Father of the Miata, Tom Matano, passes away at age 76

23 Sep 2025·< 1 min read

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Tsutomu Matano, affectionately known as Tom Matano, passed away at the age of 76 on September 20th.

This news was shared by Mazda in an official statement released recently.

Matano is best known among automotive enthusiasts as the “Father of the Miata,” as he was responsible for designing the first-generation Mazda Miata MX-5 (NA).

After working with General Motors and BMW, Matano joined Mazda in 1983.

Thanks to his work, the Mazda MX-5 became the best-selling two-seater model worldwide.

In addition to the MX-5, MX-3, and MX-6, Matano also contributed to the design of another iconic Mazda model, the third-generation RX-7 FD, which is considered one of the most beautiful Japanese cars of all time.

After concluding his service at Mazda in 2002, Matano became the Executive Director at the Academy of Art University in the School of Industrial Design in San Francisco.

Thank you, Tom Matano-san, for creating the Miata as the answer to everything. Your contributions will always be remembered!