What horse-free vehicle did Leonardo da Vinci design in the late 15th century?

Leonardo da Vinci designed a self-propelled cart as a horse-free vehicle in the late 15th century.

The cart was powered by coiled springs concealed inside its body. Gears transferred the spring force to the wheels, allowing the vehicle to move without an animal pulling it. A steering mechanism could be set in advance, so the cart followed a predetermined path rather than being driven like a modern automobile.

Leonardo’s drawings do not show a complete modern car. The cart was probably intended for theatrical performances or court spectacles, where a machine could appear to move by itself. Its compact design also made it suitable for demonstrations in a palace or festival setting.

A working reconstruction was built in the 21st century by Italian researchers and museum specialists, helping confirm that the mechanism could operate. It is often called an ancestor of the automobile, but it had no engine, brakes, or modern steering system. Its significance lies in combining springs, gears, and programmable movement.