Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, the man behind the original Mazda MX-5’s design, has died aged 76. The news was confirmed by Mazda in a statement announcing the celebrated car designer passed away on September 20th 2025. Advertisement - Article continues belowPlying his trade at General Motors and BMW early in his career, Matano joined Mazda in 1983 and helped create the first-generation ‘NA’ MX-5. The car’s original design ethos, however, has always remained consistent with Matano’s original design. Matano’s enthusiasm for Mazda went beyond his work as he drove a silver FD-generation RX-7 and an MX-5 M Edition, as well as attending and supporting various Mazda-related events around the world.