Looks like the transmission cover got pretty hot with the exhaust manifold almost directly on it! Looks like its a little scorched.
car looks like late teens early 20s w-k. charley
Water pump has a takeoff going to cool the engine so no radiator is needed. Great photo!
How about a BIG oil leak with no cover over the trans.
Tom makes an interesting point. There are no pedals either. Could it be that there's no transmission and the pump shaft is somehow coupled directly to the flywheel?
I like the pic not to sure about the missing cover but who knows what they had modified. Tim
There is a clutch pedal. Maybe the cover was off for some maintenance/adjustments when the photographer wandered by?