Got a masters degree in mechanics, 14 suitcases full of Lego and four months sparetime on your hands? If the answer's yes, yes and yes, then this Lego V8 could be exactly what you're looking for.
Created by a Dutchman, who obviously steers well clear of the local smokery, the engine features superb 'working' detail. From the sequential flashing of the distributor cap, pumping of the pistons, breathing valves and spinning flywheel, his painstaking work is thoroughly impressive.
Of course, the limitations of plastic mean that this engine won't be doing any internal combusting, (that would just be silly) but surely it could fire the imagination of the disinterested youth in technology class. Certainly it would make the ubiquitous penholder or bird table projects pale in comparison...
If you have rather a lot of time (and Lego) on your hands, you can even follow the builder's instructions and have a go at it yourself.