British and American autos didn't always have 12v electrical systems. Prior to the 1960's, most of them were 6v.
So, if one had an antique automobile with a 6v system that they wished to keep that way, but install a modern sound system, they would need a 6v to 12v converter.
But usually what happens is that the antique vehicle's 6v electrical system has been modified to generate/use 12v, and the radio needs to be supplied with 6v.