The DeLorean Motor Company has announced its intention to manufacture the iconic DMC-12 sports car again, 30 years after the vehicle was immortalised in sci-fi movie trilogy Back to the Future.

DeLorean said 300 DMC-12 models, costing approximately $100,000 (£70,000) each, could roll off the production line as early as next year.

The news follows a recent change in US road legislation, making it easier for small manufacturers to produce and market roadworthy vehicles.

"In anticipation of this legislation, DeLorean Motor Company has been working for some time to identify a supplier for engines and other parts that must be reproduced to facilitate this production for 2017," explained a statement released by the company.

"A number of hurdles exist before production can begin, and we're still early on in this process of determining the feasibility of moving forward."

The new DMC-12 will retain its recognisable gull-wing doors and a stainless steel body, features first conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro – one of Italy's most famous car designers – as well as contemporary additions such as a navigation system and heated seats.

"The new DeLorean will have bigger wheels, bigger brakes, and shocks [shock absorbers] from 'a famous German supplier'," said the statement.

John DeLorean – a former executive at General Motors – founded the original DeLorean Motor Company in 1975. DeLorean's exceptional reputation as an executive, coupled with his plan to open a factory in Belfast, Northern Ireland, helped the American startup attract vast sums of money from the British government.

Only 9,000 DMC-12 models were ever built. Many of the vehicles were criticised at the time for being of a poor quality, adding to the company's problems before it finally succumbed to mounting financial pressure and filed for bankruptcy in 1983.

The DeLorean DMC-12 recaptured the public's imagination in 1985 after appearing in the sci-fi adventure movie Back to the Future as a flying time machine, and returned in the following two films.

In 1997 a Texas-based manufacturer, founded by British entrepreneur Stephen Wynne, rekindled the brand after first acquiring the original trademarks and leftover parts from the closed factory in Belfast.

Car manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz and Toyota, recently suggested the DMC-12's role in Back to the Future provided the inspiration for the vehicles of tomorrow.

Many of the designs from the films reappeared as the date travelled to in the second movie was marked on 21 October 2015.

Nike unveiled a real pair of its self-lacing shoes worn by character Marty McFly, and a string of companies launched hoverboards similar to the vehicle he rides in the film.