Description
Alas, the result of spending 6 months completely alone within the 4 neon covered walls of my low-lit shop watching the seasons change around me all while putting in well over 4,000+ hours into the car that's directly responsible for everything & everyone I know and love today; and I've never been so proud of something before in my life. This is the catalyst.
I've owned this car for almost 12 years, my first car, and for 8 of those 12 years I've dreamt about this very moment. I've watched the inner workings of this car change before my eyes with nothing but my own two hands, learning things the hard way, and doing it all on jack stands.
While I was nearing the final 15% of the restoration (just when I thought the project couldn't get anymore meaningful + emotional for me) I found out that the late Tom Matano passed away on September, 20, 2025. While Tom is most commonly known for creating the NA Miata, I'd like to make a point of stating that Tom Matano was also unknowingly directly responsible for my success.
I'll spare you the textbook explanation as to why, but to summarize it quickly: Without my Miata, the people I've met, places I've been, past relationships, knowledge I've earned, and the 10yrs+ visual representation of my life would never exist. Thank you Tom Matano; ALWAYS inspired.
I'd also like to extend my thanks to Ben Bethard, and the rest of the team at Safford Mazda, for allowing me the opportunity of a lifetime to display the car 20ft in the air inside the Mazda showroom for all to appreciate. It truly does not get better than this for me.
I really could write an entire article about how I feel in this moment, and all the people I'd like to thank for helping make my dream come true, but I'll stop while I'm ahead. I hope you all enjoyed this series as it has been, simply put, the most important thing I've ever created in my entire life.
Thank you so much for the support, until next time,
One Love.
-Aidan.
Use code "AIDANMT" for 10% off the entire Griots Garage site!
www.GriotsGarage.com
00:00-00:25 Introduction
00:26-03:41 Hardline + Fuel Tank
03:42-07:30 Wiring Harness + Interior
07:31-12:20 Engine + Subframes
12:21-14:06 Cooling System
14:07-14:51 First Start Sequence
14:52-18:17 Body Panel Install
18:18-21:22 Grand Finale
21:23-22:25 Credits