I remember reading somewhere that a white guy designed Classics Bumblebee and Mirage, and did some googling and found this article:
http://pingmag.jp/2007/06/29/transformers/
I think it was answer most of your questions TFtoys.
Sadly I think he only designed BB, Mirage and something for the '07 movie. I can't see to find any more design info about him and assume he isn't with TakTom anymore.
Also, Mirage is such a awesome toy and one of the few Classics that are still on the shelf and not in storage.