Imagine this: You can now purchase a replica body of the iconic Toyota AE86 straight from Alibaba, and a group of enthusiasts actually transformed it into a fully functional car. But here's where it gets controversial—is this a game-changer for car restoration, or just a costly gimmick? Let’s dive in.
About a year ago, the automotive world was abuzz with the news that reproduction bodies for the legendary Toyota AE86 were available on Chinese e-commerce platforms. While individual parts like fenders and quarter panels have long been sourced from China, the idea of ordering a complete body-in-white for a car as revered as the AE86 Corolla sparked immediate interest. And this is the part most people miss—what exactly are you getting when you order one of these replicas?
Enter BigTime, a YouTube channel dedicated to car restoration, who took on the challenge of turning one of these reproduction shells into a drivable vehicle—affectionately dubbed the ‘Fake Toyota.’ Spoiler alert: it wasn’t a walk in the park.
First, let’s talk cost. Ordering a single shell will set you back around $11,000, though buying in bulk (over ten shells) drops the price below $8,000. However, shipping, taxes, and other fees can quickly add up. Fortunately, BigTime sourced their shell from Battle Garage, an AE86 specialist in San Francisco, who had acquired the very shell displayed at SEMA. Rumor has it, this was the first one anyone had gotten their hands on.
Here’s where it gets interesting: According to Battle Garage, the shell pictured in the Alibaba ad wasn’t actually a reproduction but a Hong Kong-based AE86 that had undergone acid dipping. Could this have been the car scanned to create the replica shells? Possibly! An Instagram clip even features a Hong Kong AE86 enthusiast claiming his car was used for the Alibaba ad photos (check it out: Instagram Clip).
Battle Garage sold the shell to BigTime along with a $4,000 donor car, providing all the necessary parts for the build. While the shell is a three-door Trueno fastback and the donor is a two-door US-market notchback, this mismatch wasn’t a dealbreaker.
The build process, documented in a must-watch video (YouTube Link), reveals the shell’s quality isn’t top-notch. Mounting holes often don’t align, requiring redrilling or new holes altogether—from strut mounts to the front subframe. Fuel tank attachment points? Non-existent. The A-pillar is uneven, making glass fitting a headache. And let’s not forget the subpar welds scattered throughout the engine bay and frame rails.
On the bright side, the doors are surprisingly decent, almost resembling reconditioned OEM parts. However, fitting window mechanisms becomes another game of ‘find the holes.’ But here’s the real question: Is this replica shell worth the hassle?
It’s important to manage expectations. This isn’t a replica of a brand-new car but of a 40-year-old vehicle that’s likely seen its fair share of wear and tear. Parts won’t align perfectly, especially when transferring components from a donor car that’s already in rough shape.
So, who is this for? If you’re rebuilding a track car and need a straighter body than your current wreck, it might suffice. It’s also useful for projects that don’t require a VIN. While you avoid rust issues, significant shop time is needed to make the shell usable. But is it better than swapping parts into an old, Toyota-built shell with its own quirks? If you’re spending good money on a poorly replicated body that doesn’t simplify the process, the online-order route might feel pointless.
Controversial take: Could this be the future of car restoration, or just a niche solution for die-hard enthusiasts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, we want to hear from you!
Photos and top graphic image: BigTime / YouTube
