How We Got Started
Look, I'll be straight with you - this whole thing started because I was tired of seeing European classics and performance cars getting half-done work at shops that didn't really get 'em. Been wrenching since I was 16, started with my dad's old Porsche 911 that barely ran. Spent three summers getting that thing road-worthy again.
After working at a few dealerships and specialty shops around Vancouver, I realized there was a gap. People with BMWs, Mercedes, vintage Alfas - they needed someone who actually cared about doing it right, not just getting cars in and out. So in 2018, we opened up shop on Industrial Way with two lifts and a whole lotta ambition.
The name? Cinderveil Bastion came from my grandfather's old metalworking shop back in the day. He used to say every piece of metal had a story hidden under the rust and grime - you just had to care enough to find it. Same goes for these cars we work on.
Now we've got six lifts, a full paint booth, and a team that actually knows the difference between an M-series and a regular 3-series without checking the badge. We're not the biggest shop in Vancouver, but we're definitely one of the most particular about quality.
Marcus Thornhill
Founder & Lead Technician
Certifications & Milestones
2018
Opened our doors with Red Seal Automotive Service certification and two dedicated technicians
2019
BMW specialist certification achieved - became authorized service provider for classic BMW models
2020
Added paint booth and collision repair capabilities - got our ICBC accreditation
2021
Mercedes-Benz independent specialist certification - expanded to handle all European marques
2022
Vancouver Classic Car Association - Shop of Excellence award winner
2023
Porsche independent specialist training completed - full diagnostics capability for air-cooled classics
2024
Expanded to six bays, added transmission specialist to the crew
2025
ASE Master Technician certifications for all senior staff - continuously raising the bar
