Writing about Oblivion – Ontario, Canada’s Nineteen Eighties to 2000s-themed automotive show – inevitably stirs up a wave of nostalgia. Fortunately, the event’s meticulous curation of vehicles, venue, and music is designed to evoke exactly those feelings.
As a proud child of the ‘90s, I even have a deep fondness for all the pieces from that era. The vehicles, toys, cartoons, and flicks of the time significantly shaped my passion for automotive culture.
Despite our reluctance to confess it, those of us from that era at the moment are quite a bit faraway from it. Nevertheless, seeing these vehicles – irrespective of how mundane – immediately transports me back to identifying headlights during 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 when was a mechanical protest of being pushed to highway speeds. Turbocharger use was quite liberal, and manual transmissions ruled the roost.
With recent discussions about Need for Speed games in its thirtieth anniversary yr, I’ve been wondering what racing titles will appear like as performance cars develop into less prevalent. Could we see an NFS ‘Retro’ title in the longer term? One can hope.
It’s an odd thought, but so long as events like Oblivion proceed, I can bask in nostalgia and worry in regards to the future reality later.
Atomic Wedgie
Oblivion is a incredible event for teenagers, and I’ve been attending for the past 4 years with my son. At 10 years old, he’s develop into quite perceptive and notices the differences between cars from then and now.
He often comments on the shapes. To him, wedge-shaped vehicles are recent and exciting – a stark contrast to the trucks and SUVs he often sees in traffic today.
And he’s not mistaken. Wedge shapes were once in every single place, but automotive designs have step by step develop into rounder.
This shift was gradual, so it wasn’t immediately noticeable. As automotive shapes evolved, performance models either carried a high price tag or disappeared altogether.
I’m currently trying to find a substitute for my aging first-generation Mazdaspeed3, however the variety of fun-to-drive, turbocharged, manual, and inexpensive vehicles is dwindling fast.
Perhaps I should start cars which might be unexpectedly nimble, just like the first-generation Dodge Neons.
The ACR models are well-known for his or her impressive performance, but even the bottom models punched above their weight class. Just a few upgrades, just like the 225-section tires fitted to the instance above, made them even stronger. These characteristics have given them longevity that few predicted.
Similar statements might be made in regards to the Ford SVT Contour. With 200 factory-rated horsepower under the hood and a multi-link independent rear end, this automotive surprised reviewers who were expecting one other bland sedan from the American automaker.
Sadly, today’s norm is rear beam suspensions, diminished performance, and more screens. Yes, Mazda, I’m you.
The Fun Of It All
Putting aside my pre-geriatric rants, I’m comfortable to report that Oblivion 2024 provided loads of ‘rattling, that’s cool’ moments.
One standout was a mini Mercedes-Benz 500 SL style junior go-kart. While made for youngsters, these rare karts featured a 2-speed manual transmission mated to a 2.2hp Honda four-stroke motor, so I’m wondering what number of kids could actually drive them. Most youngsters who would comfortably fit inside were already dangerous enough behind the wheel of a Power Wheels.
This one was in proper working order, and seeing it in motion was an actual highlight. 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 blended Comic-Con and automotive show vibes—perfect for those of us with crossover interests.
Era-correct motorcycles were also welcome.
With AI advancing rapidly, I’m wondering how close we’re to having a wise-cracking computer in our cars, like K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider.
For everybody’s sake, let’s hope we don’t start bringing dinosaurs back to life.
Daihatsu, Gesundheit
Without fail, Oblivion at all times features a minimum of one vehicle I’ve never seen before. One yr, it was a one-of-300 Subaru Impreza S201.
The next yr, a Jaguar Don Law Racing Jaguar XJ220.
This yr, the standout for me was a Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso.
As a fan of the De Tomaso Pantera, it was thrilling to see one in person, despite its minimal connection to the Italian automaker.
In 1976, the De Tomaso Group acquired Innocenti, and while the cars initially continued to make use of BMC A-Series engines, they eventually turned to Daihatsu for a powertrain for his or her Innocenti Mini De Tomaso variant. The De Tomaso Charade model celebrated this partnership.
In comparison with the usual fourth-generation Charade, the JDM-only De Tomaso model had a bigger 1.6L engine, a limited-slip differential, Recaro seats, and disc brakes. Additionally they featured a singular De Tomaso-designed bodywork (front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and rear wing), together with distinctive graphics.
With Level 6 of Oblivion now complete, it’s amazing to see how the show keeps convalescing annually, at the same time as the most recent cars at the moment are half a century old. I can’t wait to do all of it all over again in 2025.
Dave Thomas
Instagram: stanceiseverythingcom
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
