Real time machines might only exist in science fiction, but this engineer's wooden vehicle certainly looks ready to head back to the future.

A woodworker in Vietnam called Truong Van Dao has created a fully-functioning car made out of wood, complete with spinning cogs and pistons. 

In an incredible video, Mr Van Dao is shown hand-carving each wooden component of his vehicle, which is powered by electric batteries.  

And although the car doesn't move much faster than walking pace, commenters have been amazed by the intricate and time-consuming design. 

The charming contraption is reminiscent of Baldrick's working time machine from Blackadder – although this four-wheeled unit only travels through space, not time. 

 

Mr Van Dao posted his video on his YouTube channel, which he describes as a 'father and son duo crafting stunning wooden cars that combine artistry with functionality'.

His amazing builds feature wooden versions of everything real-life cars such as the Cybertruck to a full wooden train. 

In this video, Mr Van Dao sets out to create a 'conceptual car that resembles a time machine'. 

Although the video description says that AI was used to help design the car, there is no footage of the design process and Mr Van Dao doesn't elaborate on this further. 

Instead, the first thing we see is Mr Van Dao welding the metal frame which forms the car's base.

He first builds a basic four-wheeled chassis before adding the rounded frame which gives the vehicle its unique shape.

Installing four electric batteries and some basic wheels, the simple frame is already able to drive but Mr Van Dao still has a lot of work left to do. 

Beginning work on the wooden exterior, he first creates the two massive wooden front wheels by gluing planks and turning them on the lathe.

These are fastened in place and secured with elaborately carved hubcaps.

Mr Van Dao then makes short work of the rest of the frame, adding the structural and decorative elements out of light-coloured wood.

Even the steering wheel is hand-carved from a piece of wood before being mounted.  

Yet perhaps the most impressive parts of this build are the intricate moving details he adds to capture the essence of a steam-punk time machine.

Stacks of wooden cogs are carved and darkened with a blowtorch before being assembled and mounted alongside an elaborate set of pistons.  

When the wheels turn, the cogs and pistons spin along with the movement of the vehicle.

When it is finally complete, the vehicle resembles a cross between H.G Wells' The Time Machine and Baldrick's wooden time machine from Blackadder: Back and Forth. 

With one seat inside the wheel-like frame, there is just enough room for Mr Van Dao and his son to take this strange vehicle for a ride around town.

Moving at a brisk walking pace, the wooden car attracts stares from surprised locals.

The video even shows crowds of school children gathering around to inspect the vehicle and have a go sitting in the driver's seat.  

And, on YouTube, commenters were no less amazed by the craftsmanship and creativity on display.

One commenter wrote: 'The amount of work that went into that is insane, your kids must think you're the best dad in the world.'

'That wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi movie, absolutely amazing work,' wrote another.

While another impressed fan added: 'Crazy! Your artwork is insane! The car makers should learn from you.'