[rickmoss]

Ugly was obviously a poor choice of words -- I was speaking to the incongruity of the modern engine in a classic car design.

The Ford Crate Engines available in the US are not significantly different in looks than their 1960's counterparts -- performance, however, is another story. Every part is easily identifiableto some like me, who last took an auto mechanics class in the early '70s, and it matches the body. They are colourful, shiny and, while that doesn't contribute a bit to the performance of the engine, it looks spectacular when you put up the bonnet at a car show.

The Cobra body is -- not just my opinion -- a classic work of mid-century art. The curves were designed to mimic the shape of a feline body without any superfluous lines or space-aged fins so popular in that era.

I personally find modern engines dull and utilitarian looking -- the notable exception being Mr. Murphy's gorgeous example above.

There are car kits that are faster than the Cobra and those that are much more expensive -- but, I personally haven't seen anything that matches the Cobra for sheer poetry -- it is speed and grace manifest in metal. So, what I am building is not just a driving machine -- but a piece of art -- so aesthetics are a crucial component.

But, the reality is, I live in Australia and have to build according to Australian road rules -- and rightly so -- so, I would appreciate any leads on where I can go for Turnkey or Crate LS Chevy Engines or street legal Ford Boss Series engines in Australia.

Thanks!