Bob Parkes Automotive

The Bob Parkes Story

In 1971, just before Cyclone Althea, Bob Parkes started his new business, ‘Bob Parkes Automotive' in Flinders Street across the road from the old Railway Station (the building currently occupied by Norm Hyatt Locksmith). Bob specialized in various automotive accessories, as well as mechanical repairs. In August 1975 ‘Bob Parkes Muffler City' was born, with Bob moving the busi

ness to Somer Street, behind Holden and Ford, this move saw the introduction of a machine not before seen outside of Sydney and Melbourne, “The Pipe Bender”. This new innovation, along with the continuation of his mechanical repairs, saw the business flourish. Bob's eldest son Mark joined the business in 1979 and in 1984 he took control of an additional premises, on the corner of Charles & Anne Streets in Aitkenvale. The 1980's saw Bob's other 3 sons join the business at various stages. Peter completed a mechanical apprenticeship before moving on to a career in the transport industry. Youngest son Paul worked as a salesman before moving south to join
Mercury Mufflers', Bob's main supplier of his exhaust components. Robert joined the business in 1988 to complete the family connection. In 2001, Bob and the boys had outgrown their Somer Street shop, so a move was made to the premises on Charters Towers Road and the company had never looked back. 2008 saw Mark part company with the business and with Bob's gradual retirement from the business, Robert took the reins into the future. His first move was to put his off-sider for the last 15 years, local car enthusiast Dallas Paterson, in charge of the Aitkenvale store. This move has breathed new life into the business and Robert is confident both stores can provide a high level of service to the Townsville community for many more years, keeping up the tradition started by Bob all those years ago.