My car's history /about this mechanic named 'OTTO'

EdHut · 08-21-2001, 12:42 PM

In an earlier thread somebody asked for a good mechanic in the LA area. Otto was a name that was mentioned more than once.

I know it may be a long shot, but I want to try anyway. My 911 originally comes from California and I have a service history for it going back to 1977. In the period from 1977 to 1983 the car was serviced by a company called "Otto's Auto Imports", located in Pleasanton CA.

Is this by any chance the same Otto that was mentioned in the other thread?

Ed

campbellcj · 08-21-2001, 12:43 PM

Nope, AFAIK the Otto (actually John Williamson) we discussed in the other thread has been based in L.A. since the early 70's, if not longer.

Cheers,

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Chris C.
73 914 2.0
70 911E Targa
campbell.chris@gte.net

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

For those not familair with California, Pleasanton is in the San Franciso Bay area, and is roughly 300 miles north of Los Angeles.

Tom

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82 911SC Coupe

EdHut · 08-21-2001, 12:56 PM

I know there is quite a gap between Pleasanton and LA. However, on the address that's on the 'OTTO'-invoices there still is a repair shop, but it has another name. So I thought maybe Otto sold it's shop in Pleasanton and moved to LA.
I mean, how many Otto's doing Porsche repair work are there anyway?

Jamul74 · 08-21-2001, 02:15 PM

The OTTO I am familiar with is in Venice Beach (LA/Santa Monica). He advertises in PANO. I've bought from him, seems like a good fellow, offered to hand deliver to a San Diego rally I was at. Number is 888-901-OTTO.

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Dan S.
1974 911 Targa

campbellcj · 08-21-2001, 02:30 PM

This is the site for Otto's here in LA (Venice Beach)...
http://www.ottosvenice.com

As I mentioned, I'm fairly sure he didn't move down here from up north. The site says the shop has been here in L.A. since 1973.

Chris C.

914bluz · 06-28-2008, 07:44 AM

Otto's in Venice Beach is run by a guy named John Williamson. However, the legal owner of the shop is Ann Tomlinson who is nowhere to be found. This guy is rude, crude and vulgar. He seems to think any female customer walking in the door would welcome his antics. Not sure about the rest of you guys but I don't appreciate this guy asking my wife for a hug and kiss when she does not know him from Adam. He is over priced and the state of the office is nothing less than the aftermath of a tornado. He does have lots of used parts and will even take your old parts and sell them. Too bad you never see the money from them. He is a wheeler and a dealer at your expense. Approach with caution and do not send your wife.