Series 3 V12 Fresh Air Vents

[v12chris]

Hi All

I have a very early series 3 coupe (300 from start of build) which does not have the fresh air ventilator boxes under the bonnet. There is no evidence of the vent knobs at the side of the bonnet release levers either nor is there any sign of firewall holes where the hoses feed into the cabin. However each of the bonnet air ducts have a rectangular open hole which would feed into the air boxes when the bonnet is closed. Being open and under the wheel arch they will allow spray to enter the air ducts which may well have contributed to my heater box rot. I have 2 questions. Firstly does anyone with an early series 3 know if the fresh air vent system should be present on an early series 3 and secondly, if not should there be a blank or grommet to cover the open holes. I also think that with the holes open most of the air that is supposed to channel to the heater will escape before it reaches the heater box. Of course it is possible I may not have the original bonnet which might explain these holes. I can't find anything in the parts catalogue so it may be necessary to fabricate a panel to cover them but would like some advice first as I'm trying to keep the car as original as possible.

Chris