The lower grille has a hole in it and I was wondering was it always open or was it covered? I believe it was covered with some sort of metal but I could be wrong.
The temp. sensor sits behind this opening.

 

If it's on the passenger side, thats for the tow hook. The plastic cover looks like the grille to make it disappear.

 

I think it was alum. I always thought perhaps I should try to polish this metal as it looked typical for alum. from years of exposure to weather - patina.
There's nothing to hook onto. There is a large gap between the grill and the radiator.

 

I just realized its on the passenger side and it was not metal - getting it confused with another auto.

 

You're correct. Now I have to find the part number. Do you know the technical name?

 

Tow hook cover - front

Should be part number 51117069328

 

Thanks