Imagine buying a replica car body online and turning it into a real-life vehicle. That's exactly what happened with the iconic Toyota AE86! But here's the twist: the quality of the replica body left much to be desired.
The story began when reproduction shells for the legendary Toyota AE86 became available on Chinese platforms. While individual pattern parts had been accessible for years, the idea of ordering a complete body sparked excitement among enthusiasts. However, the journey to transforming this 'Fake Toyota' into a drivable car was far from straightforward.
The YouTube channel BigTime took on the challenge, but the process wasn't cheap or easy. A single reproduction shell costs a hefty $11k, and even bulk orders come with additional shipping and tax considerations. Fortunately, BigTime sourced a shell from Battle Garage, an AE86 specialist, who had acquired the very first shell displayed at SEMA.
But here's where it gets controversial: the shell in the AliBaba ad photos wasn't a reproduction at all but a Hong Kong car that had undergone acid dipping. An Instagram clip reveals a similar-looking car owned by an AE86 enthusiast, suggesting it was used for the ad photos. Battle Garage, pressed for time, sold the shell with a $4000 donor car to provide the necessary parts.
The quality of the shell is questionable. Mounting holes don't align, welds are shoddy, and essential attachment points are missing. Yet, the doors seem impressive, possibly reconditioned OEM ones. The build process is riddled with challenges, from fitting glass to dealing with misaligned A-pillars.
So, who is this replica shell for? It might be suitable for track car enthusiasts seeking a straighter body or those who don't require a VIN. However, the effort and cost involved in making the shell usable raise doubts about its practicality. Is it worth paying for a poorly copied shell when an original, Toyota-built one with its own issues might be a better option?
This story leaves us with a thought-provoking question: In the world of car restoration and modification, how far are enthusiasts willing to go for a piece of automotive history, even if it means accepting less-than-perfect replicas?
