Tricked out DeLoreans that might as well be time machines

Of the 9,000 DeLorean DMC-12 models manufactured, it's estimated that 6,500 still exist. And a select few go above and beyond their factory limits. Though no one -- to public knowledge -- has created a real time machine, many DeLorean owners have significantly enhanced their cars.

With its fully custom motor, Rod Blankenship's DeLorean is like no other. The Phase II Performance engine boasts chromed components, including, but not limited to, the headers, oil pan and valve covers. These chrome details match the custom-flared chrome exhaust tips.

The leather inside Rod Blankenship's DMC-12 is beautiful and fully restored. There's also a custom-made steering wheel, blue LEDs on the shifter and side panels, and more. And, perhaps best of all, it's autographed by Doc Brown himself, actor Christopher Lloyd.

Blankenship's DeLorean is a winner in every way. It took home the Best Modified award at the Las Vegas Car Show, and first place at the Benedict Castle Car Show. The car was even pictured in DeLorean World Magazine with "Back to the Future" star Lea Thompson. Head this way for more action-packed pictures of this DeLorean.

For Back to the Future Day, a group of students at the Queens University Belfast (QUB) School of Electronics built their own DeLorean with one specific difference: It's electric! They restored the body of their DeLorean and switched out the old motor for a 27-kWh battery pack and a 270-horsepower electric motor.

The geniuses at QUB aren't the only ones with an electric DeLorean. The DeLorean Motor Company presented the DMCEV at CES in 2012. It boasts a 400-volt AC induction electric motor that charges in about three-and-a-half hours. Plus, this display version has a way-cool paint job.

Flux capacitor, no. FluxPower LIfePO4 battery -- oh yes! According to the DeLorean Motor Company, so equipped, the DMCEV will roll for up to 100 miles. The car's interior is also getting an update in order to handle the latest electronics. Though the DMCEV was initially scheduled to go into production around 2013, the process was put on hold due to separate licensing issues.

Patrick Conlon, known as DMCPat on YouTube, has fully customized his 1981 DeLorean. His is one of the first 1,000 DeLoreans manufactured, and now it's one of the more modern ones on the road today. But it still has that classic DeLorean feel.

Conlon installed sealed-beam lights and fog lights with LEDs in the front of the car. There are even blue underbody lights that Patrick says he uses only for car shows. They create an ideal, illuminated stage for such an occasion.

Conlon added a wing to his DeLorean for a more sporty look. He also added a high-mounted brake light, making it easier for other cars and trucks to see when he's coming to a stop. It looks cool and it's safer. It's a win-win!

This DeLorean has blue interior lighting, blue door beams and handy footwell lighting. The seat covers are leather, and more of the interior buttons are functional, turning on fog lights and the underbody lights.

Because Conlon's is one of the first DeLoreans shipped to the US, it was missing the leather door strap that makes shutting the door easier. So he added them! He also added air vents to the passenger side.

DMCPat included a superior touch when updating his DeLorean: an iPad interface and an updated stereo system. As a bonus, he also added a Cadillac door ajar sound. Doc Brown would approve.

A comfortable new steering wheel makes driving DMCPat's DeLorean easier. Plus, he's installed cruise control for more comfortable longer rides.

DMCPat walks us through all of the changes he's made to his DeLorean in his YouTube video, here.

Looking to go back in time but not interested in driving yourself? Well, you're not alone. Designer Mike Lubrano developed a DeLorean taxi in New York City to promote the Nooka fashion brand, famous for avant garde watches.

Nick Roedl took his DeLorean completely apart and rebuilt it to his personal liking. Almost every detail is new, from the brakes and exhaust to the steering wheel. He even switched his DeLorean from automatic transmission to manual!

Factory DeLoreans hit the road with V-6 engines. But despite their racy looks, DMC-12s weren't known as particularly fast sports coupes. So when Roedl put his DeLorean back together, he installed a V-8 to give his car more power.

From replacing the radiator to be sure his DeLorean didn't overheat during hellish Florida summers, to treating himself to a new exhaust pipe and chrome wheels, Nick R.'s DeLorean is one of a kind. A complete step by step of Nick R.'s process can be found on his blog.

It would be pretty difficult to pinch a DeLorean, considering the stainless steel body. Luckily, you don't have to try. This DeLorean, and many others, went green for the 2015 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In a sense, these DeLoreans were just going back to their roots. They were made in Ireland, after all.

A mini replica of the train scene from "Back to the Future: Part III" was on display at the 2016 Grugliasco Auto Show in Italy.

Check out the DeLoreans in Rocket League and Grand Theft Auto. These versions make driving this coveted car accessible to anyone with a game console.

No, it's not a DeLorean that traditionally sized human beings can drive. But you can build three different Lego versions of the classic car and customize them to your liking.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.The hosts of the US production of "Top Gear" turned this Nissan into a "DeLorean" of sorts. Points for effort.