US platform ‘The Best One on the Planet’ launches initiative to introduce vehicles that were once common but are now almost extinct
NORTH CORNWAY, N.H. – The Best One on the Planet, a website for classic and rare car enthusiasts, releases its first Endangered Cars List. This shows that models that were once common on the streets are now almost impossible to find.
According to COO Steve Haas, the idea was inspired by numerous submissions from users who sent in unique examples of common cars from past decades. “If you follow the car world long enough, you’ll notice that a lot of models have disappeared. For example, the Dodge and Plymouth Neon were everywhere, and now you can’t remember the last time you saw one,” Haas said.
Co-founder Matt Lewis said the aim was to recognize the rarity of vehicles that were once considered disposable. “There are only 39 Ferrari 250 GTOs, so they are rare,isuzu impulseHow many cars are you running around the world? Probably less,” he said jokingly. “We want to shine a spotlight on these forgotten cars, which symbolized an era because of their simplicity.”
Exploring the extinct Ford Aspire
In addition to the main list, the team announced an interesting challenge: to find a working Ford Aspire (1993–1997). This model, manufactured by Kia and sold under the Ford brand, has been completely absent from American roads since 2005.
The first person to submit “proof of life” for a registered and operational Aspire will receive a premium car mat set from Cocomats.
“List of endangered cars”
- Renault Le Car 1977 – Prone to rust and suffered from parts shortages after Renault withdrew from the US. It is estimated that there are fewer than 50 vehicles in operation in North America.
- Isuzu Impulse RS Turbo 1987 – Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Shares parts with Chevrolet Chevette. No vehicles have been seen on the road since the 1990s.
- Primus Arrow Pickup 1980 – Produced by Mitsubishi for Chrysler. One of the early “captive import cars”. Nowadays, it is rarely seen outside of California.
- Audi 5000S Diesel 1981 – Popular in the 1980s, but disappeared from U.S. roads. Only six cars were put up for auction at Bring a Trailer.
- Chevrolet LUV 1977 – Manufactured by Isuzu. Although equipped with sturdy engines, most of the vehicles were lost to corrosion outside of dry Southern California.
- Ford Aspire 1996 – A small hatchback made in Korea, sold under the Ford brand. It is considered “nearly extinct.”
Between nostalgia and preservation
According to its founders, “The Best One on the Planet” was created as a fun and educational space for collectors and curious people. The project is managed by Michigan-based BOOT-P Media, LLC and co-founded by Peter Zawadski, Matt Lewis and Steve Haas.
Source/Image: Tbootp. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
