[The restored Tellus carrier back in the DeLorean automotive factory it once called home.]
Restoring a Piece of Automotive History
At IN2 Access, our safety edges are typically found protecting automated gates, barriers, industrial doors and machinery. Every so often, however, we're asked to be part of something completely unexpected.
Earlier this year, DeLorean enthusiast Darragh Doherty contacted our sales team looking for help with an extraordinary restoration project. The goal wasn't to install a new safety system on modern machinery—it was to faithfully recreate one on what is believed to be one of the last surviving Tellus vehicle carriers used during production of the legendary DeLorean DMC-12 at the Belfast factory in the early 1980s.
For us, it was exactly the kind of project we love getting involved with.
[Vintage image of the original Tellus platform in action]
A Unique Piece of DeLorean History
The Tellus platform was an automated, motorised transport carrier manufactured by Tellus Maskin AB in Sweden in partnership with Volvo. During production at the DeLorean factory in Belfast, these platforms carried vehicles through the assembly process as the cars were built.
Today, only two known examples remain globally.
As Darragh explained:
"It's believed to be one of two left. It's an automated, motorised transport platform that the cars were built on top of."
The restoration wasn't being undertaken by a commercial organisation or museum. Instead, it was driven by a passionate group of volunteers brought together through the close-knit DeLorean community.
"There isn't much official structure to what we're doing," Darragh told us. "We're pretty much a few guys in a group chat trying to make this thing look nicer. As a result, funds are quite limited."
[Behind the scenes restoration]
The Challenge
One small—but visually important—part of the restoration was replacing the original safety edge that surrounded the platform.
Originally, the safety edge acted exactly as intended: if the moving platform came into contact with a person or obstacle, it would stop immediately to prevent injury or damage.
The restored platform would never move again, but the team wanted every visible detail to be as authentic as possible.
Finding a modern safety edge that closely matched the original profile proved difficult.
That's when they contacted IN2 Access.
[The finished project]
Finding the Right Solution
From the first conversation in February 2026, our sales team worked closely with Darragh throughout March to understand exactly what was needed.
After reviewing measurements and photographs, we recommended the most suitable safety edge profile along with the correct aluminium rail lengths required for the restoration. To make the installation even easier, we also offered to cut the aluminium rails to the required lengths before dispatch.
Darragh later replied:
"Thanks very much for taking the time to prep those length suggestions. I've had confirmation they're perfect! Thank you very, very much for the offer to cut the rails too. We really appreciate all the help you and your company are giving us. It makes it so much easier to navigate an area we're unfamiliar with."
Knowing the project was entirely volunteer-led, we were also pleased to offer a discounted price in exchange for the opportunity to document the finished restoration as a case study.
Sometimes helping a customer isn't about supplying the largest order—it's about making sure the right project can happen.
Why IN2 Access?
When asked why they chose IN2 Access, Darragh said:
"We chose IN2 Access because, most importantly, you stocked the closest match to the original profile. When we reached out to discuss only buying the rubber and aluminium, the team were super helpful and enthusiastic. We couldn't have asked for a better supplier."
Although the safety edge on the restored platform is now purely cosmetic, selecting the correct profile was essential to preserving the platform's original appearance and historical accuracy.
A Worldwide Team Effort
One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the number of people who contributed their expertise.
The Tellus Restoration Group consists of DeLorean enthusiasts from Ireland, England and the United States, each bringing different skills to the project.
Martin McLaughlin led the restoration, stripping and rebuilding the carrier, designing replacement components in CAD, organising fabrication and powder coating, and reinforcing the frame so it could once again support the weight of a complete vehicle.
Matt Clark recreated every graphic from scratch, including original labels, logos and the stainless-steel identification plaque, while also arranging restoration of original components through his film industry contacts.
Darragh helped dismantle, sand and document the restoration, researched original parts and manufacturers, and even succeeded in bringing the original control panel back to life.
Other contributors assisted with trailer fabrication, transporting the carrier, sourcing rare components internationally, historical research and funding the project.
The biggest challenges included dismantling heavily corroded components, locating 50-year-old Swedish industrial electrical parts, sourcing original components and completing everything in time for what became the largest DeLorean gathering ever held in Northern Ireland.
The Big Reveal
After months of painstaking work, the restored Tellus platform was officially unveiled in June 2026 at Eurofest ‘26 at the former DeLorean factory in Dunmurry, Belfast (now occupied by Linamar Light Metals Ltd.) receiving an enthusiastic response from visitors and fellow enthusiasts alike.
The project doesn't end there.
The team is currently working with the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in Belfast, with the aim of displaying the restored carrier alongside other important DeLorean artefacts, including prototype chassis, design studies and development vehicles—allowing future generations to see a genuine piece of the factory's history.
What This Project Means to IN2 Access
Projects like this remind us that our products can be used in far more places than their original application.
While safety edges are designed to protect people around automated gates, barriers and machinery, sometimes they also play a role in preserving history.
Whether you're installing a gate automation system, building bespoke machinery, restoring historic equipment or working on a completely unique project, our team is always happy to help find the right solution.
No project is too unusual to start a conversation.
Customer Feedback
"Genuinely been great to work with. They were all enthusiastic and went the extra mile to help a weird rabbit-hole project get completed to an excellent standard. Couldn't ask for more."
— Darragh Doherty, Tellus Restoration Group and DeLorean Owners Ireland
About the Restoration Team
The restoration was completed by members of the worldwide DeLorean community, including the Tellus Restoration Group and members of DeLorean Owners Ireland, whose combined engineering, design, research and restoration expertise made this remarkable project possible.
Follow their work:
- DeLorean Historians (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/groups/deloreanhistorians
- Tellus Restoration Project (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583646550497
- DeLorean Owners Ireland (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/delorean.ie
Need Help with an Unusual Project?
At IN2 Access, we don't just supply products—we work with customers to find practical solutions for projects of every size, from everyday gate installations to one-of-a-kind restorations.
If you're looking for advice on safety edges, access control, vehicle detection or other specialist access solutions, we'd be delighted to help.
IN2 Access
📞 01770 631758
All photos courtesy of DeLorean Historians, Tellus Restoration Group and DeLorean Owners Ireland
