The Wrecks in The Film Were Real
In Mad Max, the authenticity was heightened by the use of real wrecks for the destroyed vehicles. This approach goes beyond typical movie props or special effects, adding a layer of realism to the post-apocalyptic setting. These were actual vehicles that have been crashed, smashed, and broken, embodying the brutality of the world they inhabit. After the movie, we have to wonder what happened to these unique rides (via Movie Web).
This use of authentic wrecks makes the destruction and chaos more tangible for the audience. This was a physically exhausting film to shoot, but the special effects and realism were great. Nonetheless, the wrecks had that realistic feeling to them.