Tom Matano, the Original Mazda Miata's Designer, Dies at 76

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Tom Matano, the automotive designer who helped create one of the most beloved roadsters in history, the original Mazda MX-5 Miata, has died at the age of 76.

Posted by Anumbia24 at 07:32 PM | 7 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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The Miata was a workingman's Vet! Thanks for all the miles and smiles, Tom.

Much respect.

#1 | Posted by Wardog at 2025-09-23 01:47 PM | Reply

An affordable enthusiast car. Great concept.

#2 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-09-23 06:55 PM | Reply

It still is a working man's vet.

#3 | Posted by Anumbia24 at 2025-09-24 03:16 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

It was a cool little car. I had a '76 Alpha Romeo Spyder that I loved; that's what I went from TX to CA in... and discovered why people wore those little caps after my head got sunburned.

#4 | Posted by Corky at 2025-09-24 08:28 PM | Reply

@#2 ... An affordable enthusiast car. Great concept. ...

Yeah, I agree. It was affordable.

But the "enthusiast" aspect did not occur until after it was released at the low price point.

So, was the low price point because Mazda did not have confidence in the success of the Miata?

#5 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-09-25 01:26 AM | Reply

But the "enthusiast" aspect did not occur until after it was released at the low price point.

If I remember correctly, the Dodge Viper never caught on until they raised the price to make it more exclusive.

#6 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-09-25 02:09 AM | Reply

Yeah, the link is garbage.

#7 | Posted by Angrydad at 2025-09-25 10:10 PM | Reply