It's a radiator grill, can see radiator inside it.

In urban use, it was probably a horse catcher, but such motor cars frequently operated on short inter-urban lines as well, where cattle and -- equally dangerous to the equipment and passengers -- hogs often ran wild.

OK Dave, maybe you can tell us why a trolley would need one of these?

If there had been no caption to indicate the date of the photo, I would have sworn it was taken in the 1930s. Very futuristic--looks like something out of a Flash Gordon serial.

Might have inspired a certain group of Liverpudlians.

These time travelers are remarkable. With a snorkel, they are ready for Captain Nemo.

Here and here are links to the McKeen Motor Car "Cuyamaca" restoration project in San Diego County.

This vehicle was also called a Potato Bug, sometimes a Doodlebug.

What an extraordinary vehicle. Has one been saved and on display somewhere? Sure hope so.

[There's one here. -tterrace]

Part of the La Valencia Hotel since sometime in the 1940s; now referred to as "The West Wing."

The most awesome vehicle I've ever seen in my life. I want one in gloss burgundy with deep gray trim.

Additional comment: Gosh; the example tterrace tantalized me with in a comment to switzarch is BURGUNDY with a GRAY cowcatcher. Okay; it's a long trip to Carson City, but that McKeen Motor Car there is mine. I'll just wait until they finish the restoration.

Then it is MINE. It'll look great cruising the DC Beltway.