The demolition of the car seen in the footage is carefully orchestrated, with Keaton potentially releasing the cab at just the right moment. Surprisingly, the car does not have an engine, and there is speculation about a sprung steering mechanism assisting the demolition. Keaton’s actions and the structural movements of the car are analyzed frame by frame, with attention to detail like the steering column staying in place relative to the chassis. The wheels are found to be tethered, preventing them from fully detaching. The overall demolition process appears to be well-planned and executed, with Keaton safely exiting the car by frame 11.
https://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/79161/how-did-they-make-cars-fall-apart-in-old-movies