For reasons unknown, this composition strikes me as so fitting & right - accurate to what driving was like in that period. The idea of turn the key & go was still way in the future, not to mention the need for multiple spare tires. The screwdriver on the spare somehow symbolizes that era when driving meant also being somewhat of a mechanic. The knowledge it takes to use the optics this way or even a successful experiment hasn't been mentioned, but seems a story in itself. This just captures the men & their machines theme like few have.
It is kind of like a warning sign almost. "If you buy this car you will eventually need to do work to it." As an owner of older vehicles I can sympathise. It looks like the hood was open for this shot.