Mazda Miata Designer Tom Matano Dies at 77, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Sports-Car Design

Automotive design legend Tom Matano, best known as the creative force behind the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata, has passed away at the age of 78. Matano, whose career spanned five decades, left an indelible mark on the industry with a string of award-winning cars and pioneering design breakthroughs.

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, Matano graduated from the Musashino Art University before joining Mazda’s design studio in Tokyo in 1971. After honing his skills on the Mazda RX-7 program, he moved to Mazda’s California studio in 1983, where he eventually rose to the role of Vice President of Design. Under his leadership, Mazda launched the first-generation MX-5 Miata in 1989 — a lightweight roadster celebrated for its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, classic British-roadster inspiration and bulletproof reliability. The Miata went on to win the Japanese Car of the Year award and the prestigious Good Design Award in 1989.

Beyond the Miata, Matano oversaw the design of several other notable models:

• Eunos Cosmo (1990): Mazda’s luxury grand tourer featuring the world’s first twin-turbo 20B three-rotor engine and a digital instrument cluster.
• Mazda6 (Atenza) (2002): A midsize sedan lauded for its “Zoom-Zoom” ethos and award-winning “Stylish and Sporty” design that revitalised Mazda’s global line-up.
• Mazda RX-8 (2003): Innovative four-door sports coupe powered by the Renesis rotary engine and praised for its balanced handling.

Matano’s work garnered international recognition. He was honoured with the Detroit Design Excellence Award in 1991 and featured in Automotive News’s “25 Most Influential Automotive Designers of the Century.” In 2015, he returned to Japan as a visiting professor at his alma mater, nurturing the next generation of designers.

In addition to his industry achievements, Matano served on the Design Panel of the World Car Awards, contributing his expertise to the selection of global Car of the Year winners and influencing standards for automotive excellence. His input helped spotlight innovation and design across manufacturers worldwide.

Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro paid tribute, “Tom’s vision gave birth to the most beloved roadster in history. His passion for purity in design will continue to inspire us.”