That was gasoline-powered cars before the electric starter. You can STILL mechanically start a lot of cars, but without a handcrank, it involves pushing the car until everything is turning fast enough. I once did it with a 1998-ish Ford Taurus.
Sure, I’d roll-started modern cars. Stick shift, don’t know if you could do it with an auto. I’ve also crank started tractors. It’s a lot of work, and if not shown the proper respect, will break your arm. (Ford fractures were a thing in the day)