Hey guys, is it just me, but why can't I seem to find any history on Earl Evans? I think this man has been overlooked. Any pictures of his belly tanker, shop, etc.?
The guy to talk to is Jay Steel at Taylor Engines in Whittier, they were tight with Earl through the Taylor & Ryan Racing . His old shop is south of my shop, were north of the Fire Dept , his old shop was south of the FD.The Speedshop sign is still visible down the alley behind our shops.
Earl's shop is 4 blocks from mine here in South El Monte, Ca. Evans speed shop is still alive and well, operated by Gene Ohly, who apprenticed under Earl in his machine shop. Gene dosen't manufacture any speed products, but does the finest engine machining in the business. The shop is a little dumpy place, about the size of a 3 car garage. To walk in is to step back in time. Earl's old sign is still out front. Earl never got the recognition he should have because he wasn't a self promoter, and only produced as much as a one man shop could. I can't recall ever seeing any Evans ads in hot rod publications, but he did run a small ad in some 1/4 midget publications in the mid 50's. My dad used Evans heads and ignitions on our 1/4 midgets, Earl's stuff was the best.
I agree, It is tough to find a lot about Earl. When I was resurrecting the Chuck Price Roadster, the two guys that owned it after Chuck were heavily involved and when it came time to do the motor, Chuck Johnston (3rd owner) was talking to Jim Helmuth 2nd owner) and they were looking at the heads. Jim reminded Chuck that all those grinding and polishing marks in the chambers were done by them after Earl showed them how to do it. Instead of holding his speed secrets and charging them, he just showed them what to do and turned them loose. I think this along with his total lack of self promotion is why there just isn't a lot of info out there. Very neat guy from what I have learned!
Thank you for your interest, if you have any questions please feel free to ask. There will be a web page coming soon. www.EvansSpeedEquipment.com
I have a 4 page "catalog' and price list plus the original envelope it was sent in, postmarked August 1948. Mick
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