Where do you lean the pans when checking the food if not on
I have seen electric ovens like this (and a Flair-style) over a two-door gas wall-oven. They are useful for the height challenged, in that the open door is out of the way.
~I have to be honest and think it is a pretty stupid design, but that's just me.
Interesting, classic, old, but not necessarily practical. I think this is typical of the aging process.... (ducks and runs).