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OBLIVION IV: Retro-Fantastic!

Huw Evans
Autosphere » Collision » OBLIVION IV: Retro-Fantastic!
On August 14, the Westmount Shopping Centre was transformed into a magic spectacle of 1980s and ’90s cars and culture.
Today, the DeLorean DMC-12 is an undisputed classic and values reflect this.
Justin Sookraj, owner and visionary behind the OBLIVION phenomenon.
Immaculate 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL SE attracted a ton of interest.
Once upon a time, cars like this 1985 Chevy Impala could be found on every street corner and ubiquitous among police and taxi fleets.
If you purchased a full-size Oldsmobile back in 1990, chances are the inside would look a lot like this. Period car phone is a nice touch.
Two slick Nissan 300ZXs (Z31s) parked side by side. Both these cars have the desirable 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 which cranked out 200 hp (205 hp from mid-1987).
First generation Honda Civic was immaculate.
Mini-me radio controlled 1984 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am…
…and here’s it’s big brother. 5.0 liter H.O callout signifies, the 190 hp four-barrel High Output V8, the top dog engine for ’84.
What kind of engine is this? Hint, it doesn’t have pistons.
Only in the ’80s! Ford’s EXP two-seater was based on the Escort. Early ones had this distinctive bug-eyed front end.
Small, affordable two-seaters were definitely a thing in the mid-1980s, witness this immaculate 1984 Honda Civic CRX drawing admiring glances.
No doubt many wall posters of the Lamborghini Countach LP500/LP5000 were purchased from stores in malls just like this back in the day. So how fitting to have a real one on display in this oh-so ’80s setting.
Nathan Thwaites shows off an impressive display of his automotive art. He does commissions too.
And you thought frunks were a new thing! This rear-engine 1989 Skoda 120 was typical of those found on Czechoslovakian roads in the 1980s. Never officially sold in North America, this one came from Europe via the U.S.
Vitaly Paraskevilo from Motul and Laurance Yap from Pfaff Automotive partners. Motul and Pfaff were two key sponsors and vendors at the event.
What did I tell you? Eighty-eight miles per hour!

1980s and ’90s car and culture extravaganza exceeded expectations.        

On August 14, the Westmount Shopping Centre in London, Ontario, was transformed into a retro extravaganza. OBLIVION IV provided an opportunity for those of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s to re-live those halcyon days, while getting younger generations to experience the cars, music, fashion and culture of the era. With over 200 cars registered, everything from early 1980s big American sedans and wood-paneled station wagons, to period supercars like the Lamborghini Countach and Acura NSX, there was a vehicle to suit every taste, style and budget.

Ideal mall setting

The Westmount in many ways was the perfect setting for this event, a two-storey showcase of late 1980s era decor, replete with period tiled floors, columns and multiple skylights. And with pristine 1980s and 1990s cars on display, it took many of us back to the days when car dealers would frequently display their latest offerings in the local shopping mall to gauge interest, or even raffle off as grand prizes from in-mall contests.

While we didn’t see an on-site singing talent competition, there was plenty of retro fun to be had, with supporting vendors offering everything from insurance packages for your classic, to wheels, tires, parts and detail accessories, plus retro candy, vehicle prints and of course retro clothing, including period hats and dayglo t-shirts. Outside, the parking lot was jammed with retro rides and with 1980s and 1990s music playing all day long, attendees had a chance to really celebrate the era, make new connections and strengthen friendships and ties, as well as help themselves to some tasty food and beverages. Autosphere.ca was there and brings you some of the highlights from a truly memorable day.

 

Categories : Collision, Editorial
Tags : Event

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