A £236k flying car has shown how it can soar over traffic in a world first.

Californian firm Alef Aeronautics claim they conducted the first test in history of a car driving and vertically taking off in a city.

The company say they flew a special ultralight version of their Alef Model Zero over another vehicle to "test an emergency blocking traffic situation"."

Alef said: "While previous videos exist of cars driving and using a runway to take off, videos of tethered flights, and eVTOL flying taxis taking off, this is the first publicly released video of a car driving and taking off vertically."

The company say the test was conducted with thorough safety measures, ensuring the road was closed off, with

no people under or near the flight path.

The production version would carry one or two occupants, with the driver and cabin stabilised by a unique gimbaled rotating cabin design.

Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef, said: "This drive and flight test represents an important proof of technology in a real-world city environment. We hope it will be a moment similar to the Wright Brothers' Kitty Hawk video, proving to humanity that new transportation is possible."

Alef's flying car is touted to be 100% electric, drivable on public roads, and has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.

The 17ft-long vehicle is touted to have a road range of 200 miles and achieve a 110 mile flight distance. It is designed to to fit in any parking space or garage.

Alef report having received 3,330 pre-orders through their website.