About Us
We are The Detailing Specialists, Christchurch's auto detailing experts. With our years of experience and genuine passion, we're here to provide top-quality care that will make your vehicle stand out. We take pride in our workmanship, using top-notch products and techniques - find out more below...
Our Story
Here at The Detailing Specialists, we pride ourselves on being passionate enthusiasts aiming to provide the best customer service and quality. The Detailing Specialists entered the Christchurch market in 2018 under our former name, Canterbury Auto Detailing, with the mission to bring a new standard of detailing. Since 2018 we have gone from strength to strength and with happy customers both in the private and wholesale markets, working on vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, boats, jet skis and campervans. In 2023 we undertook two big changes in moving to a larger premise in Waltham; and with a full rebrand. The Detailing Specialists (TDS) tells our customers everything they need to know, and our new image and theme align our quality with the desire to be 'the' detailing brand in the Christchurch market. In September 2024, we made another big move - changing our format to focus on our mobile detailing service with the introduction of a fully-fledged detailing van and moving to a smaller appointment-only workspace. This move ensures we service our customers needs, focus on quality work and retain sustainability. (see more here: https://www.detailing.co.nz/post/we-re-moving-new-mobile-service)
When it comes to detailing, we are meticulous and have high attention to detail. Our eyes see things others can't, and we use the latest technology, quality tools, and safe products. With our experienced team, we've seen various vehicles with a wide range of issues - and we have the expertise to assure you that your vehicle is in the best care when left with us. Our workshop is clean, efficient, and secure. We follow proper procedures with advanced systems, effective communication, and sound business ethics, including insurance and vehicle care policies.
Meet Our Team
Sam Gibbons
Director & Detailer
Jack-Of-All-Trades
Learn more about me...
You have 3 vehicles to fill your garage, what are they? BMW M5, Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, Range Rover HSE. What lead you to pursue a career in detailing? I started off with very high standards on my own vehicles and then gradually ended up detailing for friends and family; and now we're here ten years later! (There's a bit more to it than that, scroll down the page...) What’s activities do you do outside of work? I enjoy staying fit with a combination of running and gym (and walking my dog), spend time being social with friends and family, and try to travel when I have the time to! What’s are your ultimate goals in life? To prosper from a work/life balance that allows me to enjoy the simple things in life. The ability to travel, continually gain knowledge and enjoy new experiences are drivers for how I see my future self. Tell us a joke! In 2017 I didn't do a marathon. I didn't do one in 2018, 2019, or 2020, either. This is a running joke.
Aston Gibbons
Part-Time Shop Assistant
Security | Customer Greeter | Stress Reliever
Learn more about me...
You have 3 vehicles to fill your garage, what are they? A paw-geot, range-woofer and of course an aston martin... What lead you to pursue a career in detailing? Following in my fathers pawprints (footsteps). What’s activities do you do outside of work? Belly rubs, playtime, outdoor adventures, and tasty treats! Woof! What’s are your ultimate goals in life? To achieve the world record for the longest uninterrupted time spent snoozing. Tell us a joke! Why aren't dogs good dancers? Because they have two left feet!
My Story
I'm Sam - director and detailer here at The Detailing Specialists. The Detailing Specialists is my vision for detailing excellence, and I'd like to share with you some more about my background!​
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Back in 2013, I started a mobile detailing business called Attention To Detail, operating out of the boot of my BMW. I was working a retail job but had the desire for more, and after going out on my own, I was soon thrown into the deep end of detailing and business ownership. In 2014 I co-founded OCD (Obsessive Car Detailing) in Auckland. We worked on all types of vehicles, including the Aston Martin Vulcan at Highlands Motorsport Park (the most expensive car in the southern hemisphere) and also prepared vehicles for the well-known Ellerslie ​Concours d'Elegance. At the same time, I co-founded United Car Care, providing high-quality detailing products to consumers and wholesale customers alike while also offering both consumer and trade detailing training NZ-wide. My experience is vast, and I've been part of the detailing industry's growth over the last ten years, which is why I know, alongside my team, we are the best people for your detailing job!
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In 2021 I decided a change in lifestyle was in order and moved myself and Aston (my Border Collie) down to Christchurch, bringing United Car Care with me. In 2022 the opportunity to acquire Canterbury Auto Detailing came up, and I jumped on what was an already well-established brand - looking to add my flair and experience and get back 'on the tools'. Here we are now rebranded with The Detailing Specialists, and I'm excited for the future prospects of being at the forefront of the detailing industry both for Christchurch and nationwide.
​You can reach me directly, via sam@detailing.co.nz