If you own a Route 66 business that needs an eye-catching boost, the folks behind the “American Giants” documentary series are auctioning a 20-foot-tall Muffler Man.
The fiberglass giant offered for sale is a Mr. Bendo / Paul Bunyon model. The online auction ends July 17.
“American Giants” host Joel Baker said in an email “we hope we find him a good home where more people can enjoy him.”
More about the Muffler Man and the auction:
He is one of three Muffler Men made for Ralphs Muffler in Indianapolis and stands over 20 feet tall and weighs around 380 pounds. We have decided to do an eBay style auction on him using this webpage. […] To bid simply email us and tell us your bid and give us a bidding name you want to use (username). We will update this page daily as the bids come in. You may bid as often as you wish. The auction will be over on the end date or when 30 minutes have elapsed between bids on that date starting at 5:00 PM. The winner will be announced and American Giants will negotiate purchase with the winner. American Giants may possibly deliver for an additional fee. Giant does separate into 11 foot sections, 5 pieces total.Bid to: info(at)usagiants(dot)com
The auction reserve has been met.
The former owner of this particular Muffler Man, fabricated from molds of other fiberglass giants in the 1960s, kept it indoors for many years because the city would not let him erect them. Baker said the giant also was made better, with more fiberglass layers than the originals.
View many of Baker’s “American Giants” episodes on his YouTube channel. Several videos took place on Route 66.
Prewitt Fiberglass of Venice, California, made many Muffler Men from about 1962 to 1976. Dozens of Muffler Men still stand across the country. Roadside America posted a comprehensive guide to Muffler Men, including a map to all the surviving ones.
(Image of the Muffler Man for sale via the American Giants website)