John Twist, MG Repair Expert

John Twist is one of the best-known MG mechanics and a frequent writer on automotive technical subjects. His articles have been published in magazines like The Sacred Octagon; MGA!; MG Driver; C Notes, Abingdon Classics, Classic MG Magazine, MG Magazine, MG Enthusiast Magazine, Moss Motoring, and more.

In 1968 John bought a red 1953 MG TD roadster. It was the beginning of a life-long love and fascination with MG engines. In 1973 he trained in England at University Motors, the largest MG dealership in the world. Back in the States, John and his wife Caroline Robinson opened their own British car repair shop. John ran the repairs and Caroline ran the office until her death in 2010. At three locations in the Greater Grand Rapids area from 1975 to 2017, University Motors in Grand Rapids served customers from nearly all 50 states and caught the attention of MG enthusiasts around the world.

John and Caroline expanded the MG community in Michigan by forming clubs and hosting events. The University Motors MG Summer Parties were some of the largest MG events in the world outside of England. Some years they hosted 550 MGs on the field! John still hosts lively reunions with former employees, customers, and friends in January and August.

In 2007 John began recording MG Technical lessons and posting them on YouTube. His University Motors channel now has over 11 million views and 28,000 subscribers. He says, “My goal is to make MG ownership as effortless as possible. There’s great pleasure in being able to work on your own car.” John proudly drives a red 1962 MGA 1600 Mark II Deluxe he’s owned since 1976.

John was inducted to the British Sports Car Hall of Fame in 2017, and he now sits on the board of directors. He was the founding chairman of the NAMGBR; co-founder of the local West Michigan “Old Speckled Hen” MG Car Club; and co-founder of the British Motor Trade Association. He has served as Technical Chairman of the American MGB Association, Tech Coordinator for the North American MGB Register, and Technical Director of the North American Council of MG Registers.

John travels across the US and UK for MG and British car shows and his popular rolling technical sessions where he diagnoses and fixes MGs on the spot. When John's travel plans were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, he began holding MG technical sessions on Zoom twice a month. Hundreds of participants learn directly from John and ask questions about their MG cars. Sign up for John's e-newsletter to participate.

For five decades, John Twist has supported MG owners and admirers. Even with his international renown, John Twist is available to MG owners during his phone hour from 1:00-2:00 pm Monday through Friday. John Twist truly exemplifies the MG slogan “The Marque of Friendship.”

North American Council of MG Registers - Technical Director

New England MG T Register - member #1547

North American MGA Register - member #321

North American MGB Register - Founding Chairman and member #101 

American MGC Register Association - member #52

MG Car Club (United Kingdom) – member #124534 Unattached Overseas

MG Owners’ Club – Honorary Member

MG Council – Technical Representative

MG International “INDY 96” - Chairman

British Sportscar Hall of Fame – Inaugural Class of 2017; Board Member

British Motor Trade Association – Co-founder and member

West Michigan "Old Speckled Hen" MG Car Club – Co-founder and member