Our Story
Forging Excellence in Automotive Craftsmanship
Look, I'm not gonna feed you some polished corporate line about how we're "passionate" or whatever. Truth is, I started this shop 'cause I was sick of seeing butchered engine swaps and half-assed body work rolling around Vancouver.
Started out in my dad's garage back in 2008, just me and a beat-up '69 Camaro that needed everything. Taught myself most of it - yeah, made plenty of mistakes along the way. Stripped a few heads, borked some electrical systems. But that's how you learn what actually works versus what the forum bros tell ya.
By 2012, word got around that I could actually tune a carburetor without blowing something up. Started taking on projects - mostly muscle cars and Japanese imports that needed real attention. Not just bolt-ons and stickers, but proper builds.
We moved to the Industrial Way location in 2015 when things got serious. Had to - couldn't fit a lift in the old garage anymore. Now we've got a crew that actually gives a damn about doing things right. No shortcuts, no "good enough" attitude.
We're not trying to be the biggest shop in BC. We're here to do solid work on vehicles that deserve better than what the chain shops offer. Whether it's rebuilding a transmission or bringing a classic back from the dead, we treat every project like it's our own ride.
- Marcus Thorne, Founder
17+
Years Experience
850+
Projects Completed
The Journey
2008
The Beginning
Started in a cramped garage with basic tools and one project car. Just me figuring out how not to destroy an engine while trying to rebuild it. Had more scraped knuckles than success stories that first year.
2011
First Real Build
Landed a full restoration on a '71 Chevelle SS. Took eight months and I barely slept, but that car got featured in a local show. That's when folks started taking me seriously instead of treating me like some kid with a wrench.
2015
Industrial Way Shop
Moved into the current location - 4,500 square feet of actual workspace. Got proper lifts, a real paint booth, and room to work on multiple projects. Hired two guys who actually knew their way around a torque wrench.
2018
Performance Division
Started specializing in performance builds and custom exhaust work. Got certified on the dyno tuning equipment - turns out there's a huge market for properly tuned motors that don't just sound good but actually make power.
2021
Classic Restoration Expansion
Added a dedicated bay for full frame-off restorations. Brought on Dave who's forgotten more about metalwork than most guys ever learn. Now we can take cars from rust buckets to show-worthy without farming anything out.
2023
Transmission Specialist
Got tired of sending transmission work elsewhere and dealing with sloppy rebuilds. Invested in the equipment and training to do it in-house. Now we handle everything from basic fluid changes to full performance rebuilds.
2025
Today & Beyond
We're not done yet. Working on expanding our collision repair capabilities and bringing on another tech who specializes in European performance vehicles. The goal hasn't changed though - just keep doing honest work and treating every car right.
