Thanks for your comments.
Aldermog: is the left hand the UK nearside or offside and is it a one person exercise ?
I'd been think about replacing the 'Fiesta' plastic handle with a cord landyard. Less elegant than the handle but would avoid the teeth clenching, will it wont it, moment when you try to release the catch.
I had a Simmonds hood on my previous Morgan. Prefer the factory easy-up hood in every way apart from the plastic handle release.
Alb, Paul at Williams said press down on the hood frame above the catch nearest the lever to release load on the lever and cable. On a UK car that is on the drivers, off side. So yes, a one person job.
Still think a metal lever would be a good solution, but not from a car door catch: these levers are not designed to pull against a load. A bonnet lever would be better....
