American platform “The Best One on the Planet” has launched an initiative highlighting once common but now almost extinct vehicles
NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire – Dedicated to classic and rare cars The Best One on the Planet website has published its first “Endangered Automotive Species List,” highlighting models that once filled the roads but have all but disappeared today.
+ Video: Irina Dolinina Became the World’s First Ansat Helicopter Commander
According to the company’s COO, Steve Haas, the idea was inspired by numerous users who sent in unique examples of ordinary cars from past decades. “If you’ve been following the auto world long enough, you’ve noticed that many models have disappeared. Dodge and Plymouth Neons were everywhere — now I don’t even remember seeing one in operation,” Haas said.
Co-founder Matt Lewis explained that the goal was to recognize the rarity of vehicles once considered commonplace. “The reason why a Ferrari 250 GTO is rare is that only 39 were produced. So how many are there still in the world? Isuzu Impulse there is? “Maybe less,” he joked. “Our goal is to draw attention to these forgotten cars that left their mark on an era even with their simplicity.”
Chasing the “Vanished” Ford Aspire
Besides the main list, the team also launched an interesting challenge: finding a working Ford Aspire (1993–1997). Produced by Kia and sold under the Ford brand, this model completely disappeared from American roads after 2005.
The first person to prove a registered and still working Aspire is “alive” will win a premium set of Cocomats car mats.
“List of Endangered Automotive Species”
- 1977 Renault Le Car – It rusted easily and after Renault withdrew from the USA, there was a shortage of spare parts. It is estimated that fewer than 50 vehicles are still operational in North America.
- 1987 Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo – Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, this sporty coupe shared components with the Chevy Chevette. It hasn’t been seen on the roads since the 1990s.
- 1980 Plymouth Arrow Pickup – Produced by Mitsubishi for Chrysler, it is considered one of the “captured imports”. Today it is almost never seen outside of California.
- 1981 Audi 5000S Diesel – It was popular in the 1980s but disappeared from American roads. Only six units were for sale on the Bring a Trailer site.
- 1977 Chevrolet LUV – Another model produced by Isuzu. Despite its durable engine, corrosion destroyed most examples outside California’s dry southern regions.
- 1996 Ford Aspire – Small Korean hatchback sold under the Ford brand. It is now considered “almost extinct.”
Between Nostalgia and Preservation
According to the founders, The Best One on the Planet It was created as a fun and educational space for collectors and enthusiasts. The project is operated by Michigan-based BOOT-P Media, LLC and was co-founded by Peter Zawadski, Matt Lewis and Steve Haas.
Source and images: Tbootp. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
