Engine blocks have a thankless job. As long as they're under the hood and working, they're at best taken for granted by most drivers, much like the rest of their cars. If there's something wrong with it and it's got to go into the shop, it's a cursed nuisance. But if it's not even serving its function, it's a forgotten hunk of iron (or aluminum). To a motoring enthusiast, however, the end of an engine block's job doesn't have to mean the end of its life. Engine blocks are enjoying great retirements in the living rooms of petrolheads the world over: sitting under glass, not having to work, and appreciated in all their crude aesthetic glory.
There's nothing new about this trend in automotive mechanical rejuvenation. The coffee table pictured gave new life to an old Rover V8, and it'd go great with the Jaguar cylinder block wine rack we brought you last week. If you're thinking about putting together your own, all it'll take is a little elbow-grease to get it looking its best (especially after a long life of propulsion) and a nice slab of thick glass to place on top. This one apparently has four cylinders repositioned to hold up its glass. We'd recommend a V-configuration, 'cause an inline engine wouldn't make for a very sturdy table. The more cylinders, the merrier, and a prestige brand would be a bonus since it'll naturally become a conversation piece when you have guests over. (The V12 block from Uday Hussein's Ferrari 550 would make the ultimate trophy.)
Some say such an item shouldn't be displayed in your home without shame, but we say if it's your living room, make it yours, cylinder count and all.
(Thanks go out to amp for the tip.)
[Source: Dubspeed Driven]














Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Avinash machado @ Mar 25th 2007 1:43PM
Is not the Rover V8 actually an GM designed engine?
JayP @ Mar 25th 2007 2:04PM
Yep- it was the Buick/Olds/Pontiac V8 GM couldn't sort out and sold to the Brits. Since then, that BOP has been in everything that would take it...
I can appreciate the art of a aluminum V8- not sure the wife could though.
Everyday Weekender @ Mar 25th 2007 2:34PM
now that's nice! Where can i get me one of those>
EW ;)
http://www.everydayweekender.com
DPC car videos @ Mar 25th 2007 2:41PM
I got to get one of those bad boys, but the question is what will I tell the girlfriend which practically lives with me :)
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
Mary Mcgraw @ Mar 25th 2007 6:53PM
I love this idea. I may be a woman but we too can appreciate a great idea when we see one.. I happen to love cars and engines anyway !!!
Richard @ Mar 25th 2007 8:22PM
Of course, we all know the difference between a piston and a cylinder here at autoblog, right? That comment was just a test?
Billy @ Mar 25th 2007 8:40PM
Thank you Richard.
Matt @ Mar 25th 2007 10:13PM
I hope there's something underneath that V8! It'll scratch the wood floors!
Justin @ Mar 26th 2007 7:44AM
For those of you looking to remove the last touch of class from your room...or just want to scream you're a redneck...
Kowell @ Mar 26th 2007 9:44AM
I'd buy one anytime...only problem is lifting it when you need to move it.
Turbinov @ May 1st 2008 10:52AM
Thank you for this info. I have posted some of your photos on my blog. http://turbinov.ru