Writing about Oblivion – Ontario, Canada’s 1980s-to-2000s-themed car show – inevitably evokes a wave of nostalgia. Fortunately, the event’s careful selection of vehicles, venue and music is designed to evoke just those feelings.
As a proud child of the 90s I have a deep love for everything from that era. The vehicles, toys, cartoons and movies from that era have significantly shaped my passion for car culture.
Despite our reluctance to admit it, we from that era are now quite far removed. But when I see these vehicles – no matter how commonplace – I am immediately transported back to recognizing headlights on long road trips.
Cars back then had more personality. Their shapes were distinctive and their designs were more daring.
Many even had unique engine sounds – even if it was a mechanical protest against being pushed to highway speeds. Turbochargers were used quite liberally and manual transmissions were king.
With the recent discussions about Need for speed games in the 30th anniversary year, I wondered what racing titles will look like as performance cars become less common. Could we have a NFS ‘Retro’ title in the future? Let’s hope so.
It’s a strange thought, but as long as events like Oblivion continue, I can indulge in nostalgia and worry about reality later.
Atomic Wedgie
Oblivion is a fantastic event for kids and I have been going to it with my son for four years now. At 10 years old he has become quite perceptive and can see the differences between cars from then and now.
He often talks about the shapes. For him, wedge-shaped vehicles are new and exciting – a stark contrast to the trucks and SUVs he usually sees in traffic these days.
And he’s right. Wedge shapes were once everywhere, but car designs have gradually become more rounded.
This shift was gradual, so it wasn’t immediately noticeable. As car shapes evolved, performance models came at a high price or disappeared altogether.
I am currently looking for a replacement for my old first generation Mazdaspeed3, but the number of cars that are fun to drive, have a turbo, are manual and are affordable is rapidly decreasing.
Maybe I should look at cars that are unexpectedly agile, like the first generation Dodge Neons.
The ACR models are known for their impressive performance, but even the base models punched above their weight. A few upgrades, like the 225 section tires fitted to the example above, made them even more powerful. These features have given them a longevity that few could have predicted.
Similar statements can be made about the Ford SVT Contour. With 200 factory horsepower under the hood and a multi-link independent rear end, this car surprised reviewers who were expecting another boring sedan from the American automaker.
Unfortunately, the norm today is rear beam suspension, reduced performance and more screens. Yes, Mazda, I’m looking at you.
The pleasure of the whole
Putting my pre-geriatric rants aside for a moment, I can happily report that Oblivion 2024 provided quite a few “damn, that’s cool” moments.
One that stood out was a mini Mercedes-Benz 500 SL-style junior go-kart. Although they were made for children, these rare karts had a 2-speed manual transmission mated to a 2.2-horsepower Honda 4-stroke engine, so I wonder how many kids could actually drive one. Most of the kids who could fit comfortably in one were dangerous enough behind the wheel of a Power Wheels.
This one was in great condition and it was a real highlight to see it in action. Even Miss Frizzle from The Magic School Bus enjoyed it when she wasn’t giving tours of the Milton, Ontario facility.
As in previous years, Oblivion 2024 combined the atmosphere of a Comic-Con with that of an auto show, perfect for those of us with crossover interests.
Motorcycles from that era were also welcome.
With AI developing rapidly, I wonder how close we are to having a witty computer in our cars, like KITT from Knight rider.
Let’s hope we don’t bring the dinosaurs back to life, for everyone’s sake.
Daihatsu, health
Oblivion, without exception, features at least one vehicle I’ve never seen before. One year it was one of the 300 Subaru Impreza S201.
The following year a Jaguar Don Law Racing Jaguar XJ220.
This year the Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso stood out for me.
As a fan of the De Tomaso Pantera, I was thrilled to see one in the flesh, despite its minimal connection to the Italian automaker.
In 1976 the De Tomaso Group took over Innocenti and although the cars initially still used BMC A-Series engines they eventually turned to Daihatsu for a powertrain for their Innocenti Mini De Tomaso variant. The De Tomaso Charade model celebrated this partnership.
Compared to the standard fourth-generation Charade, the JDM-only De Tomaso model featured a larger 1.6L engine, a limited-slip differential, Recaro seats, and disc brakes. They also featured unique De Tomaso-designed bodywork (front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler), along with striking graphics.
Now that Level 6 of Oblivion is complete, it’s amazing how the show gets better every year, even if the newest cars are now half a century old. I can’t wait to do it again in 2025.
Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom
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