That is some kind of spare tire carrier. Do you suppose from the bright fasteners on the hubs that it used a spare wheel that bolted on and off at the hub like Rambler did for a while?
Rich
There were aftermarket wheels that were demountable at the hub from various manufacturers.
Check out this these threads - there's a nice photo of a similar wheel carrier in the first thread and examples of demountable at the hub wheels.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/316790.html?1350189894
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/196987.html
Thanks Erik.
Rich
A beer for Lizzie. Now that's what I call happy motoring!