The AE86 Corolla has become a legendary classic car, with demand far outstripping the supply of original vehicles. These reproduction shells give enthusiasts a chance to build or restore their own AE86s without tracking down an increasingly rare original body.
Jiangsu Aodun isn't just some random parts maker. They supply FAW-GM, a joint venture between General Motors and China's second-largest automaker FAW. The company also produces stamped body panels for various cars, vented hoods for Dodge Chargers, bodywork for VW Type 2s, and complete bodies for 40-series Toyota Land Cruisers.
To make these AE86 shells, Jiangsu Aodun likely 3D-scanned an original car. Photos show an AE86 hatchback unibody covered in a matrix of dots, hinting at the process. Given the company's relationships with major automakers, the quality might be comparable to Toyota's original bodies.
For track cars, you might want to reinforce the shell with a tube frame if you're worried about structural integrity. If you're replacing a rusted or crashed body, you'll need to sort out transferring the VIN plate.
Building a complete car from one of these shells would be tough without a donor car for parts. They're best suited for existing project cars or track builds.
The tricky part? You've got to order at least five shells at $9,500 each. That's a $47,500 investment. If you're not ready to drop that much cash, you could always team up with some buddies for a group purchase. Or hey, maybe it's time to start that AE86 restoration business you've been dreaming about.
Source: The Drive
