24/03/2023
www.ottossmashrepairs.com.au
Well, I can finally say that the Mustang painting pictured here has found its final resting place. The painting has been taken up and pulled down more than Molly Meldrum's pants.
The story behind this painting goes something like this............ my late brother Pasquale (Pat) Ottobrino, founded Otto's Smash Repairs back in 1974. It was situated at 217 Plain St, East Perth. Around 1988, Pat bought and refurbed a 1966 Convertible Pony Trim, Mustang, the color, of course, being red. Well, Pat loved this car so much that he had a painting created to leave a lasting impression. The painting was displayed on the roof of the Plain St sight until 1992 when the business was relocated to 26 Wynyard St, Belmont due to the re-development of the East Perth precinct.
The painting sat neglected at the Wynyard site until 2003, when I dusted off the cobwebs, made a new frame, and resurrected the painting to its former glory. During the time the painting was in hiding I had become a partner of Otto's Smash Repairs and took over the reins in 2002.
Fast forward to January 2020... Otto's Smash Repairs had outgrown Wynyard St and was on the move again, this time to its current state-of-the-art facility at 76 Abernethy Road, Belmont virtually next door.
The painting was moved directly on the other side of the fence as this side faced the rear of the Abernethy site when the move was made, however, the painting was only really visible to staff. This painting needed exposure. Hence why now it has been placed on the Eastern side of the Abernethy site facing Camden St, where its beauty is visible to all and the memory of my brother Pat will live on for a long time to come.
In a trying time where choice is slowly being eroded, I ask one thing, support the small guys where service means so much to them.
I thank you all for taking the time to read this article and thank you for your custom over the years.
Take care for now
Paul Ottobrino