Eric Oliver Collection

Eric Oliver & Pat Wise (Norton) 1958 Sidecar TT

Parkfield Corner - first lap
The Norton pairing of Eric Oliver/Les Nutt and Pip Harris/Ray Campbell lead the 1954 SidecarTT into Parkfield for the first time. Oliver won, Harris retired

A pair of slidecar masters
Eric Oiver (protecting his goggles) and Cyril Smith discuss tactics at Berne 1953. Probably working out ways to keep the pesky MWs behind!

Eric Oliver & Les Nutt (Norton Watsonian) 1954 Ulster Grand Prix
No motorhome for Eric Oliver & Les Nutt (Norton Watsonian) at the 1954 Ulster Grand Prix. A 500T outfit supplies motive power as the winning due head back to the docks

Eric Oliver & Les Nutt (Norton) 1954 Sidecar Ulster Grand Prix

Eric Oliver & Stan Dibben (Norton Watsonian) 1953 Ulster Grand Prix

Eric Oliver & Stan Dibben and Cyril Smith & Bob Clements (Norton) 1953 Sidecar Ulster Grand Prix

A short racing return
Former world champion and TT winner Eric Oliver retured for the 1960 TT meeting after a three-year layoff. On their first practice lap, the frame broke just above Guthries

1958 Sidecar TT practice
Eric Oliver with passenger Mrs Pat Wise drove their standard Norton Dominatir twin with Watsonian sidecar in the 1958 Sidecar TT, They finished 10th

1955 Silverstone
Eric Oliver may have designed the first British streamlined racing sidecar, but his technical advantage must have been compromised by his passengers leathers billowing open

Eric Oliver (Norton) 1952 Silverstone

Eric Oliver (Norton) 1949 Senior TT
Eric Oliver (Norton) approaching Cronk ny Mona: 1949 Senior TT

Eric Oliver & Stan Dibben (Norton) 1953 Silverstone Saturday

Eric Oliver & Mrs Pat Wise (Norton) 1958 Sidecar TT

Eric Oliver & Pat Wise;1958 Sidecar TT
Eric Oliver rode this road-legal standard Norton Dominator twin, paired to a Watsonian sidecar, in the 1958 Sidecar TT, passengered by lady racer Pat Wise

Eric Oliver & Pat Wise at the Manx Arms;1958 Sidecar TT
Eric Oliver takes the Manx Arms corner on his Norton Dominator twin, paired to a Watsonian sidecar, in the 1958 Sidecar TT, passengered by lady racer Pat Wise

Eric Oliver (Oliver Special) 1947 Brands Hatch Grass
Eric Oliver (Oliver Special) prepares for the next race at the 1947 Brands Hatch Grass. It was not unknown for Eric to ride solo in the first half of the meeting

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Eric Oliver was a legendary sidecar racer who left an indelible mark on the motorsport world. Born in 1949, he made his debut at the Senior TT race riding a Norton bike. The year 1958 saw him team up with Pat Wise for the Sidecar TT, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. One of Eric's most memorable moments came at Parkfield Corner during the first lap of a race. It was here that he demonstrated his unparalleled expertise, navigating through challenging turns with precision and speed. Known as "a pair of sidecar masters, " Eric Oliver and Les Nutt joined forces in 1954 to conquer the Ulster Grand Prix. Riding a Norton Watsonian bike, they showcased their incredible teamwork and emerged victorious. The duo continued their winning streak at the Sidecar Ulster Grand Prix later that same year, solidifying their status as formidable competitors in the racing world. In 1953, Eric teamed up with Stan Dibben for another remarkable victory at the Ulster Grand Prix. Their partnership proved unbeatable as they triumphed over Cyril Smith and Bob Clements while riding powerful Norton bikes. Although Eric had a short hiatus from racing, he made a triumphant return in 1958 during Sidecar TT practice sessions. His passion for speed never waned as he fearlessly tackled every corner of the track. Silverstone became synonymous with Eric's name throughout his career. In both 1955 and 1952 races, he rode his trusty Norton bike to glory on this iconic circuit. These victories further cemented his reputation as one of racing's greats. Eric Oliver will forever be remembered as an extraordinary sidecar racer whose skill behind the handlebars knew no bounds. His legacy lives on through each thrilling moment he created on tracks around the world – truly an inspiration to all aspiring racers who dare to chase their dreams like Eric did.