That looks pretty cool, although Im not too sure how it would suite the ol' 185. Maybe if it were a bit more round/curvy, as you say?
I had an idea of something similar, but more along the lines of basically taking a scoop similar in style to the standard ATA 185, and installing it backwards over the hole, to allow the escape of the hot air. Essentially just a reverse scoop, facing the driver lol, not a big cowling scoop often seen on big V8's lol.
But it would have to be done very carefully I think, as it could easily turn out horrible, but i think it could have potential to look good and be totally different as well as functional.