[Danr55]

It is not uncommon for the engine compartment to be lined with aluminum panels on cars of this vintage. On the right side just forward of the fire wall, there is a raised area just slightly larger than the ID plate. The plate was riveted to that raised area. If aluminum sheeting has been constructed for the engine well, then the hole cut through that aluminum sheet would make the ID plate visible without removing it. That appears to be what you are looking at. If this is not located on the RH side just forward of the firewall, then there may be something else happening.