John,
It is more than likely that it has an assigned number by the DMV. Normally they install a replacement VIN plate on the body on the left door frame. They are real ugly and are installed with large rivets. I have also seen the metal stick on plates but they got away from using them years ago. Someone probably removed the plate at some point during it's life. It may cause you some problems if it does not have a VIN plate on it that they generated.
Fred
