Carrie Steinweg, a correspondent for The Times in Munster, Ind., has an excellent overview of the significance and history of Muffler Men — the fiberglass giants that were (and still are) used by businesses to get the attention of potential customers.
Many of the statues were purchased by muffler shops — hence, the Muffler Man nickname.
Steinweg can credit a roadie for her obsession:
My fascination with the statues began about eight years ago when I sat in on an historical society presentation by John Weiss, an expert on the Illinois section of Route 66, which began in Chicago and extended to California.
He pointed out what he called the “four giants” that resided along the original Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis.
The Muffler Men were made by Prewitt Fiberglass of Venice, Calif., from about 1962 to 1976. Although the molds were destroyed, there are still dozens of Muffler Men across the country.
Roadside America also has a comprehensive guide to the known Muffler Men across the country.
I call them “giant guys,” and I love them, too!