Guest Speaker - John Twist

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.

This year John will be joining us at the ABFM honoring MG and Lotus. He will be giving the keynote address on Saturday afternoon and providing his famous “Rolling Tech Session” on Sunday. Come meet him in the MG Club tents, or on the field in the MG display area.