Why We Can’t Get Enough Of John Cena’s New 1969 LS-Swapped MGC GT
John Cena is a famous WWE champion and is now recognized as an excellent actor. But it’s rarely known that this wrestling star has a car collection consisting mostly of classic cars, it can make others jealous. He is the proud owner of a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, a 1966 Dodge Hemi Charger 426 and even a first generation Ford GT. He’s had his fair share of controversy with his now-sold 2017 Ford GT.
But despite all the buzz, Mr. Hustle-Loyalty-Respect’s taste in cars is impressive and widespread. And that brings us to his 1969 MGC GT which received a very desirable restomod. Motortrend showcased this beautiful build on the Texas Metal Series, and oh boy, this classic Brit had plenty of surprises up its sleeve. The exterior makeover is quite subtle, and a keen eye can only spot the mods.
But under the hood, there’s a bright orange fire-eater that’s American through and through! The level of craftsmanship is impressive and the restomod also brings major suspension upgrades. As for the interior, it benefits from a modern makeover and colorful upholstery. The impertinence of John Cena tells the rest of this restomod story!
John Cena has his ’69 MGC GT converted from a “classic” sleeper to the ultimate “modern” sleeper with clean aesthetics and a bucket full of American muscle!
John Cena’s ’69 MGC GT Restomod Is Low, Wide And Baby Blue
The cool part about this retrofitted MGC GT is that it doesn’t look much different from the 1969 UK sleeper. The shop has done a smart job of retaining all the classic lines of this coupe, including that little bump on the hood. But if you admire it longer, the changes slowly come into play. The car is now lower and the fender flares are much wider, thanks to the new body kit. And the Baby Blue paint job also puts forward a unique proposition.
The resto-modded MGC GT is devoid of any type of chrome, and most trim is either painted blue or a contrasting black shade. The wheels are black, which helps bring out those orange-gold Willwood calipers hidden behind them. Keeping the classic part intact is the stock headlight assembly. But the fog lamp cutouts were hollow indicating that some finishing touches are still pending.
This MGC GT Restomod Packs A 6.2 Liter Chevy V8 With A Shifter
John Cena was shocked when the hood was opened. Gone was the 145 horsepower 2.9-liter inline-6 and a bright orange LS engine. Cena was taken aback to see such a huge V8 tightly packed into a cavity meant to hold up to six cylinders. The 6.2-liter Chevy V8 puts out well over 600 horsepower, putting this MG squarely in the supercar category.
Even crazier is the fact that the stock car weighed just 2,100 pounds, making this LS-swapped creation pack an excellent power-to-weight ratio. And we also dig the fact that the V8 is bright orange and will always make your eyes sparkle, every time the hood is opened! Adding more fun to the package is a six-speed manual gearbox that’s sure to put a smile on any gearhead’s face.
A Complete Suspension Overhaul to Make This Brit Lively
To help this classic 52-year-old Brit adapt to speed and flexibility, the team at Texas Metal replaced the prehistoric suspension setup with a much more modern and adaptive setup. It now sports a four-corner independent layout with adjustable racing coilovers.
It also has a two meter long control arm and four sturdy arms at the rear. This setup eliminates the lousy handling dynamics the MGC GT was known for, and also kicks it up a notch to help take advantage of all of its 600+ horsepower with conviction.
MGC GT Restomod gets a colorful and comfortable interior makeover
The interior is also modified into a more comfortable and tech-laden haven. Striking features include its colorful upholstery with blue seats and bright orange piping to mimic the exterior theme. The dashboard has been reworked with all the classic elements replaced by modern ones.
But they made sure not to overdo it and spoil its retro quotient. Comfort has been given due importance. The seats have been moved back and the pedals forward, to provide more room for Mr. Cena.
John Cena giggles like a baby and hands over his next car
John Cena was really impressed with the work done on his MG. And in appreciation for the immense work the team at Texas Metal had put into the classic coupe, Cena handed over a Bugatti Type 57C replica as the next project car which will clearly have an interesting outcome.
Source: MG Motor, Bringatrailer, Motortrend YouTube channel