About

Our Company

Precision Care for Exceptional Automobiles

FMS SoCal specializes in the service, repair, and full restoration of high-performance European vehicles, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, and other exclusive marques. Every vehicle we work on represents advanced engineering and craftsmanship, and it is treated with the same level of care and attention.

Located in Van Nuys, California, our facility is fully enclosed, climate-controlled, and maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and security. Each vehicle is handled in a controlled environment designed to protect both its condition and long-term value.

With over 40 years of hands-on experience, our team brings a deep understanding of complex automotive systems—from engine and transmission work to electrical diagnostics and driveline performance.

Every service begins with accurate diagnosis and is completed using high-quality parts and proven methods.

Our work is guided by a simple standard: respect, integrity, and trust. These values shape how we approach every vehicle and every client relationship. We believe in clear communication, consistent workmanship, and delivering results that meet the expectations of discerning owners.

From routine maintenance to full restorations, our goal is to provide excellent value and complete satisfaction in every aspect of service. We take pride in our reputation, and we measure our success by the confidence our clients place in us.

Many of our clients come to us through referrals. That trust is earned over time, through reliable work and a commitment to doing things the right way—every time.

Owner's Story

Built on Engineering. Proven by Experience

FMS SoCal is led by Damian Forbes, whose career has been shaped by precision engineering and a lifelong connection to high-performance vehicles. Raised in a family of engineers, Damian was exposed early to the world of advanced mechanics. His father worked in aerospace and Formula 1 design and development before moving into the oil industry, creating an environment where performance, accuracy, and technical discipline were part of everyday life.

That foundation led Damian to pursue formal training in England, where he completed a 4½-year apprenticeship with Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche while attending college. This was hands-on, factory-level training focused on the engineering and systems behind some of the world’s most advanced vehicles.

After completing his apprenticeship, Damian continued his training in Europe, working directly with Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, SLR, AMG platforms, and McLaren.

Over time, he developed a deep understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and performance systems that define these vehicles.

With over 33 years of experience, including 26 years serving clients in the Los Angeles area, Damian has built a reputation for accuracy, consistency, and trust. Since 2006, he has operated his own shops, bringing a focused, independent approach to exotic car service. He also spent time working with the McLaren team from 2011 to 2012, further strengthening his factory-level expertise.

Today, FMS SoCal reflects Damian’s full body of work. Every vehicle that enters the shop benefits from decades of training, real-world experience, and a commitment to doing the job the right way. This is not general automotive repair. It is specialized care, delivered by someone who understands exactly what these cars require to perform at their best.

In the Garage with Jay Leno

A Personal Delivery of A McLaren MP4-12C

Damian Forbes presents a McLaren MP4-12C to Jay Leno on Jay Leno’s Garage, offering a detailed look at the car’s engineering, performance, and design.

 

As they move through the vehicle together, the focus stays on what matters—how the car is built, how it responds, and what sets it apart. From suspension to drivetrain, each system is discussed with clarity and purpose, reflecting a deep understanding of the platform.

 

The MP4-12C represents a defining step for McLaren, built around lightweight construction, advanced materials, and real-world drivability. It is a car that rewards precision in both driving and service.

McLaren MP4-12C. Finally, the big day has arrived! After factory visits and test drives, Damian Forbes hand delivers Jay’s new McLaren to the garage. Go over the car with Jay inch by inch and hop on board for its first test drive on California soil.