Son of Anthony Heal, Oliver grew up immersed in his father’s passion for Transport Heritage. Dad owned the 14-ton steam traction engine Boadicea, it was Oliver’s task to light the kindling in the boiler each morning when they were on an extended trip. His father rescued many of the historic Sunbeam racing cars and started a collection of historic Sunbeam photographs, reference materials and correspondence which Oliver has researched and expanded over the last 30 years.
Like his father, Oliver is a quiet character, but a mine of information on Sunbeam's racing cars, where they competed, results and where the cars are now. Anthony was a founder member of VSCC and remained close to the club throughout his life. He needed a suitable vehicle as family transport and to enter VSCC events. He purchased a 3 litre Super Sports Sunbeam YP 7363, used for work, family trips and motor racing.
Upon Antony's death Oliver took over the care of YP, lovingly maintained it for most of his life, attending many events and competitions. It is a huge credit to Oliver that YP is one of the most original 3 litres. Oliver has resisted any restoration, pursuing a careful maintenance programme which has resulted in a car often used as a reference for originality. His car is a regular sight both at competitions and social events.
Oliver’s wife Annik is granddaughter of Louis Coatalen the gifted French engineer responsible for Sunbeam’s most successful racing and land speed record cars. Oliver researched the family archive and wrote an award-winning biography of Louis Coatalen, published in March 2020.
Recognised world-wide as the pre-eminent Sunbeam Historian, Oliver has written many articles for transport heritage magazines. In 2022 he was a key member of the team that brought together National Motor Museum, Sunbeam Talbot Darracq Register and National Transport Trust to celebrate the centenary of the 350hp Sunbeam’s Land Speed Record at Brooklands. Oliver delivered a historical talk to a VIP audience including the descendants of Kenelm Lee Guinness, Malcolm Campbell and Louis Coatalen.
The award was received on Oliver's behalf by a Sunbeam owning friend, Mike Lunch - Trustee of National Transport Trust