In a story I read decades ago it was said he came up with the Miata.
Selling point to the Mazda board was 20+% less to build than a saloon and selling for 20% more
|
I met Tom a couple of times at Owners' Club rallies, and he and Bob Hall (also often referred to as the originator / father of the MX-5) did a double act at the last one I went to. I think it's on YouTube although the sound isn't brilliant.
I knew I had a photo with him somewhere. Fortunately a friend was able to find it. Tom Matano was a nice guy and clearly enjoyed doing the rallies. MX-5's have helped to keep me active and interested for the last 14 years or so and will I hope continue to provide my motoring pleasure even while the golden age of motoring dissolves into eternal dreariness.
|
The wife of a friend is about to pick up an MX5 with golfing hard top. The 2.0 version. Not new, but almost.
No idea what colour or spec but think they get good reviews.
|
>> The wife of a friend is about to pick up an MX5 with golfing hard
>> top. The 2.0 version. Not new, but almost.
>> No idea what colour or spec but think they get good reviews.
>>
She should have it rust proofed as soon as she gets it.
|
|
Absolutely. Get it booked in for a Lanoguard-ing.
|
|
An MX5 was going to be my retirement present to myself. However, as I was 72 when I finally packed up this year I realised that while I may be able to get into one getting out again might be a problem.
|
>> Absolutely. Get it booked in for a Lanoguard-ing.
>>
I thought that was a DIY application?
Anyway, no. 3 child sold his Mk 2 MX5 yesterday for £200 less than he paid for it a couple of years ago, despite it having only 3 months left on the MOT, a cracked engine block, leaky roof, and ... rust!
|
|
And talking of MX5s, I saw a (new shape) Fiat 124 Spider on the M25 near the M4 yesterday with a perfect number plate: MX05 NOT
|
>> >> The wife of a friend is about to pick up an MX5 with golfing
>> hard
>> >> top. The 2.0 version. Not new, but almost.
>> >> No idea what colour or spec but think they get good reviews.
>> >>
>> She should have it rust proofed as soon as she gets it.
Absolutely. Mine is 8 years old with zero rust, granted I don't take it on salty roads.
The underside was pristine when I got it and MX5restorer only changed me about £400 8 years ago to put clear Bilt Hamber wax on it. It has done its job.
|
|
Sad to hear. The MX5 brought much joy to many many people across the globe, including those of us who made money from flogging them. Aside from rusting like a 70’s Alfa Romeo, they were dependable things, you’d rarely ever see one coming back to bite you. Best gear change I’ve ever experienced, it’s like a rifle bolt. Everyone should have a shot in one, if you can fit in it.
Last edited by: SLO76 on Wed 1 Oct 25 at 15:34
|
They weren't that bad for rust. Hard to find a Mk2 without serious rust but they are 20 years or more old now. But there are few mainly early Mk4's that are brown underneath, and certainly some Mk3's. But even the Mk3's are all 10+ years old now.
My Mk4 is a 2017, bought nearly new. Now and again I look at Autotrader to see what else I could have. There are really no substitutes if one must have a RWD convertible with a proper manual box and no turbo/supercharger. A Boxster would be the obvious choice but it would be 10 years old+ for similar money, and I really don't care about horsepower beyond what my 1.5 has. And when I get in and drive it for the first time in a few weeks I remember why I like it so much.
Now if the Alpine A110 had a proper unblown engine, a soft top, and a manual gearbox instead of a DCT, I'd write the cheque. But they won't do it.
|
I really fancy a basic 1.5 Mk IV, the lack of outright power enhances the b road antics as far as I’m concerned. It means you can drive it at its limit more often. In my neck of the woods however the previous generations are proving to be rot boxes sadly, even the Mk III’s are no better. I live in hope that they’ve made more of an effort with the Mk IV and that they’ll survive more Ayrshire winters than their older brothers.
Still doesn’t stop me wanting one though.
|
“ Now if the Alpine A110 had a proper unblown engine, a soft top, and a manual gearbox instead of a DCT, I'd write the cheque. But they won't do it.”
Agree. Less money, less power and less tech and they’d sell. Lovely looking wee things.
|
Mazda - MX5 -Tom Motano - Father of the Mazda MX5 dies - Falkirk Bairn
