About Us

In 1964, local grocery store stock boy Dennis Garber was approached by one of his regular customers about an opportunity that could change his life with his new wife and baby. The 25-year-old observed and shadowed Auto Beauty Specialists for a week and decided to buy the almost 10-year-old business, becoming the sole owner.

Originally nestled in Maplewood, the shop did detailing, spot painting, and light body repair. Garber’s hard work soon paid off and his business outgrew the small shop, so in 1967, he bought a vacant building on Lockwood Avenue in Webster Groves. The building was fitting as it had always been centered around cars; it was originally constructed in 1925 as a Dodge dealership and housed a Chevrolet dealership after that.

For 50 years, Auto Beauty Specialists thrived in Old Webster as THE family-owned premier auto body shop in St. Louis. In that time, Dennis handed the reins over to his son, John, who is now the company owner. Business continued to grow, and as it did, the company’s needs changed — it was time to move again.

In 2016, Auto Beauty Specialists transitioned into a 28,400-square-foot industrial building centrally located in Olivette. After major interior and exterior renovations were completed, our larger, state of the art facility allows us to better serve our community. 

From collision repair to dent removal and painting, we pride ourselves on our ability to continue the legacy of outstanding automotive care that the Garber family began in 1964.