Solved - NEH 700: Bunny V. Ronco's Homebuilt VW special - 1945

[Carnut]

Identify this, who built it and when - all for 1 point!

[Carnut]

Up to the Experts..

[woodinsight]

This is the Ronco Roadster completed in 1945.
It was built by Bonaventura "Bunny" V. Ronco of Allentown PA, USA and VW based.

[Carnut]

This is the Ronco Roadster completed in 1945.
It was built by Bonaventura "Bunny" V. Ronco of Allentown PA, USA and VW based.

That's it!
Here's another photo of it in a slightly different guise; it's not known if it's the same car slightly modified or if he actually built two..
I was surprised he had access to a VW engine in 1945 in the USA, but apparently the engine was from a German army vehicle found in North Africa during the war!

[woodinsight]

It may well be - I had it being built between 1944-1945.
I can't imagine he built it that quickly - 1947 seems more believable


No - you were right - I've edited it!

[Carnut]

It may well be - I had it being built between 1944-1945.
I can't imagine he built it that quickly - 1947 seems more believable

No - you were right - I've edited it!
Personally I think it's the same car and he had the afterthought that doors might be a good idea...!