Muffler men are large molded fiberglass sculptures that are placed as advertising icons, roadside attractions, or for decorative purposes, predominantly in the United States. Standing approximately 18–25 ft (5.5–7.6 m) tall,[1] the first figure was a Paul Bunyan character designed to hold an axe.[2] Derivatives of that figure were widely used to hold full-sized car mufflers, tires, or other items promoting various roadside businesses.[3]
International Fiberglass of Venice, California constructed most Muffler Men.[3] While the fiberglass figures are no longer manufactured, many still exist throughout a number of states across the United States with some also in Canada. At least four remain on U.S. Route 66, including Chicken Boy and Gemini Giant.[4]
Muffler Men have made appearances as characters in the comic strip "Zippy the Pinhead" by Bill Griffith, often in conversation with Zippy. Two books have been devoted to the distinctive roadside figures[5][6] and the July 2012 issue of AAA New Mexico Journey devoted its front cover to their 50th anniversary.
- ^ Slatta, Richard W (2001). The Mythical West: An Encyclopaedia of Legend, Lore, and Popular Culture. ISBN 9781576071519.
- ^ Roadside America. "Origin of the Species", Roadside America website, 1999. Accessed September 15, 2009.
- ^ a b Adams, Kathy (August 13, 2023). "A Retro Scavenger Hunt Is Rekindling Road Trips Across America". Atlas Obscura: Stories. Atlas Obscura. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
- ^ Gnerre, Sam (October 19, 2013). "Golf Man becomes Porsche Man in Carson". South Bay History. South Bay Daily Breeze. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
- ^ Butko, Brian; Butko, Sarah (October 10, 2005). Roadside Giants. ISBN 9780811732284.
- ^ Aldaz, Gabriel (April 2010). Right Palm Up, Left Palm Down: The Log of a Cross-Country Scavenger Hunt. ISBN 9780970340771.