Have you ever searched for a specific car part online and stumbled upon something completely unexpected? That’s exactly what happens when you look up the part number “121g” on the O’Reilly Auto Parts website. Instead of a typical automotive component, you’ll find a product listing for something straight out of science fiction: a “flux capacitor.” Yes, that’s the iconic device powering the time-traveling DeLorean in the beloved movie “Back to the Future.”
For years, this hidden gem has existed on O’Reilly Auto Parts’ website, delighting movie fans and serving a clever, dual purpose for the company. It’s not a real product you can purchase to upgrade your vehicle for temporal displacement, but this “Non-Functional Item Displayed For Entertainment Purposes Only” is much more than just a joke.
Unveiling the Flux Capacitor: A “Back to the Future” Car Part
If you navigate to the O’Reilly Auto Parts website and search for “121g,” you’ll be greeted with a product page dedicated to the flux capacitor. The product description playfully leans into the “Back to the Future” lore, stating, “Flux Capacitor requires the stainless steel body of the 81-83 DeLorean DMC-12, V6 2.9L to properly function.” It goes on to describe the movie magic, “Once the time machine travels at 88 mph (142 km/h), light coming from the flux capacitor pulses faster until it becomes a steady stream of light. Then, time travel begins.”
Adding to the fun, O’Reilly includes a lighthearted warning: “Time Travel at your own RISK!!!” and the disclaimer, “Plutonium not Available at O’Reilly Auto Parts,” referencing the fuel source for the DeLorean’s time circuits in the film. They even throw in a classic quote, “1.21 Gigawatts,” echoing Dr. Emmett Brown’s famous exclamation.
This listing isn’t new. It has been circulating online for over a decade, with mentions dating back to at least 2011 and likely existing even earlier, possibly since the late 2000s according to O’Reilly spokesman Mark Merz. Every so often, internet users rediscover this Easter egg, leading to waves of online buzz and social media shares. Recently, the page experienced a surge in traffic, proving its enduring appeal to fans of “Back to the Future” and those who appreciate a good online surprise.
More Than Just Entertainment: A Smart Security Measure
While the flux capacitor listing undoubtedly provides entertainment and a fun interaction with customers, it was initially implemented for a more strategic reason: security. O’Reilly Auto Parts utilizes this unusual “Back To The Future Car Part Name” as a tracking mechanism to monitor the integrity of their extensive online catalog.
Mark Merz explained that the comprehensive database of O’Reilly’s parts is a valuable asset. The company wants customers to easily find the parts they need, but they also need to protect their complete inventory list from being copied for competitive purposes. Manually compiling such a massive catalog would be incredibly laborious, but automated programs could potentially scrape and duplicate the entire database.
This is where the flux capacitor comes into play. By embedding this fictional “back to the future car part name” within their system, O’Reilly created a digital watermark. If a copied version of their database surfaces elsewhere online, the presence of the flux capacitor listing immediately signals that the data originated from O’Reilly Auto Parts, allowing them to identify and address any unauthorized use.
A Fun Connection with Customers
The fact that the flux capacitor has become a popular Easter egg is an added benefit. It demonstrates O’Reilly Auto Parts’ playful side and their willingness to engage with customers in a unique and memorable way. The company even responded to a recent surge in attention by offering a temporary discount code, “FLUX88,” referencing the crucial 88 mph speed for time travel in the movie, further cementing their clever marketing and customer engagement.
While you can’t actually purchase a flux capacitor from O’Reilly Auto Parts to make your car travel through time, the listing serves as a testament to their creativity and a reminder that even large corporations can have a sense of humor. It’s a fun Easter egg that blends automotive retail with pop culture, providing a delightful surprise for those who stumble upon this hidden “back to the future car part name.” And who knows, there might be other hidden treasures waiting to be discovered on their website.
