Tom Matano, the legendary designer behind the Mazda Miata and RX-7, has passed away at the age of 76. The story and legacy of one of the automotive world’s most influential figures.
A Great Loss in the World of Sports Cars
In automotive history, there are certain models that transcend mere transportation. Corvette, Mustang, Supra, RX-7, and Miata — these names form the foundation of car culture. Yet behind these icons stand the designers who brought them to life. One of those visionary minds, Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, known affectionately as “the Father of the Mazda Miata,” passed away recently at the age of 76.
Matano was not only a designer but also a true visionary who embodied the purest form of automotive passion. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, born from his pen, remains the world’s best-selling roadster — reminding enthusiasts everywhere of the joy, lightness, and purity of driving.
The Birth of the Miata: From Risk to Legend
By the late 1980s, the roadster market was all but dead. The era of small, affordable British sports cars had ended, and the concept of an open-top, lightweight driver’s car had lost its charm. It was in this environment that Bob Hall’s idea and Tom Matano’s design vision gave rise to the Miata — a car that defied the odds.
When it debuted in 1989, the Miata embodied the philosophy of lightweight, simplicity, and fun. Matano’s meticulously sculpted lines, compact proportions, and driver-focused design made it an instant phenomenon. Automotive magazines put the Miata on their covers with the headline:
“WARNING! This car may be addictive.”
That line became the first sign of a movement — the moment when the Miata turned driving into a passion for millions.
The Legendary Design of the RX-7 FD
Tom Matano’s design legacy didn’t stop with the Miata. In the early 1990s, the Mazda RX-7 FD emerged as one of the most captivating sports cars of its era. Its timeless, flowing design remains stunning even today. The FD RX-7 showcased Matano’s design talent at its absolute peak.
Beyond beauty, its shape had purpose. Every curve served a function — a harmony of form and aerodynamics. From Japan to the U.S., Europe to Australia, the RX-7 captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide.
A Global Career: From Holden to Mazda
Tom Matano’s career spanned continents and decades:
- In the 1970s, he worked at General Motors Australia (Holden), contributing to the design of the Torana sedan.
- Later, he gained experience in the European design scene with BMW and Volvo.
- In the 1980s, he joined Mazda’s North American Design Studio, where he reached the pinnacle of his career.
At Mazda, Tom Matano led numerous projects alongside the Miata and RX-7. In 1999, he became Chief Designer at Mazda Motor Corp, and in 2002, he was appointed Director of the School of Industrial Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
More Than a Designer: The Human Side
Matano was known not just for his talent but also for his humility. Those who knew him often spoke of his warmth and friendship as much as his design genius.
Robert Davis, a senior Mazda executive, once said:
“Only Tom’s kindness could outshine his talent. He was a true car enthusiast and a gentleman.”
IMSA President John Doonan remembered him with these words:
“Listening to his stories could go on for days. The joy in his eyes when he spoke about the birth of the Miata showed why the automotive world was his true calling.”
Cultural Legacy: Beyond the Miata
Matano’s legacy goes far beyond cars. He redefined what “driving pleasure” truly means. Through the Miata, he gave millions not just a car, but friendships, clubs, events, and a global community.
Annual Miata Reunion events continue to celebrate his vision. The message from participants is always the same:
“Tom didn’t just give us a car — he gave us a family.”
Final Years and Farewell
In the mid-2000s, Matano served as Head of Design at Next Autoworks, before dedicating his later years to education — inspiring a new generation of designers. In his classes, he didn’t just teach how to draw cars, but how to make people feel through design.
On September 20, 2025, Tom Matano passed away, leaving behind a 76-year life filled with creativity, passion, and inspiration for countless automotive enthusiasts.
Piston Kafalar’s Comment
Tom Matano’s passing is not just a loss for Mazda, but for the entire automotive world. The Miata and RX-7 will continue to roam the roads as symbols of his vision. Perhaps most importantly, every smile behind the wheel of a Miata serves as a living reminder that Tom Matano’s spirit is still with us.
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