FYI: Oblivion 2024, the 1980s to 2000s-themed car show in Ontario, Canada, is a journey back in time, meticulously curating vehicles, venues, and music to spark nostalgia.
Reliving the Golden Eras of Automotive Design
Oblivion 2024, a car show celebrating the iconic decades from the 1980s to the 2000s, recently mesmerized attendees with a heartwarming wave of nostalgia in Ontario, Canada. This unique event brings together an exquisite selection of cars, carefully chosen venues, and era-specific music, perfect for those who wish to reminisce about the automobilia of yesteryears.
As a devoted 90s enthusiast, my love for the era’s vehicles, toys, comics, and movies played a pivotal role in shaping my passion for car culture. This affection was unequivocally rekindled at Oblivion.
A Time Capsule on Wheels
Seeing these classic vehicles instantly transports us back to the days when identifying car headlights on long drives was a delightful pastime. The distinctive shapes, bold designs, and unique engine sounds of cars from this era were in full display, each telling a story of its own. Turbochargers were generously utilized, and manual transmissions were the norm, adding to the mechanical symphony that accompanied our road journeys.
The Shift in Car Design
Distinctive engine sounds from yesteryears sang a mechanical protest against modern highway speeds. The wedge-shaped designs are particularly striking compared to the more rounded contours of today’s vehicles. For many of us who grew up during these decades, it’s a stark reminder of how car design has evolved over time, often away from high-performance and towards more ubiquitous, rounded shapes.
Given the discussions around digitized racing experiences like the 30th anniversary of the Need for Speed game, one wonders if a retro-themed NFS title could find its way into our modern consoles, celebrating the raw thrill of classic high-performance cars.
A Family Affair
In its essence, Oblivion is a family-friendly event. Bringing my 10-year-old son along for the past four years has been a joy, his analytical mind always contrasting today’s generic SUVs and trucks with the fascinating designs of bygone eras. The wedge-shaped cars excite him, a novelty compared to the homogeneous traffic we typically navigate.
Searching for a Relic
As I look for a replacement for my aging Mazdaspeed3, I can’t help but lament the dwindling number of fun-to-drive, turbocharged, affordable manual cars. Surprisingly, vehicles like the original Dodge Neon, particularly the ACR models, are revealed to be hidden gems with unexpected agility and performance.
Similarly, the Ford SVT Contour, with its 200 horsepower engine and independent multi-link rear end, was a delightful surprise from an era when performance was more accessible.
Everything is Fun
Despite the changing times, Oblivion remains a reservoir of "Wow, that’s cool" moments. One highlight from this year’s show was a mini Mercedes-Benz 500 SL-style junior go-kart, powered by a 2.2-horsepower Honda four-stroke motor. Though designed for kids, its manual transmission made one wonder how many youngsters could confidently take the wheel.
Unusually Iconic
Each year, Oblivion promises unique cars never seen before. Previously, the show has featured rarities like the Subaru Impreza S201 and Jaguar XJ220. This year, the standout was the Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso. Upon sighting this vehicle, my excitement knew no bounds, despite its limited ties to the Italian automaker.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
It’s heartwarming to see the show improving annually, keeping the spirit of these classic cars alive. Even as we complete "Oblivion Level 6," with the most recent models now over half a century old, anticipation builds for what next year’s event will bring.
Oblivion 2024 was more than just a car show—it was a celebration of an era’s culture, design, and engineering feat. As we look forward to Oblivion 2025, the memories created continue to resonate, making us appreciate the timelessness of automotive history.
Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
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This nostalgic journey through automotive history reconnects us with the joy of driving and the unique design philosophies that defined past eras. Here’s hoping the legacy continues for years to come.
