Master Craftsman Bill Dietz Creates Lifelike Wooden Ferrari V12 Engine Model

In a remarkable feat of craftsmanship, model maker Bill Dietz has spent three years meticulously crafting a 1:1 scale wooden model of the iconic Ferrari V12 Colombo engine. This extraordinary creation uses various woods and finishes to mimic the legendary engine’s components with astounding detail, making it almost seem ready for the racetrack.

The Ferrari Colombo V12, Ferrari’s inaugural V12 engine and its longest-produced, debuted in 1947 and continued evolving until 1988. Designed by Gioacchino Colombo, this engine powered Ferrari’s most iconic models, from the 250 TR “Testa Rossa” to the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Initially, the Colombo V12 started with a displacement of just 1.5 liters, eventually expanding up to 4.9 liters, incorporating double overhead cams and electronic fuel injection to boost power from 116 bhp to nearly 400 bhp over its lifetime.

Bill Dietz’s wooden model captures the essence of the Colombo V12, including detailed carburetors, velocity stacks, throttle linkages, distributors, oil filters, and even the signature “Ferrari” script on the cam covers. Measuring approximately 36 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 24 inches tall, and weighing about 50 lbs, this unique piece is a testament to Dietz’s skill and dedication to his craft.

Currently available for sale through Bring a Trailer in Thousand Oaks, California, this wooden engine model comes with a display stand and a protective perspex cover. It represents not only a tribute to Ferrari’s engineering excellence but also to the artistry of model making, preserving a piece of automotive history in an unprecedented medium.

This model is a must-see for Ferrari enthusiasts and model collectors alike, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of art that celebrates one of the most significant engines in automotive history. See it here.