Muffler men (or muffler man) are large moulded fiberglass sculptures that are placed as advertising icons, roadside attractions or for decorative purp

Muffler man - Wikipedia

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2021-07-22 04:30:07

Muffler men (or muffler man) are large moulded fiberglass sculptures that are placed as advertising icons, roadside attractions or for decorative purposes, predominantly in the United States. Standing approximately 18–25 feet 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.

International Fiberglass of Venice, California constructed most Muffler Men. 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.[3]

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[4][5] and the July 2012 issue of AAA New Mexico Journey devoted its front cover to their 50th anniversary.