Doing a Google search I found at least four similar designs.
In the past I've got welded a plate to the timing cover which closes up the space between the impeller and the cover increasing efficient movement of the coolant. But the flow path in these newer pumps also looks better.
If you ever see an aluminum casting with a drivers side inlet that would make life easier for everyone with pre-70 cars and/or who want to run a 6 valve mechanical pump.