Written by Jon van Wyk
With an increasing number of dedicated car enthusiasts on the Fraser Coast, it is only a matter of time before any serious car lover undertakes a pilgrimage to visit Shannon at Otto Customs Auto trim, Sunshine Acres, Hervey Bay. Otto Customs specialise in motor trimming, seat repairs, hood linings, door trims, motorcycle seats, marine upholstery, and vinyl and leather cleaning.
Shannon shows me around his workshop which is part hi-tech factory and part monument to Shannon’s love of Fords (he assures me that he does work on other cars!) It boasts a full range of the latest tools and equipment used in the trimming. Parked outside is a large group of customer cars waiting for attention, clear evidence of the phenomenal work that is produced on the premises and the diverse range of projects Shannon has enhanced with his designs in the past.
Over the past 30 years, of which 13 have been in Hervey Bay, Shannon has worked on virtually every major vehicle brand, from Bentleys to Chevy’s and most everything in between. Over this time his depth of experience, high quality workmanship and his attention to the smallest details have given Shannon legendary status in the industry. This came to fruition lately, when a Torana show car he trimmed achieved Top interior award at the widely attended ‘Summer Nats.’ 2022.
Essentially, he represents a new wave of business owners who bring world class products to the Fraser Coast, giving locals access to a quality service that they would normally have to travel to a metropolitan area for. As a result he has developed an ever-expanding base of loyal customers who are passionate fans of his work.
Speaking in a quiet corner of his busy workplace, Shannon confesses to a love of cars from an early age. Growing up in Toowoomba his family was involved in the John Deere tractor business and at the same time most of his mates were looking to become mechanics or panel beaters. Shannon decided that he wanted to do something different and was offered a place in the auto trimming industry by long-time friend and mentor Dion, who also moved to the Fraser Coast recently and now works in turn, for Shannon.
Conversing about cars with Shannon is akin to sitting at the feet of a master. He speaks with the kind of authenticity that only someone with abundant talent, patience and a deep love for all things automotive has. Looking around his workshop, my attention is drawn to a painstakingly restored seat frame, with immaculate welds and springs placed according to original design made stronger and better. Further inside the building, a freshly upholstered bench seat sits, part of a complete bespoke re-trim on an immaculate vintage Holden sedan. The materials and workmanship are perfect and the seat would not be out of place in a high end fashion house.
Further along, one wall of the workshop is covered with a comprehensive array of templates used for speaker grills and interior trim pieces. The range of sizes and designs is staggering, providing customers with virtually limitless customisation and design options.
From the photos that document past work, It’s clear to see that Shannon has an almost supernatural talent for taking a customer’s vision for a project and exceeding expectations, often producing award winning work, adding to the prestige of a customer’s vehicle.
Despite accolades and a reputation amongst his customers for delivering incredible work, Shannon is not one to sound his own horn, preferring instead to let his skill and craftsmanship to do the talking. He also credits a significant part of his success to working closely with Australian suppliers of the best quality materials. These kinds of connections are invaluable when producing the best quality work, he says.
It occurs to me that Shannon could set up in anywhere in Australia and have customers lined up around the block and back – however living in Hervey Bay affords him the perfect balance of lifestyle and business along with a great climate. Truly a local business worth getting to know better.