Well, I do remember that some people who drove in backwards racing (yes, they really had to drive in reverse!) loved the DAF's, as they would have the same speed in reverse as in normal direction. 
I feel I need a car like that - good for Italians.
I was thinking it could be a DAF, then I read the 'most people have desired one' so maybe not.
No not a DAF, more east (if my map of europe, in my head, is any good)
Desired for one, well it was a design classic (the car)
They are known, more for their Trucks, would get almost anywhere.
Cars - well 2 designs very well known, and one feature of one of their engineering speciality was
nicked copied by a very major car manufacturer. Whiched helped them in production of one of the world's best known car range?

??
Do you need more of a hint, the chrome at the front was not normally fitted to the vans, not need for their role.
Another hint - look how high it sits.