As a lifelong car enthusiast, I’ve always kept up with the happenings in the car world. Growing up, I’d eagerly wait for Sunday nights when Top Gear would air, and the pages of car magazines would always steal my attention away from schoolwork. Now, with social media, podcasts, and YouTube channels like Daily Driven Exotics (DDE), it’s easier than ever to stay connected to the automotive world. One particular video from DDE in September 2021 left an unforgettable impression on me, sparking the creation of one of our most unique projects at Ben’s Automotive Decor.
In that DDE video, their beloved McLaren 720S caught on fire! While thankfully no one was hurt, the engine didn’t fare so well. A connecting rod blew a hole right through the engine block, and though the car survived the flames, the engine was to be rebuilt with bigger turbos and more power. Watching that video, I couldn’t help but think, “How amazing would it be to turn that engine into a custom coffee table?”
That thought stuck with me, and I knew I had to make it happen. The idea of crafting an engine coffee table out of a famous McLaren engine was too good to ignore. After countless emails, phone calls, and plenty of dead ends, I finally tracked down the engine block. It had passed through several hands after being removed by Gintani Automotive Performance Tuning and was now sitting on a pallet in a storage unit in a small town in Texas. Once I got in touch with the owner, I managed to convince him to sell it to me, and I was thrilled to bring this piece of automotive history back to life.
When the engine block arrived, it was even more impressive than I’d imagined. The damage was a work of art in itself—a blown connecting rod had left a hole you could see right through. The way the engine failed told an incredible story, and I was eager to transform it into a functional piece of automotive home decor that any gearhead would appreciate.
For weeks, I let the engine block sit on my workbench, staring at it, daydreaming, and trying to come up with the perfect design. The block was stunning from every angle, but especially from above, where you could look down into the cylinders. Yet, the most interesting part—the damage—was underneath. I found myself torn between wanting to showcase the top view or the underside where all the carnage was visible.
One Friday evening, while chatting over a cold beer with our resident metal sculptor, inspiration struck. We thought, "Why not build the table so the engine spins on a rotisserie-style framework?" This would allow every angle of the engine to be admired—both the pristine cylinders and the chaotic damage. The idea was born.
After weeks of planning, sketching, and problem-solving, we decided on the final design: a rotating engine block housed inside a sleek coffee table frame. To bring the engine to life, we installed an electric motor powered by a Milwaukee 12v battery to rotate the engine slowly. We engineered a sturdy and stylish X-frame metal design to support the engine, and after hours of craftsmanship, welding, and assembly, the table was finally complete.
We finished the project just in time to showcase it at the Velocity Invitational in 2022. You can see it in action in this video interview. The reveal was a huge success! Car lovers at the event were amazed, and many recognized the engine from the famous DDE video. The table spun gracefully on its axis, allowing onlookers to appreciate the stunning craftsmanship and the remarkable story behind the engine. Attendees took photos, marveled at the custom table design, and asked how they could get one of their own.
The reaction was overwhelming. By the end of the show, we had several requests to build similar tables, using engines with sentimental value. We quickly sold the McLaren engine table to a collector who now proudly displays it in his car-themed man cave in Florida.
For me, this project was about more than just building a piece of furniture. It was about celebrating the artistry and engineering that goes into every engine. When an engine fails spectacularly, it tells a story—and I’m honored to be able to capture that story and transform it into a piece of art. Every table we build at Ben’s Automotive Decor is unique, whether it’s made from an old race car engine or a sentimental project car motor. Each piece is a blend of art and function, designed to elevate any space, from a living room to an auto shop.
The response we received from the McLaren table inspired us to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can create. Whether it’s designing engine block tables or working on custom automotive pieces, I love seeing the reactions when someone connects with a piece on a personal level. It’s not just about having a cool piece of decor—it’s about owning a part of automotive history.
If you’re a car enthusiast or know someone who would appreciate a gearhead gift like an engine coffee table, we’d love to help create something special. Whether you have a particular engine in mind or want to leave the design process to us, we’re passionate about turning automotive parts into functional art. We specialize in everything from auto shop decor to custom automotive home decor that reflects your love for cars.
I’d best get back to work now - I have a Roush Yates NASCAR engine sitting on my workbench that I need to bring to life! I can’t wait to see what wild ideas come from this one, and I hope to share the story soon.
Thanks for following along with this journey, and I hope it’s inspired you to think about how your passion for cars can be part of your home, garage, or shop. If you’re interested in bringing your own custom table idea to life, don’t hesitate to get in touch and book an appointment. At Ben’s Automotive Decor, we’re always ready for the next great project!