Paul,
No there is the nose of the bodywork there. That grille shell is a separate piece. It wouldn’t affect the trunk at all. I just don’t like the way it looks… too fake…I do have some grille slats from a real MG TD. I would have to cut’em down a little. I am just not sure how the shell would look once I cut out the fake slats. I am afraid the only way to know is to cut… fire up the chainsaw… 
Pat