An externally mounted handbrake need not look bad, but I'm 6ft1" and have never found the standard A7 item to be in my way, on either a long or short wheelbase car. To me that sounds like a load of work (and original bits cut up) for no real gain. Plus remember you'll have to use your right hand to apply it, which at times may be distinctly inconvenient, given that the handbrake is sometimes used as a back-up brake on a Seven...