After discussion with Ken, I have taken on this project.
Here are my findings:

Clear Engine Cover
OK, had a long meeting today with the guy from the plastic forming company, took my car to bits to suss out what where why and when and have come up with the following.
We can make a “smooth” copy of the existing cover (nice rounded corners and without the strengthening ribs). If we make in 4 or 5mm thick Lexan Polycarbonate material the existing carpet/foam cover will still fit over the top for normal use, and we use the standard Gasket to seal it to the body.
Therefore we then come to a few options and pricing.
Pre Production Items
1. Buy original Aluminium Cover
2. Work to make it smooth and hi-gloss finish with extra lip for moulding
3. Make female GRP mould, from Item2
4. Make Specialist Male Resin mould from Item 3
Total for Pre Production work = $3500

This is including all hand finishing work on the original pattern, intermediate mould and final resin mould.
This is of course a one off cost Final selling price would then be dependant on how many people come on board

We would then have 3 options
1.Vac form Final Product from 4-5mm Lexan Polycarbonate this would be good to replace existing aluminium cover and run with the carpet over the top, when not in “show “ mode. Cost this option $570 each plus Preproduction Costs as above

1A. If option 1, we could then offer a further enhancement if required: Hard coat Lexan, to stop scratching. Extra cost for this option $270/item

2. and / or make final product from Vac-forming Acrylic this would be a SHOW only option.
Cost this option $430 each plus Preproduction Costs as above.

Then all covers would be hand finished and polished and would have a Black Etched outer edge ( a little like your rear screen) to finish the job off.
BTW The Plastics guy makes all the race screens (side and rear) for Aston Martin as well as the rear screens and side screens for all Porsche GB cars… so quite obviously he knows what he’s doing.

So:
Option ONE (THIS WILL BE THE PRICE YOU PAY)
Cover Made in 4-5mm Lexan Polycarbonate
If 10: Cost each $900
If 20: Cost each $750
If 25: Cost each $700
If 50: Cost each $630
If required an additional process can be undertaken on the above option which puts an Extra hard coating on both sides of the material This would add $270 to each of the above prices (This can be a one off and therefore doesn’t affect the quantity prices)

Option TWO
Cover Made in 4-5mm Acrylic (This would be for show ONLY)
If 10: Cost each $775
If 20: Cost each $600
If 25: Cost each $560
If 50: Cost each $500

Note: Whichever option you choose, doesn’t matter for the total
Just as a by the way, All costings have been rounded UP. So this is the maximum price, it may well be lower when final production starts!

Now I’m quite prepared to help in the project, and give my time free. (chasing and Product Managing) But I don’t really want to invest $5-10 000 in it. (well not for No profit) So to move this we first of all need numbers. Then we, at some point will need commitment. There has obviously been quite a lot of interest over the past months or so:-
It’s now in your hands. DO WE CONTINUE ???
If your still interested, please add your name,or start a list below. Just so we can get an idea of serious numbers.
We will leave it, lets say, one week from today. Then consider our options !!
If we are going ahead with this I would like to think within 3-4 weeks we will see something.