German grandiosity, at one point, would have been the cause of some serious political concern. The American equivalent, perhaps the cause for some serious gastrointestinal concern. However, combining the two appears to produce neither of these and creates something rather exciting for Porsche enthusiasts in the United States. Porsche North America recently unveiled their remodeling of one massive fiberglass figure in Carson, California to welcome visitors to a very special Porsche Experience Center.
These statues, known as ‘Muffler Men’, are placed along freeways throughout America acting as imposing advertisements and roadside attractions. Inexpensive shipping and manufacturing methods in the 1960’s saw the proliferation of the Muffler Man, standing proudly from sea to shining sea, brandishing everything from axes to golf clubs to, of course, mufflers. Yet regardless of their marketing agenda they serve one simple purpose, to act as a reminder of America’s love affair with driving. Seeing one of these looming figures on a hot stretch of Route-66 tarmac during a family road trip no doubt cemented the nostalgia of driving in the minds of many. The Porsche version of this statue must be the purest version of this idea, sporting a racing suit and checkered flag.
There is little doubt that the Porsche Muffler Man will be greeting significantly more impressive machines than any of his fiberglass brethren. He will look over a 53-acre facility that will host customer track events, provide testing grounds for both Porsche road cars and race cars, and provide factory-supported classic car restoration. If I were ever jealous of a 25-foot tall, inanimate object, I think now would be that time.
Porsche Muffler Man Photo Gallery
About the author: Michael Stone is a small business owner in Toronto and a lover of technology, philosophy, and (most) things automotive. You can follow him on Facebook or his website at www.mistastone.com.
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Haha. Wow. It's amazing how advertising has changed. Today it's a Facebook post, 50 years ago it was giant fiberglass statues along the highway.