Solved - Ola Puzzle #4: rear-engined Volvo PV 40 from early 1940s

[tonyola]

Please tell me the make, designation, what it led to, and approximate year for one point.

[richard cuyler]

Strange, this. The lights and the little grilles suggest John Tjaarda's hand in the design, but the wide track, narrow tyres and what seem to be swing axles at the rear  seem to indicate a rear-engined prototype. Could it be an ancestor to Tjaarda's Briggs Streamliner, aimed at the general public as buyers?

[tonyola]

Though it does look like something Tjaarda might have created, there is no connection to the famed designer. You're on the right track with the rear engine though.

[tonyola]

Have the rookies been sleeping? Time to give the Experts a shot...

[hugo90]

Is this one of those Ford experiments with soybean, hemp, etc bodies?

[tonyola]

Nope, it's not a Ford.

[mymokke]

French?

[tonyola]

Not French.

[tonyola]

Have I really stumped both the Rookies and the Experts? Time to give the Professionals a shot....

[Allemano]

USA?

[Wendax]

Willys?

[tonyola]

Nope, not a Willys. It's not American, either. Glad that people are taking a shot at it, though. I'd hate to see this puzzle go into the Black Hole without a fight.

[woodinsight]

Japanese?

[tonyola]

Nope, not Japanese.

[Allemano]

South American?

[tonyola]

Nope!

[Wendax]

European?

[tonyola]

Yes, it's European.

[Carnut]

Opel?

[tonyola]

No, not an Opel.

[Carnut]

Is it Czech?

[Wendax]

Early prototype for Isotta Fraschini 8C Monterosa?

[tonyola]

It's neither Czech nor an Isotta-Fraschini prototype.

[João]

I think it's Italian, maybe a Fiat prototype?

[tonyola]

Are you asking whether it's Italian or whether it's a Fiat prototype? I believe the general rule here is only one guess at a time.