Duane,
The body I designed and posted here is something I plan to create from the ground up in a CAID app (probably Unigraphics - Shape Studio). I'll then have a plug CNC machined out of high density foam (possibly polyurethane). Once that has been hand finished I may or may not attempt the mold construction myself; I'll just have to cross that bridge when I get to it. In any case, my design currently comes within .5" of the JBL's wheelbase and can easily accommodate its front and rear width dimensions. In fact, I happen to like my Cobras long and wide, so that part works out just fine for me.
To answer your question, "no," I haven't actually seen a JBL in person yet, but I do totally agree that the stock body is actually a very small part of what is going on underneath; however, its a very large part of what is going on on the surface, and no matter how awesome the innards are (and they truly are) it is the surface that I have to look at every day.
I think most of us have had, at one time or another, the pleasure of beholding what we felt was a fantastic work of automotive art...something that stirred our soul in a very special way. Not only because it looked good on the surface, but because we knew that beneath that gorgeous body lurked a raw mechanical beauty that complemented its exterior in a very unique manner. Simply put, "it's a package deal."
As I mentioned in a previous post, I do auto styling as a hobby, and as a stylist, when it comes to the appearance of my own personal ride(s), it must appeal to me in a very special way. Yea sure, I could use the stock JBL body and always try and console myself by reminding myself of the immense mechanical beauty that lies beneath that awkward shape, but you know, it would always eat away at me, and I would never be truly happy with it. In its current form the JBL roadster is by no means an "ugly" car, it just doesn't "do it" for me personally....and "doing it" is to me what owning and driving an exotic, high performance automobile is all about!
Derek