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 national and international 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 roaster. It was the beginning of a life-long love and fascination with MG engines. In 1973 he worked in England at the original 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 through promoted clubs and 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!

In 2007 John began recording MG Technical lessons and posting them on YouTube. His University Motors channel now has over 10 million views and 24 thousand 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 and Tech Coordinator for the North American MGB Register.

John travels across the US and UK for rolling technical sessions at MG and British car shows. In 2020 John's travel plans were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, so he began holding technical sessions on Zoom twice a month. Hundreds of participants learn directly from John and ask questions about their MG cars.

For five decades, John Twist has supported MG owners and admirers. In January 2023 John hosted a lively reunion with former employees and customers at University Motors’ 48^th Birthday Party. 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.”