Just another aside, but several years ago I was privelaged to see the original model before it was painted.
Jim had laminated two thick pieces of some type of blonde wood with a 1/4 inch strip of Ebony (I believe) serving as a spine, right down the middle.
I was sorry to see it painted as it looks like a fiberglass replica, and in saying that I also would personally like to see the "real deal" left unpainted, if for no other reason than to show the masses what a exceptional piece of art this car is: no bondo, no lead, no nothin, just hours and hours of hand formed, hand finished perfection.
I am not going to claim Jim is the very best, their are others like Tom Hanna, the late Pat Foster (Jim's late partner), the late Jack Hagerman, Quinn Epperly, Ron Fornier, Ron Covell and on and on.
What I will say is that as far as finish and detail, no one has ever been better than Jim, and if you want to see proof, go to the Smithsonian Museum and look at his hand carved wooden Fabrege Egg's.
It took many talented people to make this project happen, but without Jim Hume, I doubt that it would have ever met the standards that he set. Bob