The Museum of History and Science in Florence has unveiled the first "automobile" built based on some of the sketches from Leonardo da Vinci's famous notebooks.

The "automobile" -- which in fact looks more like a wagon -- is by no means the first invention discovered in da Vinci's mysterious manuscripts, which include flying machines, helicopters, submarines, military tanks and bicycles.

Three "car" models, copies of da Vinci's sketches and an interactive digital simulation can be seen at the museum until June 5.

Born near Florence in 1452, da Vinci is thought of as the original "Renaissance Man" - a talented painter, sculptor, engineer and musician.

(CRI April 24, 2004)