Self-moving car

The numerous sketches and drawings of cars and vehicles scattered throughout the codices testify to how Leonardo was particularly attracted to problems related to locomotion. This model is an example of a self-moving car to which several mechanisms known to and used by Leonardo were applied (leaf springs and geared wheels, in particular). The car was operated through a system implying the hand-loading of the leaf springs; the latter hence transmitted the stored power to the driving wheels by means of a complicated set of gears. The drive was independent on each wheel and was ensured by a wheelwork device which also allowed speed variation. A third wheel was connected to a kind of helm, which had the purpose of directing the car.
Codex Atlanticus, sheet 812