If you think the Mazda Miata is Always The Answer, you have Tsutomu ‘Tom’ Matano to thank.
Known as the Father of the Miata, Matano passed away on September 20 at the age of 77.
After stints at Oldsmobile, Holden Australia, and BMW, Matano became chief designer at Mazda North America’s California design studio in 1983. There he found a team including Bob Hall and Mark Jordan working on a small, rear-wheel-drive sports car inspired by the MGB and other 1960s-era British roadsters. With design input from Matano, that project became the NA-series Miata, introduced in 1989.
To say the Miata was a hit would be a wild understatement. The combination of handling, open-air motoring, and Japanese reliability have made it the best-selling two-seat sports car ever with over 1.2 million built. The Miata introduced thousands of enthusiasts to the motorsports world. The car is so popular, the SCCA created an entire race series for it—Club Spec MX-5.
Matano worked on the NB-Series Miata and the third-generation FD-series Mazda RX-7. He also had a hand in design of the Mazda MX-3 and second-generation MX-6.
Automotive journalist Alanis King was good friends with Matano and posted a very heart-felt tribute to him on her YouTube channel. If you’re a Miata enthusiast, it’s well-worth your time to watch, but have some Kleenex handy.
And to Tom Matano, thank you for a most wonderful car.
Wow, reading about the passing of Tsutomu Tsun Matano really hits hard. As someone whos always had a soft spot for the Miata, learning hes the Father of the Miata puts things into perspective. Its incredible how one persons vision, combined with the initial work by Hall and Jordan, created such an icon. The Miata isnt just a car; its pure, uncomplicated fun, and reading about its impact and Matanos role makes me even more grateful for the cars that followed. He definitely deserves all the credit, and the tribute video mentioned sounds perfect – emotional but necessary. Thank you, Mr. Matano, for giving us such a wonderful driving experience.