Thanks, guys. I'll assume that it used to be an Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator there.
BDA, you're right except for your final conclusion. First picture was taken standing next to the fender on the passenger side of this US car. Second one, looking up under the dash from just ahead of the passenger seat. The two bolts protruding with no nuts beyond the heater are the two you can see in the first photo. As a US car, the accelerator is off to the left, on the other side of the tunnel.
A surprising amount of space there!
Vince