T-Series End of the Line....University Motors LTD

[rick_ingram]

After 34 years of operation, University Motors LTD in Michigan will be no more (as we know it).

https://www.universitymotorsltd.com/

John and crew have been a mainstay for the MG community for years...his expertise kept many MGs roadworthy.

I wish all of them luck as they begin a new chapter of their life.

 

[Steve_S]

Yet another great resource gone - how sad. The most useful things John and company did for our hobby were not in the shop, but out in the "real world" promoting and enhancing the hobby. Best wishes on your future endeavors, guys.

 

[tdskip]

That is really sad to hear.

 

[davester]

I'm actually a bit surprised that they continued for so long after the demise of MG in the U.S. I think we should celebrate their long and honorable contribution to the cause rather than mourn their graceful exit.

 

[aeronca65t]

Too bad.

But I'm hoping to retire soon too, so I don't blame him. :laugh:

The first picture on ~This Link~ shows John at the Valley Forge MG event last year.

 

[PAUL161]

Wow, what a shame. I agree it's nice to retire, but not under these circumstances. It will definitely be a loss to our hobby. Maybe John will still be available for advice when we need him. I hope so! His knowledge is priceless. PJ

 

[jhorton3]

They have offered a lot to the British car community. I'm seeing this happening more often with good shops with tons of technical know how. The owners/operators are retiring and not too many from the young crowd coming up behind them to fill the void.

 

[vping]

I spoke with John several times on the phone and each time, there was an answer waiting for me. No secrets. Shame UMLTD will be no more.

 

[Mark Jones]

It's a sad day but was bound to come. I'm so glad that I actually had to make it to the last summer party.

 

[RickB]

This is sad for all of us, I can't imagine how those actually involved must feel.

It would be great if all those videos could be put together on a DVD and made available, John could get some bit of money and all of us would have the benefit of his teaching.

Or are they already available? (other than on Youtube)

 

[KSIS]

Sad to hear!
When I first got my Midget, I watched his videos on you tube over and over the learn more about the car. When I sold her I gave the new owner the links to the videos....Thanks John!

 

[rick_ingram]

Guys....

This is not armageddon.

I'm willing to bet that you will continue to see John's expertise...via tech bulletins, DVD's, travelling tech seminars, books, the BMTA, et cetera.

He's discontinuing his repair service but his bench service will still be available...and he has (wisely) begun to look for other venues of income...and perhaps a little more time with the family to boot.



rick
MGC 6165
MGC 3950
MGB (1978)
MGB/GT V8 (1974-1/2 conversion)

 

[mgcsaylor]

I talked to John yesterday afternoon, and felt I should post something accordingly.

John said he would still be involved with the marque, but to what extent he didn't know, as he was taking this on a "day to day" basis. He said there were various reasons for the move, most of them being economic in nature.

He felt his business was more in the entertainment realm, as very few of us use our MGs as daily transport, so he has to compete against movies, vacations, big screen TVs and the like.

And with the economy being the way it is, and Michigan being one of the hardest hit, if not the hardest, due to GM's and Chrysler's problems, the downturn in business has been all the more severe and swift.

And what's the first thing that gets cut back when times are tough - the fun stuff. And that's what our MGs are.

John seems in good spirits. It's important to remember that one step back might mean two steps forward. For him and for us.

I wished him all the best in his future endeavors, and everyone should take the time to call him and do the same.

 

[vagt6]

I guess one of the last things folks will spend money on when times are bad are hobbies like LBCs. Further, it's a real sign of the times when a skilled craftsman with so much publicity cannot keep the shop afloat.

May we assume that no buyer of the business can be found to take it over?

For those of us who remember the demise of the original British car dealerships back in the seventies and eighties, the close of Mr. Twist's shop is deja-vu all over again. Bad news for the British car enthusiast, but all good things must come to an end.

Mr. Twist was an energetic and honest businessman by all accounts and I wish him all the best. The things he did to promote the marque had national impact. Not many like him, IMHO.

Maybe the economny will recover soon and another skilled LBC craftsman will fill the void that University Motors has left. I hope this is the case.

Some folks are simply irreplaceable: John Twist is one of them in the MG car community.

Cheers and best wishes to all at University Motors. :thumbsup:

 

[rick_ingram]

Here's John's Youtube from this week:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CDrhFFEcUU&feature=channel_page

 

[MGBGT_noob]

Here's John setting up his tools (on MY!!! camp table) for his tech session at the October 2008 Texas MG Register gathering in Waco TX.

 

[Scott_Hower]

I got my postcard today.

Sad day.

 

[boxofparts]

I bought my MGB off the for sale board in John's shop back in 1987. It has been a very good car..almost blessed by the guy. I need to get it out this weekend.

 

[MadRiver]

That's really sad. While I've never visited their shop, I have taken advantage of their videos many times, and have learned something new each time.