Icons of the Highway: Muffler Men, "My Mother the Car," and the Enduring Legacy of Porter Mufflers

The 1960s were a golden era for American car culture—an age of chrome, horsepower, and personality. From quirky TV shows to towering fiberglass giants on the roadside, the car was not just transportation; it was a statement. And in the heart of it all, Porter Mufflers stood as a symbol of performance and custom style.

The Rise of Muffler Men and Automotive Spectacle

During this mid-century boom, massive roadside figures known as “Muffler Men” began appearing across America. These towering fiberglass statues—often 18 to 25 feet tall—were commissioned by auto shops and muffler stores to catch the attention of passing drivers. Many held giant mufflers in their hands, making them literal icons of the exhaust industry.

Created primarily by International Fiberglass, these statues embodied the flamboyant marketing style of the era. They weren’t just advertising; they were landmarks, representing the passion Americans had for their vehicles and the services that made them better, louder, and faster.

Though Porter Mufflers wasn’t directly tied to these fiberglass giants, the cultural wave they represented undeniably elevated the aftermarket muffler scene. Custom car builders and hot rod enthusiasts—drawn in by the roar and rumble symbolized by the Muffler Men—sought out brands like Porter Mufflers to give their rides a signature sound and retro authenticity.

Today, Porter Mufflers continues to echo that spirit of bold individuality — just like those fiberglass legends once did on Route 66. Except Porter Mufflers, utilizes a better, long lasting material — Steel Packing

“My Mother the Car”: A Bizarre Tribute to the Porter Name

In 1965, television added another quirky chapter to the Porter name with the debut of My Mother the Car. The show, starring Jerry Van Dyke, followed a man whose deceased mother is reincarnated as a vintage vehicle—a fictional 1928 Porter Touring Car.

While the car was actually a heavily modified 1925 Ford Model T with a Chevrolet engine, its identity as a “Porter” added a peculiar kind of pop culture legacy to the name. With features like a wicker trunk and the voice of Ann Sothern as the car itself, the vehicle became a cult icon of its own.

Although My Mother the Car was short-lived, the Porter name resonated with viewers and car enthusiasts alike. It reflected a broader cultural recognition of the Porter Muffler brand— even if indirectly — and hinted at the nostalgia and affection tied to custom and classic cars.

Porter Mufflers: A Sound from the Past, Built for the Present

Whether it was a fiberglass statue on the roadside or a talking car on prime-time TV, the 1960s celebrated cars with character. Porter Mufflers—known for their deep, mellow tone and handcrafted steel-pack design—have long appealed to drivers seeking both performance and personality.

As a true legacy brand with roots in the early days of hot rodding, Porter Mufflers remains a part of this rich automotive heritage. Our products aren’t just built to perform—they’re built to resonate with the history, heart, and horsepower that defined an era.

Why Porter Mufflers Still Matter Today

• Authentic retro sound: Nothing else sounds quite like a steel-packed Porter Muffler.

• American craftsmanship: Built with pride for custom builders, restorers, and vintage enthusiasts.

• Culturally iconic: Linked to the same mid-century passion that brought us Muffler Men and car-centric TV shows.