DeAgostini AE86 Issue 1 & 2 – Packaging & Parts Review

DeAgostini AE86 Issue 1 & 2 — Early Packaging & Parts Review (Malaysia Preview)

I managed to get both Issue 1 and Issue 2 of the DeAgostini Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 ahead of the Malaysian release schedule.

This is a quick photo review of the packaging, parts, and overall impression — for those who are already started or planning to start this AE86 build series.

Early Arrival, Early Look

Right now, the Malaysian market officially only has Issue 1 available.

Here at DeToyz, I already have Issue 1 and Issue 2 on hand, so I thought it would be useful to share a simple photo-based review.

This is not a build diary. I have not decided whether I will build one myself. For now, this article focuses on:

• What each issue looks like in person
• How the parts are packed and presented
• General impressions from handling the components

Issue 1 — Front Exterior Parts & Details

Issue 1 focuses on the front section of the AE86 and includes:

• Front bumper parts
• Headlight surrounds and turn-signal housings
• Grille and “SPRINTER / TRUENO” emblem pieces
• Chrome-finished parts for lights and trims
• Screws and small fittings packed in a separate compartment

The parts are laid out in a clear blister tray, so you can see all the components at a glance.

The chrome finish and clear parts look sharp and clean, with no rough edges visible through the packaging.

I’ll also include a short video clip here to give a quick flip-through of the magazine, just to show the general layout and how the step-by-step guide is presented (without revealing the content in detail).

Issue 2 — The Bonnet, And Its Weight

Issue 2 is mainly all about the bonnet (hood).

At first glance it looks simple, but once I picked up the box, the weight was the first thing that stood out.

• Total weight of Issue 2 package on my scale: about 622 g
• Rough estimate for the bonnet alone: around 500 g

That is a lot of metal for a single body panel.

For builders, this is a good sign — the completed 1/8 scale AE86 should feel solid and heavy, closer to a die-cast display piece than a light plastic kit.

Inside the blister tray, the bonnet panel sits together with the small badges, clear parts and a pack of screws.

The molding looks clean and the panel thickness is clearly visible even through the tray.

Same as Issue 1, I’ll include a quick magazine flip video here so you can see how the instructions and reference photos are laid out.

Packaging Quality & Part Finish

Looking at both issues side by side, a few things are consistent:

• Collector-style packaging — sturdy outer box with bold AE86 visuals.
• Clear blister trays — all parts are easy to see without opening, which is nice if you plan to keep them stored for a while.
• Clean molding and chrome — the trim parts and badges look neat, with crisp edges and logos.
• Organised screws and labels — small hardware is grouped clearly, which should help when it comes time to build.

Even if you are not starting the build immediately, the way DeAgostini presents each issue makes it feel like you are collecting premium “car parts” one box at a time.

Why This AE86 Series Looks Promising

Just from handling Issue 1 and 2, a few positive points stand out:

• Weight and presence – the bonnet alone already feels convincing; the completed car should have a very solid presence in the display cabinet.
• Attention to exterior details – emblems, lights and trims are treated seriously, which is important for a famous car like the AE86.
• Magazine-style presentation – each issue feels like a small car magazine plus a premium parts pack.

For AE86 fans, Initial D fans, or collectors who like large-scale display pieces, this series has the right ingredients from what I can see so far.

For Readers Considering the AE86 Build Series

Many of you have asked about how this AE86 series works since the previous article.

With Issue 1 and 2 now in hand, I can say the overall quality and feel are in line with what you would expect from a flagship 1/8 DeAgostini project.

If you’re considering collecting this AE86 series locally through DeToyz, these early issues should give you a clearer idea of:

• How each shipment is packed
• What kind of parts to expect
• How serious the materials and finish are

As new issues arrive, I plan to continue doing simple packaging and parts reviews like this, so you can follow along even if you are still deciding.

Closing Thoughts

For now, I am treating this AE86 project as a long-term observation.

I am not committing to building one yet, but I enjoy checking each issue as it comes in — almost like visiting a car workshop and seeing new original parts arrive.

If you are collecting the AE86 issues from DeToyz, I hope this photo review gives you an early look at what is on the way.

If you are still thinking about it, maybe seeing the real parts and weight will help you decide whether this legendary AE86 deserves a place in your collection.

More updates to come once the next issue lands at the shop.