Issue # 2: From the Oliver Outboard Division

The serial number plate is attached with rivets to the motor and is a very good way to ID the year, horsepower and in some cases, how the motor was accessorized as it left the factory. Those factory accessories may include electric start, long shafts and when motors were supplied as twins, counter rotating props.

However, if your motor is like so many observed with a lost or removed model/serial number plate, the following year by year description may help you ID your motor. This is important if you are restoring or repairing your Oliver. Confusion also is enhanced by Oliver’s lack of market shares, which prompted their yearly change in styling and colors to attract buyer’s. Oliver used a letter code to indicate horsepower. J designated the 5 1/2 and 6 hp models and the K was used for the 15 and 16 hp models. The B Olivers are all 35 hp.

1955 – These first Olivers are finished in a medium dark blue metallic and have yellow striping on both the 55J Challenger and the 55K commander. The Oliver Farm Equipment Company shield was neatly styled into the front of the motor and provided a surface for the adjustment controls. This was outlined in white with OLIVER in red. The hoods were of die cast aluminum and hinged at the rear. Two springs released at the front which allowed the hood to pivot up and back to access the powerhead. Early 1955 motors have no serial number tags. A serial number was stamped on the block, located from the lower spark plug, around to the right. The “SUPER” decal found on some models was applied by a seperate inventory disposal firm that took all of Oliver’s left over and returned 1955 outboards.

1956 – The Challenger and Commander names were dropped and the use of mid-50’s automotive type colors were adopted. The J2 and K2 received a light turquois and white paint scheme. Oliver decals and a red stripe flowed over the hood sides. The horsepower ratings, 5 1/2 and 15 were also placed on the hood sides. A brushed aluminum silk screened plate indicating OBC certified horsepower was placed above the control panel. The hood no longer hinges but attaches with 2 toggle latches. 1956 Olivers had many weight saving die cast parts as opposed to the earlier sand cast parts. The K2 was available with optional electric start. These would have the K2E model number and carry the round ELECTRIC STARTING decals on the hood.

1957-The J3 and K3 models would again be painted in turquois and white with similar decals of the prior year, but altered slightly. Although no longer manufactured, 5 1/2 and 15 hp motors were available early in the year and were actually overruns from ’56 production. 1957 hood decals included the block letters six and sixteen and small Oliver shield. A brushed aluminum silk screened plate certifying OBC 6 hp and 16 hp, appears above the control panel. A different electric starft decal than 1956 is used on the new fiberglass 16hp hood. Long shafts were now available on the 6 and 16 hp. The completely Oliver designed B 35 hp, was introduced in certain markets and recalled. Numerous styling and color variations were shown in ’56-’57 ads and brochures announcing the new 35 hp motor. However, turquois and white with chrome emblems and moldings appears to have been the actual offering in 1957.

Be sure to check out Oliver Heritage Issue # 2 for more on the Oliver Outboard Division! And be sure to order your very own subscription to Oliver Heritage Today!!!