Many members will by now have heard the sad news of the passing of Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, one of the key figures behind the creation of the Mazda MX-5 and a long-standing friend of the Owners Club.
Tom was more than just the designer of our favourite car — he was its greatest ambassador. Whenever he joined us at Club events, from early visits in the Club’s history to more recently at the 2019 and 2024 Anniversary Rallies at Gaydon and Compton Verney, he always gave his time generously and with real warmth.
Members who were there will remember the queues of people, cars and parts waiting for Tom’s signature, always accompanied by his trademark “Always Inspired” message. Whether on bonnets, dashboards, books, petrol caps, or model cars, he never hurried and always took time to chat, smile and listen. More than a signature, he gave each person a memory they could carry with them.
For Tom, the community around the MX-5 was as important as the car itself. He often said the Owners Club came as close as anything to his original vision when he first imagined the friendships and camaraderie that would surround the MX-5.
Tom’s smile, wisdom and generosity will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in every Club rally, every drive, every meeting, and in every MX-5 moment shared amongst our members.
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