Writing about Oblivion – Ontario, the Canadian car show from the 1980s to 2000s – inevitably triggers a wave of nostalgia. Fortunately, the event’s careful curation of vehicles, location and music is designed to evoke exactly those feelings.
As a proud child of the 90s, I have a deep love for everything from that era. The vehicles, toys, cartoons and films of that era significantly shaped my passion for car culture.
Despite our reluctance to admit it, those of us from that era are now quite removed from it. However, seeing these vehicles – no matter how mundane – immediately takes me back to identifying headlights on long road trips.
Cars from back then had more personality. Their shapes were distinctive and their designs were bolder.
Many even had unique engine sounds – even if it was a mechanical protest against highway speed. The use of turbochargers was quite liberal and manual transmissions prevailed.
With recent discussions about Need for speed games in its 30th anniversary year, I’ve been wondering what racing titles will look like as performance cars become less prevalent. Can we see one? NFS ‘Retro’ title in the future? You can hope.
It’s a strange thought, but as long as events like Oblivion continue, I can indulge in nostalgia and worry about future realities down the road.
Atomic Wedgie
Oblivion is a fantastic event for children, and I have attended it with my son for the past four years. At the age of 10, he has become quite observant and notices the differences between cars from then and now.
He often comments on the shapes. For him, wedge-shaped vehicles are new and exciting – a stark contrast to the trucks and SUVs he typically sees on the road today.
And he’s not wrong. Wedge shapes were once everywhere, but car designs have gradually become rounder.
This shift was gradual and was therefore not immediately noticeable. As car shapes evolved, performance models came with a high price tag or disappeared altogether.
I’m currently looking for a replacement for my aging first-generation Mazdaspeed3, but the number of fun-to-drive, manual, and reasonably priced turbocharged vehicles is rapidly dwindling.
Maybe I should start looking 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 class. A few upgrades, like the 225-section tires fitted to the example above, made them even more powerful. These characteristics have given them a lifespan that few would have predicted.
Similar statements can be made about the Ford SVT Contour. With 200 horsepower under the hood and an independent multi-link rear end, this car surprised reviewers who were expecting another boring sedan from the American automaker.
Unfortunately, the current norm is rear beam suspension, reduced performance and more screens. Yes, Mazda, I’m looking at you.
The pleasure of it all
My pre-geriatric rants aside, I’m happy to report that Oblivion 2024 delivered plenty of “damn, that’s cool” moments.
A highlight was a mini Mercedes-Benz 500 SL style junior go-kart. Although these rare karts were made for children, they had a 2-speed manual transmission and a 2.2 hp Honda four-stroke engine, so I wonder how many children would actually be able to drive them. Most kids who would fit comfortably were dangerous enough behind the wheel of a Power Wheels.
It functioned properly 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.
Like previous years, Oblivion 2024 combined the atmosphere of Comic-Con and car shows, perfect for those of us with crossover interests.
Era-correct motorcycles were also welcome.
With AI developing rapidly, I wonder how close we are to having a smart computer in our cars, like KITT from Knight Rider.
For everyone’s sake, let’s hope we don’t bring dinosaurs back to life.
Daihatsu, Gesundheit
Without a doubt, Oblivion always features at least one vehicle I’ve never seen before. One year it was a Subaru Impreza S201 of 300 units.
The following year a Jaguar Don Law Racing Jaguar XJ220.
This year the highlight for me was a Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso.
As a fan of the De Tomaso Pantera, it was exciting to see one in real life, despite the minimal connection to the Italian car manufacturer.
In 1976, the De Tomaso Group acquired Innocenti, and although the cars initially continued to use 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 collaboration.
Compared to the standard fourth-generation Charade, the JDM-only De Tomaso model featured a larger 1.6 liter engine, limited-slip differential, Recaro seats and disc brakes. They also featured unique De Tomaso-designed bodywork (front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear wing), along with striking graphics.
Now that Level 6 of Oblivion has been completed, it’s amazing to see the show getting better every year, even though the newest cars are now half a century old. I can’t wait to do it again in 2025.
Dave Thomas
Instagram: attitude everythingcom
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