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When it comes to time machines, one stands out above all else. It’s not the Carnival-esque time machine from the film adaptation of H.G. Wells’s “Time Machine.” No, we’re talking about the DeLorean DMC-12 from “Back to the Future.” Well, the only way that Dr. Emmett Brown’s stainless steel time traveler can jump through the centuries is with the assistance of a flux capacitor. Don’t fret, superfans; you can queue up a flux capacitor on the O’Reilly Auto Parts website. Well, sort of.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts website offers a single flux capacitor to delight time machine dreamers and ‘Back to the Future’ fans alike 

Fans of the franchise “Back to the Future” will recognize the words “flux capacitor.” It’s an integral part of Dr. Emmett Brown’s 1981 DeLorean DMC-12. However, you won’t find a V6 engine pushing his DeLorean through time. No, no; Dr. Brown’s DMC-12 is a time machine powered by plutonium and movie magic. 

For the movie’s most excitable of fans, O’Reilly Auto Parts posted a flux capacitor as part number 121g on its website. Humorously, the “121g” refers to the 1.21 Gigawatts necessary to power the fictitious time machine. 

A replica of the time machine DeLorean from Back to the Future.
A replica of the DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ | National Motor Museum, Heritage Images via Getty Images

However, you won’t be able to buy the flux capacitor to prep your own wedge-shaped DeLorean DMC-12 or C4 Chevrolet Corvette to jump through time. O’Reilly Auto Parts listed the part as 1 of 1 and added a banner that reads, “This item is not for purchase.”  Furthermore, the bottom of the joke listing says, “Non-functional item displayed for entertainment purposes only.” Better yet, the information section reminds gullible viewers that the store doesn’t purvey plutonium. 

Still, it’s a cheeky nod to the cult classic film. The page is set up similarly to real auto parts on the site. For instance, hot-rodders looking for modifications can find an Edelbrock RPM Performer intake manifold. However, on the flux capacitor’s page, you’ll find product information like “working speed (mph): 88.” That’s, of course, referring to the 88 mph necessary to make the jump to another time. 

Now, if only someone would sell me a hovering skateboard.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).