Jack Early

26/3/1928 - 17/4/2005

Record updated 26-Mar-07

Jack Early was one of the true pioneers of post-war sports car racing in Southern California. Jack also raced motorcycles and even worked in movies as a stand in for Elizabeth Taylor in the distant riding shots!

Jack Early was one of the true pioneers of post-war sports car racing in Southern California. Jack owned one of the earliest MGTCs in Los Angeles and started his racing career while working with Phil Hill in the shop at International Motors in Hollywood.

He also was photographed circa 1948 tearing up the makeshift track outside the erstwhile Davis Motorcar Co. in Van Nuys; later racing his TC against Phil, et.al., at Gardena's Carrell Speedway, a circular track that TCs were never intended to race on.

He was one of the very first members of the Cal Club, and an entrant in the first Palm Springs races. As a sideline at that time, Jack and a few friends designed and produced a line of MG accessories, including the well-known coffin valve cover with the appropriate octagonal beveled edges, under the name Autocessories Ltd. he passed away April 17, 2005, at his retirement home in Rancho Mirage, California.

Jack also raced his motorcycles and even worked in movies as a stand in for Elizabeth Taylor in the distant riding shots!



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