I always though Geoff Marsh had just about the most lovely cover drive I ever saw. But then, if it's just about your only shot, you're going to be good at it!
But yeah, it was all timing and placement. He didn't have the sheer power through the off-side of, say, Lara but when his cover drive came off the bat, it was just glorious.
Of modern players, I'd probably say Rahul Dravid plays it so well. I got a good look at it live on far too many occasions when he got his double ton in Adelaide two years ago. Damien Martyn looks stylish no matter what shot he plays and Hayden's is raw force. Lara just generally plays most off-side shots well and looks damn good doing them.