mod@tech

Tom Matano, the man credited for being the father of the Mazda Miata, passed away on September 20 at the age of 77. His career in automotive design helped shape some of the industry’s most iconic machines—not just at Mazda, but also at General Motors, BMW, and Volvo.

Matano’s design for the Miata was an undisputed home run, and that car will forever hold its place in automotive history: the first-generation “NA” chassis MX-5 sold nearly 230,000 examples in the United States alone between 1989-97. In 2000, the Guinness Book of World Records named the Miata as the best-selling two-seat sports car in history. The MX-5 has since evolved through three subsequent generations and still holds a key place in the Mazda lineup today. It was thanks to Matano’s influence that the brand’s “Zoom-Zoom” slogan took deeper meaning. After all, the Miata was—and is—all about the joy of driving.

Matano was born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1947 and graduated from Seikei University. He worked on many enthusiast-favorite Mazdas, including the “FD” RX-7, MX-6, and MX-3. His career at Mazda first started in 1983 when he became Chief Designer for the North American operations. Subsequent roles included Executive Vice President of Western Operations and General Manager of Mazda design. Following retirement in 2002, he remained active in the automotive community. One of his roles was serving as the Executive Director for the School of Industrial Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He also frequently appeared at enthusiast events, including an appearance at the Japanese Classic Car Show in 2024.

This video of an interview with Matano at the New York Auto Show in 2014 captures his charismatic personality. He said, “We tap into the relationship between a car and a driver.” He also said, “I knew this would be a success, but never thought of this continued passion of the people. I’m still amazed at the smile on their faces. That’s the moment I love most.”

Matano will surely still enjoy seeing the smiles on people’s faces for the years and decades to come. The world has lost an automotive legend, but his memory will live on among sports car enthusiasts indefinitely.

Right now on AutoHunter, you can find this 40,123-mile 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Convertible, which is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 connected to a Ram Air Induction System and a four-speed automatic. Finished in Arctic White with a black power convertible top over an Ebony Prado leather interior, this final-year Trans Am is now offered by the selling dealer in Montana with a three-piece tonneau cover and its storage bag, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

The Arctic White exterior features fog lamps, pop-up headlights, hood scoops for the Ram Air Induction System, power mirrors with body-color caps, power-operated black soft top with a heated glass rear window, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust outlets.

All that power under the aggressive-looking hood reaches the pavement through a set of polished 17 x 9-inch cast aluminum wheels and 275/40 Toyo Extensa HP II tires.

The cockpit is furnished with Ebony Prado leather seating with perforated inserts for the power-adjustable front buckets. Other features include power locks and windows, cruise control, tilt steering column, audio controls on the steering wheel, air conditioning, Monsoon AM/FM/CD sound system with trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer, and center console.

Instrumentation consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and temperature, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel gauges. The digital odometer shows 40,123 miles, a figure slightly above the CARFAX report’s latest reading of 39,195 miles from July 2025.

Under the hood is a Ram Air-fed LS1 5.7-liter V8 that was factory-rated at 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic and a 3.23:1 rear end deliver that output to the road.

The WS6 Performance and Handling Package adds specially tuned suspension hardware, which works in conjunction with the four-wheel anti-lock power disc brakes to keep this Trans Am’s rubber on the road.

If you want this this 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Convertible to be on the road to your house, bid on it now. The auction ends on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Hopped-up roadsters from the 1930s are standout symbols American hot-rodding culture. And nothing says “hot rod” like a flame-inspired paint scheme. The Pick of the Day is a 1933 Ford Roadster listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Casa Grande, Arizona.

The listing begins, “Fabricated by the best craftsmen in the business, this roadster is a masterpiece. Roy Brizio built the chassis and is responsible for the gorgeous body, three-piece hood, louvers, and extensive aluminum work.”

People have been painting flames on cars for upwards of 90 years—originally incorporating them as references to racing engines and, later, inspired from World War I and World War II aircraft. By the 1940s and 1950s, the trend had gained widespread popularity. Even today, flames are used in many custom builds, and they can range in design from traditional flames to “ghost” flames (only visible in certain angle/lighting perspectives), tribal flames, and flame-themed pinstripes.

This car has the right kind of powertrain to back up its spicy exterior. Power under the hood comes from a 383ci stroker V8 that has been upgraded with an MSD ignition system and Ron Francis wiring. The car has reportedly accrued 1,900 miles since completion, but the engine bay and undercarriage look brand-new in the images. The seller says, “Engine bay and undercarriage painted to match with polished and chrome brightwork.”

Exterior features for the custom build are based around a 123-inch Brizio chassis with a Gibbons body, and noteworthy characteristics include a Duvall two-piece windshield, three-piece hood, rear-hinged doors, and louvers throughout. Since it was designed as a fair-weather car, it does not have a retractable top, but it does offer plenty of amenities as a parade cruiser or a show/weekend ride.  The passenger compartment features tan leather heated seats, wool carpet, billet dash panel, and full gauges including a column-mounted tachometer.

“This is the epitome of hot rods—guaranteed to draw a crowd and bring home top awards at every show and rod run,” the listing says. The car’s license plate, FLAME33, sums it up well. If you have ever wanted to own a hot rod that will heat up your love for classic American roadsters, this 1933 Ford’s engine is ready to rumble.  

The asking price is $58,000.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

My family has ancestral roots in Switzerland. More specifically, my great-great-great grandfather, Christian Hugi (modified spelling) was born on November 19, 1842, in Bern. He and his wife Margaret moved to the United States in 1879 and made their home in Utah. He passed away in 1922 at age 79 in the city of Logan, where I was born about 60 years later.

My dad is not typically one to travel internationally, but he was interested in the idea of visiting our “homeland,” so to speak. A few of us packed our bags and headed to Europe to explore in early September. In addition to seeing all the grandeur of Lake Geneva, the Matterhorn, and Zurich, we feasted our eyes on the diverse—and sometimes downright odd—cars that were seen roaming the streets. Spoiler alert: it was station-wagons galore!

Cute little EV Honda

I convinced my family to make a pit-stop at a Honda dealership in Bern, and the first vehicle that caught my eye there was a Honda “e”. The e was never sold in the United States, but it was offered in Europe until just a year or two ago. Classified as a “supermini,” it had design language that looked a little bit like the first-generation, five-door, Honda Civic hatchback.

Power for the e came from a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery paired with an electric motor, with Honda rating it at a 220-kilometer (137-mile) range. The e was rear-wheel drive—something unique for a Honda. Perhaps the e’s most distinctive feature (to me anyway) was its camera-based side mirrors. Instead of traditional mirrors, the car featured screens that were fed information from a small camera mounted on each door. It was an odd setup for sure, but it did provide benefits in improving aerodynamics and minimizing wind noise.

In addition to the e, we saw other unfamiliar Honda models, including the e:Ny1 and the ZR-V. Otherwise, the dealership looked just about like any U.S. dealership, complete with a customer lounge, brochure display, paint color samples, and other promotional swag. 

Non-U.S. brands abound

During our several days of driving our rental Audi A6 station wagon, we noticed brands like Cupra (owned by Seat), Opel, Peugeot, Renault, and Skoda. We saw just one Ford truck—a Raptor—an occasional Mustang, and several Jeep Grand Cherokees. But the vast majority of vehicles in Switzerland were European-built and have never left the continent.

It will be interesting to see how the marketplace for cars evolves in the United States in the coming years. For urban city-dwellers who need an easy-to-park compact, something like the Honda e might have done well. Perhaps Honda will rework the formula and send one our way!

Back when I lived in Austin, Texas, I went to several restaurants and breweries that not only welcomed the four-legged friends of its patrons, but also supplied water bowls for them. Local trails were filled with pooches on leashes walking a few feet ahead of their human parents. I’m sure that if I asked, one of those people would have told me that the only catch to traveling with dogs is that whatever the dog has been in contact with winds up on their vehicle’s upholstery and carpeting. Bentley seems to be aware of this, which would explain its new Pet Accessory Range for the Bentayga.

According to Bentley, nearly one in three of its clients travel regularly with their pets (including Alexander Kraft, the CEO and owner of Sotheby’s International Realty France—Monaco). The Pet Accessory Range’s all-weather floor and cargo area mats keep the carpeting from soaking up the water and mud dogs may drag in after outdoor adventures. For those who let their dogs ride on the rear seats of their Bentayga, the Pet Accessory Range offers Tailored Rear Seat Protection Covers and Seat Extenders with Quilted Door Cards designed to keep the precious leather free of claw marks. If humans happen to ride back there, they can still buckle themselves and children in thanks to cut-outs for the seat belts and Isofix points. The front- and rear-facing Bentley Dual Drive Vision cameras record journeys and keep an eye on the interior while the Bentayga is barked . . . er, parked.

Like the all-weather floor mats, the padded and waterproof Quilted Load Space Liner with integrated Bumper Protector keeps the rear end of the Bentayga clean and scratch-free. The Bespoke Dog Guard and Moveable Luggage Divider allow Bentayga drivers to carry “Man’s best friend” and suitcases in the rear cargo area.

Perhaps in the future, the artisans in Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division will offer a built-in vacuum with a leather-wrapped hose for sucking up stray dog hairs, or a removable crystal container for dog biscuits.

Jaguar automobiles are known for their distinctive packaging, performance powertrains, and luxurious amenities. One of the brand’s popular recent models was the XE. Featured on AutoHunter is this 2018 Jaguar XE 25T Prestige AWD Sedan. It is being sold by a dealer in Cicero, Indiana, and the auction will end Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

The XE, known among some enthusiasts as model code X760, was a compact executive saloon marketed by Jaguar from model years 2016-24 as a successor to the popular X-Type. It was known for its athletic handling and stylish design: Car and Driver said, “The XE earns its premium cred when it’s pushed on curvy roads. Its balanced chassis and sharp handling are standout features. Its quick and well-weighted steering live up to its sports-sedan billing, making the car feel lively and providing some feel of the road below.” Depending on options, the XE’s retail price could range widely from about $39,220 all the way up to $60,645.

This car’s handsome Narvik Black over Ebony color combination adds to its executive look, and the cabin’s creature comforts deliver luxury in all the right ways. Included on the equipment list are a touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth audio, power moonroof, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and rotary-style automatic shifter. The all-weather floor mats are a nicety for daily-driving convenience.

Under the car’s hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter “Ingenium” DOHC inline-four that was rated by the manufacturer at 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system work in tandem to send power to all four corners. Grip comes from a set of 225/40 Michelin tires wrapped around 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels.

Looking at the supporting documentation, the CARFAX report classifies the XE as accident-free and damage-free. It was first offered for sale in August 2017 from Jaguar of Fairfield, Connecticut, and was serviced there a number of times over the years. According to the report, the most recent service was performed at Brewster Subaru in New York in February. A New York safety and emissions inspection was performed in March 2024. The current odometer reading is 78,196 miles, in alignment with the CARFAX’s chronological history.

The XE comes with all the luxury and tech one would expect from a premium brand, not to mention sprightly performance from a turbocharged powertrain. Here’s your chance to own a well-maintained example for a fraction of its original retail price!

The auction for this 2018 Jaguar XE 25T Prestige AWD Sedan ends Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

Nineteen sixty-three was an especially important model year for Ford. Sure, it was a year before the introduction of the Mustang, but there was a lot of action in Dearborn as the Total Performance racing program was getting under way. To support this program, Ford introduced several special updates in the middle of the model year, with our Pick of the Day being the dark horse of the bunch. This 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint convertible is currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Prosperity, South Carolina.

The most famous mid-year addition was the 427 V8. As a replacement for the 406, the 427 also was offered with single and multiple carburetion. Both engines had a single four-barrel version, but the step-up 406 featured a tri-carb induction system, while the 427 featured dual quads.

Ford showcased this engine in another mid-year item: the Sports Hardtop. Before this moment, Ford hardtops featured a Thunderbird-inspired roofline. It imparted a prestigious image, but it was hardly sleek, and sleek was the name of the game when it came to NASCAR. The new roofline, available in both Galaxie 500 and Galaxie 500/XL series, was advertised as having a “true convertible lilt” as it resembled the convertible with the top up.

While the mid-size Fairlane continued to utilize the older formal roof, there was a noteworthy addition under the hood: the 289 small-block. Of special note was the introduction of the 289 High-Performance, a solid-lifter V8 that would make the Shelby Cobra famous (and was available mid-year—there’s that word again—for the Mustang in the summer of ’64).

The lowly Falcon also bore the fruits of Ford’s mid-year updates. First was the introduction of the first Falcon hardtop: Falcon Futura, buckets-and-console Falcon Futura Sports Coupe, and Falcon Sprint. All had a slick roofline similar to the Galaxie’s, though it did not quite resemble a raised convertible top.

Ford also introduced the first V8 for the Falcon; the all-new Sprint was built with it standard. It was considered a “new kind of Falcon … loaded with spirit to match its elegant interior.” Standard was a 164-horsepower Sprint 260 V8 and simulated wire wheel covers “plus many other sports car trimmings,” such as a three-spoke steering wheel and a tachometer. Also available as a convertible, the Sprint could be characterized as a proto-Mustang wearing different duds.

This Viking Blue 1963½ Ford Falcon Sprint convertible is one of 4,602 built and features only 85,000 miles on the clock. Spec’d out with an automatic transmission and power steering, this is a sporty cruiser that exploits the ingredients that would eventually lead to the creation of the pony car segment. “Car was purchased from the original owner in Huntington Beach, California in 2001. Same owner since,” says the seller. “It has a great, hit-free rust-free body.” Even the original Sprint exhaust is intact!

There were a host of compacts in the early 1960s equipped with bucket seats, a console, and tons of sporting flavor. All of them were steps in the direction of what we’d learn to love as pony cars, but only one can claim authentic lineage to the Mustang: this car. For $35,000, you can prance in Total Performance splendor.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com