When the Pattern ships started to grow they blew the tipo into the hippo tippo. WoW that was a long time ago. I too loved the speed and clean lines of a 70's pattern ship. At 14 I was flying a Pheoinx 5 and dreaming of a EU1-A. I watched Don Lowe and Dave Brown compete for years as I grew up in Ohio.
Still got a Pices (modified Pheonix 5) and a American Pie (early 80's) unbuilt in the shop. Every time I think of unloading them I say NAAAH next year I will build it.
Scott