Jiro Yamada, Renowned Automotive Illustrator, Passes Away

Jiro Yamada, a Japanese illustrator known for his detailed cutaway drawings of cars and machinery, passed away in August at the age of 65 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Yamada's work appeared in various publications, including automaker brochures, technical manuals, and enthusiast magazines.

He also illustrated the official guide for the original Gran Turismo video game in 1998. Yamada's subjects ranged from family sedans to racing legends and other machines. He was known for his precise and painstaking process, which involved research, planning, and steady hands. Yamada switched to digital tools in 2000, but his artistry remained consistent.

Before his death, he entrusted the Cinquecento Museum in Nagoya to preserve and sell reproductions of his work. Yamada's legacy continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.