Golf Man (Rem.)
Carson, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Check out the Golf Man in Carson, dressed for a round that apparently never required leaving his post. Holding an oversized club, this familiar giant watched over the Dominguez Hills Golf Course and generations of motorists passing along the 405.
Before his freeway assignment, the figure reportedly advertised a Carson golf equipment store. He later stood near the back of the driving range, where golfers used him as a target. Moving closer to the freeway probably seemed like a welcome promotion.
The course closed on April 1, 2012, making way for the Porsche Experience Center. Fortunately, the giant wasn't included in the clearance.
UPDATE: Golf Man survived with a new occupation and wardrobe. Repainted as a racing driver and given a checkered flag, he became the Porsche center’s roadside representative. Different sport, same familiar face above the traffic. 10-26
Sergio
East Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
With a shirt like that, Sergio could almost audition as the checkered flag at California Speedway. This Eastside giant certainly knows how to dress for roadside attention, standing with his arms extended beside North Mission Road.
Sergio is a fiberglass Muffler Man, rather than a figure assembled from exhaust parts. His name came from a former business owner, continuing a local identity that lasted through changes at the automotive property.
At Cortés Auto Glass Repair near Gallardo Street, employees even arranged their break area around his feet. Quite a setting for lunch, with a giant coworker who never asks for a chair.
UPDATE: A 2024 profile documented Sergio still standing in Boyle Heights with a fresh paint job. His checkered shirt remained, though the repaint covered the little “Sergio” name previously written on his chest. Another longtime roadside resident keeping up appearances. 10-26
Tony from East L.A. (Gone)
East Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here’s Tony from East L.A. back in his upright position. That wasn't always the case, as earlier views caught this friendly giant taking a rather extended rest. Good to see him standing tall again. Even a roadside salesman deserves an occasional break.
Tony belongs to the service-station-attendant branch of the Muffler Man family, recognizable by his small cap and bow tie. His outfit gives him a different appearance from the bearded lumberjacks found outside many other businesses. A little more dressed for greeting customers than heading into the woods.
Over the years, he accompanied Tony’s Transmissions through moves around East Los Angeles and City Terrace. A 2010 report placed him at the shop’s new City Terrace Drive location, demonstrating that moving a business could also involve finding transportation for its oversized employee.
Tony from East L.A.
East Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
At one location, Tony even held a car. Quite a handful, though it left little doubt about the services offered below. Between the outfit, the enormous hands, and his changing addresses, this fellow had more going on than the average automotive sign.
UPDATE: Tony was reported sold to a buyer in Lancaster in August 2023, ending his longtime Eastside assignment. These photographs recall both his standing days and the earlier spell when he appeared to be sleeping on the job. Hopefully the next assignment includes plenty of standing room. 10-26
Van Nuys Man
Van Nuys, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here’s a big fellow with a grin that suggests he knows something about the traffic below. The Van Nuys Man, also known as Kevin, stands above Sherman Way just east of Sepulveda Boulevard. Apparently, watching cars all day hasn't worn out his welcome.
This roughly 20-foot fiberglass giant comes from the original generation of 1960s Muffler Men. He previously worked at a nearby tire business, where he held two tires. Later automotive assignments kept him in the neighborhood, even when his hands were empty. Tires, repairs, or smog checks, there was usually something for a giant to advertise.
Van Nuys Man
Van Nuys, CA Photo courtesy Adriene Biondo
His face has changed along the way. When new owners arrived at the shop in 2001, his molded beard was painted flesh-colored while the dark mustache remained. A rather unusual shave, though it helped give Kevin his distinctive appearance. Look closely and the lumberjack ancestry is still there beneath the paint.
Perched above the property, he has a clear advantage over the lettering closer to street level. Businesses and paint schemes can change, but a familiar giant helps motorists remember the place. For roadside photographers, the empty hands hardly diminish the attraction.
UPDATE: The Van Nuys Man now has a new look! After shaving off his
beard and with hair neatly groomed, this guys looks ready to hit the town. 07-01
UPDATE: Kevin remains a Van Nuys roadside landmark at 15237 Sherman Way and was included in a 2025 neighborhood landmark nomination list. Good to see this familiar Valley face still above the boulevard, keeping an eye on another generation of passing cars. 10-26
Midas Man (Gone)
Whittier, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A true muffler man, the Midas Man in Whittier was in a league of his own when it came to outfits. Sporting a crown and carrying a muffler, this rooftop resident gave the automotive shop a little royal treatment. Apparently, even a king could find steady work in the exhaust business.
Known as King Midas, the figure belonged to the service-station-attendant family of fiberglass advertising characters. His crown connected the shop’s name with a salesman motorists could recognize from the street. No need for a throne when there was a perfectly good rooftop available.
He appeared smaller than some of Southern California’s towering roadside men, but his elevated position helped make up the difference. The muffler supplied the sales pitch, while the costume gave customers something to remember beyond the usual service-bay lettering.
Midas Man (Removed)
Whittier, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Unlike a conventional sign, this fellow also gave the property a character of its own. A visit for automotive work came with a king overhead, patiently carrying the merchandise through the Southern California sunshine.
UPDATE: The Midas Man no longer graces the
rooftop of the Midas shop. 07-03
UPDATE: The Midas Man has now turned up intact
in a yard in Unger, WV. Many thanks to George Pulley
for update. 03-05
UPDATE: King Midas left Whittier after a change of shop ownership and joined George and Pam Farnham’s collection of giant figures in Unger, West Virginia. Removed from his old rooftop, but fortunately given another home among some oversized company. Quite a move for a fellow who once spent his working days overlooking Whittier traffic. 10-26
Golf Man (Rem.)
Sergio
Tony from East L.A. (Gone)
Tony from East L.A.
Van Nuys Man
Midas Man (Gone)
Midas Man (Removed)
