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Spanish engineer José Manuel Hermo Barreiro, known as Patelo, built a working 12-cylinder V-12 model powered by compressed air. Guinness World Records recorded it as the smallest functional V12 engine in November 2011; that dated entry does not establish whether it still holds the record today.
What Patelo built
Guinness World Records’ November 2011 entry describes a 12-cubic-centimetre (12 cc, or 0.73 cubic inch) engine with a cylinder diameter of 11.3 mm and a compression stroke of 10 mm. It was made in Galicia, Spain, and Guinness lists 261 handcrafted pieces and 222 screws.
Those figures describe a functional miniature model, not a small road-car engine. It was designed to demonstrate engine mechanisms, and New Atlas described the project as educational. The sources do not identify it as a commercial product.
How it was made
The scale of the project came from machining and fitting many small components into a working assembly. Make’s 2011 coverage follows stages of the work, including machining the crankshaft and connecting rods, making cylinders and pistons, and assembling valve-train components. The coverage also shows operational testing in video; it is not an independent test report.
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- Electric Start with CDI Ignition: Instant Roar at the Push of a Button – Features a Hall-effect CDI ignition system and a powerful 3548 brushless starter motor. With just one press, enjoy synchronized ignition, complete combustion, and fast throttle response—capturing the raw essence of a miniature supercar engine
- Wide Application: This CDI igniter is designed to provide stable ignition voltage for distributors, making it compatible with various engine models, including ENJOMOR GS-D6S and multi-cylinder gasoline engines
- Easy Installation: The igniter is simple to set up. Connect the ignition cap to the spark plug or distributor, securely fix the Hall sensor around the engine flywheel, and attach the power cable to a 7-16V battery using a compatible connector
- CNC-Machined Full Metal Construction with Long-Lasting Durability: Made entirely from high-strength CNC metal, this engine boasts a new-style exhaust manifold that delivers realistic sound. The three-ring piston setup, high-hardness cylinder liner, fully bearing-supported crankshaft (five central and two end bearings), and integrated oil ring ensure smooth, durable performance over time
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Hundreds of parts, made and fitted by hand
Guinness reports 261 handcrafted pieces and 1,220 hours of construction. Make separately describes the work as taking more than 1,200 hours. New Atlas says Patelo made the 261 pieces from scratch but bought the 222 screws. The screw count is therefore not a count of additional handmade engine components.
Materials
Guinness lists bronze, steel and aluminum. New Atlas describes the materials as aluminum, bronze and stainless steel. Because the accounts differ in how they specify the steel, it is safest to attribute the descriptions rather than treat them as a single verified bill of materials.
Rank #2
- Precision Engineering & Premium Materials： Crafted from anodized aluminum and stainless steel, our V12 engine model kit features genuine precision-cast and machined parts. Each component mirrors real assemblies found in modern high-performance V12 engines, offering an authentic engineering experience.
- 800+ High-Quality Parts： With over 800 finely detailed components, this kit comes neatly organized in custom foam carriers to prevent damage and ensure completeness. Each piece is labeled for easy identification, accompanied by a clear, full-color instruction manual.
- Realistic Operation Simulation： Driven by a built-in electric motor, the model demonstrates the complete 4-stroke process of a V12 engine. Moving crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and intricate valve-trains are visible through special viewing windows—showcasing the coordination of all parts in motion.
- Educational & Engaging Activity： Recommended for ages 14 and up, this kit provides a rewarding hands-on project for hobbyists and families alike. It helps develop patience, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for mechanical design, making it an excellent STEM learning tool.
- Collector’s Display Piece： Even when not running, the assembled V12 engine is a striking display model. Its combination of technical accuracy, premium materials, and mechanical beauty makes it a perfect gift for engineers, car enthusiasts, and collectors.
Why it runs on compressed air
Rather than burning fuel, the miniature V-12 runs on compressed air. Guinness says this choice avoided pollution during exhibitions and demonstrations. It also lets the model demonstrate moving engine components without operating as a fuel-burning motor.
Compressed-air operation is an important distinction when interpreting the record: the Guinness entry calls it functional, but its stated operating medium is air, not gasoline or diesel combustion.
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- Precision Engineering & Quality Materials Crafted from anodized aluminum and stainless steel, this V12 engine model kit features precision-cast and machined parts. Each component is designed to mirror real assemblies found in modern high-performance V12 engines, providing an authentic and detailed engineering experience.
- Comprehensive 800+ Piece Assembly Kit This project includes over 800 finely detailed components, organized in custom foam carriers to maintain completeness and protect against damage. Each piece is labeled for clear identification and supported by a step-by-step, full-color instruction manual.
- Functional Operation Simulation Driven by an integrated electric motor, the model demonstrates the full 4-stroke process of a V12 engine. Through dedicated viewing windows, you can observe the synchronized movement of the crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, and valve-trains in motion.
- Engaging Educational STEM Project Recommended for ages 14 and up, this kit offers a hands-on experience for hobbyists and families. It serves as a practical STEM learning tool, helping to develop patience, problem-solving skills, and a practical understanding of mechanical design principles.
- Detailed Collector’s Display Assembled, the V12 engine serves as a sophisticated display piece. Its combination of technical accuracy and mechanical aesthetics makes it an ideal choice for engineers, automotive enthusiasts, and collectors who value high-quality craftsmanship.
What the “world’s smallest” claim means
Guinness World Records lists Patelo’s build under “Smallest functional V12 engine,” with the entry dated November 2011. That supports describing it as the record-holder in that dated entry. The available sources do not establish whether the record remains current, so a present-day, unqualified claim that it is still the world’s smallest would go beyond the evidence.
The build is best understood as a one-off educational model. New Atlas reported in 2011 that Patelo had no plans to sell the mini-motors, and the cited coverage does not identify a product listing or construction manual.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXPOSED DOHC V8 ARCHITECTURE: This model presents a V8 layout with two angled cylinder banks, four exposed overhead camshafts, dual timing-chain drives, a central intake section, and outward-facing exhaust headers. The open arrangement makes the major mechanical structures easy to identify before and during operation.
- PRECISION METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built from precision-cast and machined components in anodized aluminum and stainless steel. Defined surfaces, exposed fasteners, timing assemblies, and front pulleys reflect key structures found in modern V8 engine architecture while giving the completed model a detailed industrial finish.
- 500+ COMPONENT ASSEMBLY: Build the model from more than 500 labeled components, including precision metal parts, screws, and assembly hardware. Custom foam trays help organize and protect the parts, while the included tool set and full-color manual guide the approximately five-hour assembly process.
- MOTORIZED FOUR-STROKE MOTION: An electric motor concealed inside the starter housing drives the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and valvetrain through a four-stroke mechanical sequence. Viewing openings reveal the internal movement, while the exposed camshafts, timing chains, and belt-driven pulleys show how motion is transferred across the assembled engine.
- MECHANICAL DISPLAY FOR HOME OR OFFICE: Measuring approximately 7.80 × 6.69 × 7.09 inches when assembled, the DM118 combines visible mechanical motion with detailed metal construction. Intended for ages 14 and above, it is suited to model builders, automotive enthusiasts, engineering fans, and hobbyists for display in a home, office, study, studio, or workshop. A metal gift box is included.
Rank #4
- 【Build Your Own Engine Model】Measured as 7.09*6.29*5.5in (L*W*H), This exquisitely designed V12 engine model features realistic details like a transparent cylinder head, simulated piston movement, and a turbocharger. Its compact design accurately mimics the inner workings of a real V12 engine, making it a unique and engaging mini engine toy.
- 【USB Charging Motor Design】This V12 engine kit includes a motor (Rechargeable Battery Included) and a USB charging cable, enabling the model toy to be electrically driven. You can watch the movement of the internal pistons through the transparent cylinder heads on both sides and get a sense of how the V8 engine powers the car.
- 【Realistic V12 Engine Model】Transparent cylinder head design allows you to see directly through it how the valve train works together inside. You will see this V12 Engines has precise piston. Its compact design accurately mimics the inner workings of a real V12 engine like simulated piston movement, making it a unique and engaging engine toy.
- 【Safe High Quality Material】This V12 engine kit is made of ABS material, non-toxic and odor-free, and is tested by ASTM and CPSIA to ensure a safe and building experience. If you encounter any issues such as missing pieces or non-functional motor, please feel free to contact us!
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Reported specifications
| Specification | Reported detail |
|---|---|
| Record entry | Smallest functional V12 engine; Guinness World Records, November 2011 |
| Displacement | 12 cc (0.73 cubic inches); Guinness World Records, 2011 entry |
| Cylinder diameter | 11.3 mm; Guinness World Records, 2011 entry |
| Compression stroke | 10 mm; Guinness World Records, 2011 entry |
| Handcrafted pieces | 261; Guinness World Records, 2011 entry |
| Screws | 222; Guinness World Records, 2011 entry |
| Construction time | 1,220 hours; Guinness World Records, 2011 entry. Make reported more than 1,200 hours in 2011. |
| Operating medium | Compressed air; Guinness World Records |
Sources
- Guinness World Records, “Smallest functional V12 engine”, record entry dated November 2011.
- Randolph Jonsson, New Atlas, “Spanish engineer crafts ‘world’s smallest’ V-12 engine,” November 28, 2011.
- Sean Michael Ragan, Make:, “‘World’s Smallest’ Working V-12 Motor,” November 28, 2011.
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