its a dust cap.
allows the heat exchanger to vent out the hot air if not being sent forward.
but keeps muck and dust out of the control box and heat exchanger tubes.
EDIT
is the rhs one missing. passenger side.
could be because of a dealer mod that was done in the 70s for vapor lock.
@JeffBowlsby has an interesting tech note in his library of technical material on his website. porsche suggested getting rid of the dust cap cover and fitting a section of heater hose (Flexi duct) to that outlet and directing the short length of hose rearward.
to direct the heated air away from the fuel pump which was in the vicinity up to 74 models.
its on his website. i have had a look at it and contemplated doing the mod.
if it is that one maybe the dealer mod of flexi hose fell off years ago?