No need to imagine anything. My dad first car -
Skoda 105 - had exactly this setup. Rear engine, front radiator, air vented under the car. The reason behind was generous luggage space (boot) in the front. The price was (well known) lift on the front axle at high speeds. But, hardly anyone drove more than 80 km/h at these times anyway. (there was a joke that 105 does not refer to engine ccm, but top speed, downhill with rear wind)
Some Triumphs have vented through wheel well, iirc