On September 20, 2025, one of the most respected people in automotive history passed away. Tsutomu “Tom” Matano was a legend in the Mazda community, as he was called the “Father of the Miata”. As a designer for Mazda in the ‘80s, his design language was used to craft the look of the original, first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, otherwise known by its chassis code, NA, as well as the NB, the second-generation model.
Decades of Beautiful Work
Tom Matano would later help to create the designs for the MX-6, MX-3, and one of the other most beloved Mazda models ever, the third and final generation of the RX-7. This model went by its chassis name, the FD, and is regarded as the best and most sought-after of all the RX-7s.
Education and Career
After graduating from Seikei University in Tokyo in 1969 with a degree in engineering, Tom moved to California to study at the Art Center School of Design in Pasadena. While he worked for a number of car companies, including GM and BMW over the years, it was his years at Mazda where he started in 1983 as the Chief Designer for Mazda North America, later becoming the head of the company’s global design group as well as the Executive Director of the Academy of Art University's School of Industrial Design.
Tom Matano Still Has His DNA In Modern Mazda Designs
So much of the modern design language and simplicity of design in new Mazda interiors and exteriors can trace their roots back to Tom Matano’s work, because his philosophy was one of simple and elegant beauty. Car design is about making people happy and helping them fall in love with their car, and his signature Miata always delivered.
What Tom Had to Say About Design
When discussing design and why it’s so important with Auto & Design in 2023, Mr. Matano said, “We must start over from the human. From the users’ real needs, above all, from offering them solutions in a ‘warm’ and in some ways ‘empathetic’ way. I remember that, when I drew the lines of one of the Mazdas I worked on, the RX-7 FD, I was expressly thinking of an athletic but not muscular body, as if it needed to be washed gently. I achieved a result that inspired affection: the owners locked it in the garage with a smile on their faces. Here’s my point, design should never lose this intent”.
Get Your Next Mazda at Gillman Mazda
When looking for your next car, Gillman Mazda has the right model that will be perfect for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you want the truest sports car sold in America, the MX-5 Miata, or a brilliant 3-row SUV like the CX-90, the knowledgeable salespeople at Gillman Mazda will make sure you’re getting the best price.
Why Choose Gillman Mazda
Don’t miss out on the great deals in the last months of 2025 from Team Gillman Mazda. Gillman Mazda takes great pride in offering customers the best prices on new and used vehicles. Our excellent sales staff can assist you in finding the perfect car, while our finance department will make sure you get the best rate possible. And when it’s time to service your vehicle, our service department will take care of it as if it were their own.
If you have any dents, scratches, windshield, or paint repair needs, the Team Gillman Collision Center and Body Shop will take the best care of you and offers a lifetime warranty on all body and paint work.
We look forward to serving you soon!