Bob and Tom’s Garage

Situated on the corner of Hampden Road and Sandy Bay Road, Bob and Tom’s Garage is a much-revered Hobart institution that is well-known for its old-fashioned, personalised service. Residents in Battery Point and other parts of the city have been bringing their cars for petrol and servicing to Bob and Tom’s for many decades. Drive by Bob and Tom’s and you will see the full range of vehicles being cared for, from old clunkers to European grand tourers.

The business is owned by three brothers, Gary, Simon and Peter Muller, who are all mechanics and share the workload.

The garage was built in 1927 for Thomas Layton. A J Fulton took over the business during the Depression and made modifications to the building in the mid 1930s. A room above the garage was added later. His son Bob managed the garage with Tom Williamson for many years. John Muller started working for Tom in 1958 and briefly left before returning in the early 1960s when Bob left. John took over the garage in 1978. He died in 2000 but his sons Peter, Garry and Simon carry on the family tradition that is Bob and Tom’s.

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Tom Williamson’s niece Cheryl, a Battery Point resident, has fond memories of her uncle. ‘Tom was a hard worker, an improviser and a dabbler.

As a young man, he did an apprenticeship at the EZ Company and rented the room above the garage. He became friends with Bob and began helping him on weekends.

When Tom finished his apprenticeship, Bob invited him to work for him in the business. This led to a successful, long-term partnership.’

Cheryl recalls that Tom was always happy to help people in need, but was ‘old school’ in believing that everyone had to earn what they got. ‘He was keen on having a succession plan for the business and helped prepare John to take over when he left.’

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A new generation

Peter, the eldest, who started at the garage in 1981, attends to accounts and customer service. Gary, who began in 1986 and Simon in 1993 focus on the servicing and mechanical work. Simon says that the trio have developed a philosophy that ensures a smooth working relationship: ‘If there is a conflict, we ignore it and it goes away.’

Maxine Kern is a long-term customer who appreciates the personal service. She says, ‘You can bring anything and everything to Bob and Tom’s garage. My husband and I came here on a recommendation over 40 years ago. Now our children bring their cars and our grandchildren will be next.’

David Loveridge heard about Bob and Tom’s from friends when he moved to Hobart from Queensland. He appreciates the honest advice the brothers provide. ‘I asked the mechanics to let me know when it was time to stop wasting money on my old car. Their advice was spot on and they now service my new car!’

Many loyal customers have now passed on, including Tasmanian politicians Nick Evers, John Bennett and Bruce Goodluck. Renowned Hobart Barrister Greg Barns is a regular and enjoys a lively exchange about his weekly newspaper articles with the boys. Tourists are always impressed by the service they receive. They have their water, oil and tyres checked, and windscreen washed without having to ask. ‘They’ve never seen anything like it,’ says Gary.

Times have changed. In the 1970s, there were seven people working at the station. There used to be a lot more work on head gaskets, clutches, differentials and the like. Simon says that new cars are much more technical, especially luxury European models. ‘New cars are cleaner to work on but less interesting than old ones. 25 years ago, you spent five minutes diagnosing and five hours fixing things; now, it’s the other way around – you spend five hours diagnosing and five minutes doing the repair.’ According to Gary, the most challenging cars to work on are French and Italian, with the Citroen taking the prize for the most troublesome.

Peter has noticed other changes. ‘We used to have the same people all the time. Now, there are new people constantly coming into the community. This leads to a lack of continuity in relationships, which are not as close as in the past.’

The future is uncertain, but the brothers are always busy because there is no other mechanical workshop nearby. They have no plans for retirement. When they do, they think it unlikely that a new owner will take on the business. ‘There is no money in petrol and the business is increasingly technical,’ says Simon. ‘There are other risks. During COVID-19, fuel sales were down 50% because of fewer tourists. Whoever buys the place will probably convert it into something else.’

Bob and Tom’s shop is full of memorabilia, including old tools, posters and calendars.

They are wonderful reminders of a successful business that has faithfully served the community over many years.

Let’s hope that the garage continues to be an integral part of Battery Point well into the future.