Automotive Niche Logo Needed, Prize: $200/$100

A vector-based (or high-res raster) logo needed for a new automotive-themed web site. It needs to be professional yet edgy. This is phase 1 of a site redesign.

Decode This!

Tagline:
The Universal Classic Car VIN Decoder

Desired Color Scheme:
strong deep masculine colors, black is a good offset color, but not required

Desired Style:
Strong and simple design, themed around muscle cars and big block motors. The feeling that needs to be conveyed is the raw power of classic cars. The decoding theme is also something that can be worked into the design, but it's secondary to that visce

Accepted File Formats:
Editible .AI or .EPS or Layered PSD (no flattening) desired

I run a automotive niche web site named Decode This! (http://www.decodethis.com ), the "Universal Classic Car VIN Decoder".  The site provides the facility to decode classic car VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) revealing all kinds of information about the car, including model, engine, manufacturing plant, and more.  As an example visit: http://www.decodethis.com/9T02Z123456 where "9T02Z123456" is the VIN (A Ford Mustang Boss 429).  The site also has a WAP version of the decoder.

The current site's logo sucks.  I admit shamefully that I made it, but now it needs to go.  I'm looking for a logo to establish a strong brand with the site.  This logo will be used on T-Shirts, business cards, hats, you name it.  It needs to be masculine, simple, and convey a clear impression of what the site is about.  It needs to be recognizable from a distance, and the words "Decode This!" needs to be prominent.

I'm looking for a logo design that can accomplish the above goal.  I like red or blue, or yellow and black (strong colors), but I will entertain any alternative that is well presented.  The theme should be professional yet edgy; I'm not looking for anything cartoonish.  My thoughts have been towards an influence from classic cars such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette; using the spirit of the Musclecar from the late 60s and early 70s.

The final design must be presented as a vector drawing (Illustrator preferred) or very high-resolution layered (300 DPI+) Photoshop file to allow it to be reused in the manner mentioned above.  For the purpose of review please use a raster graphic for this contest.

Once there's a winner for the logo I will be dovetailing into a contest for a site redesign based on the selected logo and color scheme.  Please take that into consideration as you present your designs.