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Carson, California: Muffler Man: Race Car Driver

Towering fiberglass statue made in the 1960s to promote roadside businesses. Stood at the Dominguez Hills Golf Course; reborn in 2013 as a Porsche Motorsport racer holding a checkered flag. His fireproof suit was stitched by hand in France.

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Racer Muffler Man.

Muffler Man

When earth moving equipment started scraping dirt all around the golf-club-wielding Muffler Man in Carson, people began to worry. The giant golfer had stood next to the 405 Freeway for decades, beckoning weary commuters to enjoy a brief round of Executive Golf to soothe the frustration of their daily grind. And then it happened: he disappeared. But we did not lose this Muffler Man. It turns out that Porsche, owners of the land, were developing it as the new home of Porsche Motorsports North America and a Porsche Experience Driving Center.

They created a new version of the Muffler Man, the Porsche Motorsports Racer Man, outfitted in an authentic Stand 21 Driving Suit, holding a checkered flag! Since the Germans are known for their sense of humor this should have been no surprise, but we really have to celebrate Porsche for this gift to the world. I love it even more because they properly refer to the statue as a Muffler Man, and apparently did research on RoadsideAmerica.com for more information.

Bravo Porsche! Everyone who loves Muffler Men needs to show their appreciation by buying a 911 immediately.

[Jim Jordan, 10/24/2013]

Porsche Motorsport racer.

Muffler Man - Porsche Driver

Muffler Man recently transformed into a Porsche race car driver. In Carson, California. Was a golf man.

[Roy Lock, 10/18/2013]

Porsche had a real racing suit stitched for the Muffler Man, zipping it on over his painted-on golfing outfit. The golf club in his hands was replaced by a big checkered flag. It's part of a Porsche-themed attraction that isn't scheduled to open until Fall 2014.

Golf giant.

Muffler Man aka "Golf Guy"

This Muffler Man, converted to a "golf guy," is currently AT RISK! The golf course has been removed and all landscaping, etc. is gone. He remains there alone, on the south side of the 405 freeway, just east of the interchange with the 110 freeway. Can anybody do something to save him?

[Steve Gerdes, 03/30/2013]

The fact that he's still there after everything else was removed suggests that he may not be doomed, just heading elsewhere. The value of Muffler Men is usually recognized (ignoring the recent scrapping of the Pahrump giant). If this one is moved, we'll track him.

Muffler Man/Golf Guy

I am worried about this Muffler Man because the old golf course has been purchased for a different use. Please save the Muffler Man!

[Jim, 01/12/2013]

Muffler Men are surprisingly adaptable; for example, they were never created to hold golf clubs. If the new owners are creative they'll think of a way to tailor their Muffler Man to promote their business. He may have even been one of the reasons why they bought the property!

Muffler Man

This is probably one of very few muffler men that regularly change clothes and paint. He's sported numerous distinct looks and outfits that seem to change very regularly. He's easy to see from the 405 (left when going north and right when going south) a short distance south of the 110.

[Eric J., 05/17/2012]

Muffler Man: Race Car Driver

Porsche Motorsport

Address:
19800 S. Main St., Carson, CA
Directions:
Dominguez Hills Golf Course, 110 South Exit Torrance (1st exit after the 405), left at bottom of ramp, right at the 1st light, head back under freeway, left at dead end to range. West side of 405.
Hours:
Visible as drive-by. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Goodyear Blimp BaseGoodyear Blimp Base, Carson, CA - < 1 mi.
JFK Toilet Bowl MemorialJFK Toilet Bowl Memorial, Torrance, CA - 2 mi.
High School from Buffy and 90210High School from Buffy and 90210, Torrance, CA - 3 mi.
In the region:
The Chandelier Tree, Los Angeles, CA - 18 mi.

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