help - identifying old racer

I'm looking for any thoughts you all have regarding this old racer. I know absolutely nothing about this car beyond what you can see in the photos, so hopefully someone out there has some ideas...

So what can well tell from photos? - obviously considerable age but body mostly intact. It is missing it's entire nose/grill, which shortens the overall appearance of the car (photo 1). Now, everything else is gone: all mechanicals, exhaust, seats, dash.... The car is a sizable ride (compared to nearby cars, see third photo), which leads me to think it isn't any type of midget-style racer. There is no place for refueling (intake normally on the rear), not sure what to think of this. The front suspension can be seen in the second and third photos, maybe this style is recognizable to someone?

Now, I'm merely guessing that it could be Italian, it could just as easily be a custom/garage special and a one-off ride. But the metalwork, for example the curves behind the cockpit, appear to be very nicely crafted and maybe more than just a weekend builder could do hammer metal in his garage?

Anyways, love to hear any thoughts, I've poured over hundreds of vintage photos, and can't find a thing to match. The distinctive rear (heart-shaped?) should be a give away if it's a known make, but maybe it's just the work of a very skilled individual. So thanks in advance for any thoughts you all have!!

p.s. - just ignore the white, handpainted prancing pony in photo 3, I think someone was wishing this was far more than it is

brian
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thanks for the replies, I'm off to see what I can find from those links! If I find anything, I'll post info here!