OBLIVION Returns to the Canadian International AutoShow With the Best of the Era
At the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow, the OBLIVION team invites visitors to take a special trip back in time—a blast to the unforgettable automotive culture of the 1980s and 1990s.
Returning to the AutoShow for its third year, OBLIVION has become a true crowd favourite, always delivering a rare and memorable display that celebrates the vehicles and lifestyle of a generation. OBLIVION has been part of Canada’s car culture since hosting its first event in 2018, and its following continues to grow. In addition to their annual southern Ontario event which has been held in a variety of locations, including Ontario Place, a summer camp, a shopping mall, a field trip, and even a wedding, the OBLIVION team’s favourite place to be in the winter is in their immersive room at the Canadian International AutoShow.
The love for all things ’80s and ’90s has never faded. Like many fans, the OBLIVION team grew up in that era, dreaming over posters, magazines and video games—and in many cases, still owning those first beloved cars today. But as time passed, Ontario’s salt powered “rust belt” claimed many of these vehicles, and it became clear how rare they were becoming.
What began as small gatherings evolved into a movement, as enthusiasts recognized a shared sense of nostalgia and a passion for keeping these machines—and the culture surrounding them—alive. With team members each owning multiple ’80s and ’90s vehicles, the group realized traditional “classic car shows” didn’t quite capture (or acknowledge) the spirit of their era. It was time for something new.
The first OBLIVION 80s and 90s Car and Culture Show was held on August 25, 2018, at the Milton Memorial Arena, featuring vehicles, indoor displays, games, food trucks, gourmet pizza, and locally crafted beverages—which was just the beginning for what the annual festival OBLIVION has become today. The OBLIVION Team has set their time circuits to August 9th 2026 for OBLIVION VIII, so stay tuned on their site for details on this year’s main event.
“Our team grew up visiting the AutoShow every year as kids in the 80s and 90’s.” said Justin Sookraj, OBLIVION’s founder, “The cars here were a ray of sunshine through these dark Canadian winters. To be able to continue to return and recreate the excitement we felt back then with the very cars that got our gears turning is something we love to do. From dream cars to the car you had and loved that rusted away into, well, oblivion, we hope everyone finds a little something in our room to take them back to our era – even if they’ve never been there!”
“The OBLIVION team are true Canadian ambassadors for an era of iconic—and now rare—vehicles. We’re thrilled to welcome back to our show floor an eclectic collection of cars that first made their debut right here on our stage in the 1980s and 1990s,” said Jason Campbell, General Manager of the AutoShow.
Here are some of the cars featured in this year’s exhibit:
1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi
The classic Pininfarina-designed 308 GTSi became a star alongside Tom Sellek in the hit show Magnum PI and remains a design icon. This targa-top Ferrari houses a 2.9L V8 producing 205 hp—modest by today’s Ferrari standards, but timeless in style and unmistakably Italian.
1984 Honda CRX
This striking red-over-silver Honda is Canada’s very first CRX (VIN 00001)—and possibly the first in all of North America. Also, the very car featured in every Canadian brochure and marketing launch, this iconic hatchback has 144,000 km and packs a spirited 76-hp 1.5L SOHC 5-speed manual engine—a true piece of Honda history.
1989 Nissan Pulsar NX SE Sportbak
A marvel of modular design, the Pulsar NX SE Sportbak offered three rear-end options: open air, notchback, and wagon/shooting brake, all topped with its signature T-style roof. This rare example has just 44,000 original km and is powered by a 1.8L DOHC 5-speed manual producing 130 hp—a clever and fun driver’s car ahead of its time.
1986 Ford RS200S
Built for the legendary Group B rally era, the RS200S is one of the most extreme and coveted rally cars ever made. Only about 150 were completed, with just 87 known to exist today. This Model S version—one of only 20—was personally owned by Murray De Weerdt and imported to Canada. Under the hood sits a 1.8L Cosworth BDT turbo engine producing 350 hp (competition Evos reach 700 hp), paired with an adjustable center differential for precision handling. Weighing just 2,600 lbs and hitting 142 mph, this RS200S once held the Guinness World Record for fastest-accelerating production car.
1992 Ford SHO
The SHO was Ford’s high-performance standout in the 1990s. Powered by a Yamaha-built 3.0L DOHC 24V V6 delivering 220 hp, paired with a 5-speed manual, this sporty sedan still impresses decades later with its blend of performance and everyday practicality.
1991 Geo Tracker with Jet Ski
The ultimate beach combo! This Geo Tracker comes fully equipped with a matching Yamaha Wave Venture Jet Ski. Complete with original OEM graphics, it’s a nostalgic nod to carefree summer adventures.
1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
A rare 100% stock example imported from Japan, the Pajero Evo is one of only 2,500 ever made. Developed for Paris-Dakar dominance, it features a 3.5L V6 with 275 hp, factory Recaro seats, widebody kit, double-wishbone suspension, and Torsen limited-slip differentials. With just 87,900 km, it’s a genuine rally legend and a modern collector’s dream.
1996 Lamborghini Diablo VT
A true 1990s poster car, this Diablo VT features a 5.7L V12 producing 492 hp, a 5-speed manual transmission, and black leather interior. Previously crowned at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this iconic Italian supercar turns heads wherever it goes.
Stay tuned for future additional vehicles to be announced closer to the Show.
The OBLIVION Feature Display can be found on Level 700 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – South Building.
The 2026 Canadian International AutoShow returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from February 13 to 22, 2026. Tickets are now available for purchase online through the AutoShow’s official website and for more show information visit www.autoshow.ca
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