a Phantom jet fighter, nearing the end of a restoration programme in the Societys hangar.

“And, like the DeLorean, they were the products of imagination and dedication.”

The DeLorean was the star of 1985 fantasy/adventure film Back to the Future. It’s a flashback concept which will definitely spring to mind when the DeLorean owners enjoy their guided tour of the aircraft collection, said Mr. Burrows.

“And just the sight of dozens of those amazing cars driving into our compound is certain to stir the blood, as well as the memories,” he said.

“Unfortunately, the hangar visit is not open to the public but UAS members, the car owners and their guests will be in attendance, no doubt in awe at the cars.”