When people think of roadside giants, the first image that often comes to mind is the classic “Muffler Man” — those towering fiberglass figures that once advertised muffler shops, gas stations, and burger joints. But did you know there’s also a female counterpart? Known as the Uniroyal Gals, these statues are rare roadside attractions, Only about 10 orginial left, that add a unique twist to the history of America’s fiberglass giants.

The Uniroyal Gal was created in the 1960s by International Fiberglass, the same California company behind the Muffler Men. She was originally commissioned by Uniroyal Tires as a promotional figure to stand outside dealerships. Standing about 19 feet tall, she was built with a hand-on-hip stance and designed to draw just as much attention as her male counterparts.

Unlike the burly Muffler Men, who came in versions like the lumberjack, cowboy, or gas station attendant, the Uniroyal Gal was styled more like a “fashion model” of the time. Her look was distinctly feminine, but still had that same fiberglass stiffness and towering presence.

Just like the Muffler Men could be customized with different heads, outfits, and props, the Uniroyal Gal also went through makeovers. Some versions wore dresses, while others sported shorts and a top. Tire dealers would sometimes add a Uniroyal tire prop or change her clothing colors to match the business brand.

Over the years, many of these statues were retired, repainted, or lost. A few, however, survived — and they’ve become prized roadside oddities for travelers and retro enthusiasts.

Over the years, many of the original Uniroyal Gals disappeared, but some have survived — and a few new custom-built versions have joined them. I’ve searched through roadside history records, collector reports, and enthusiast sightings, and I’ve been able to track down 14 original Uniroyal Gals along with 5 newly custom-built replicas.

The originals were scattered across the country, usually standing outside Uniroyal Tire dealerships or independent shops. Many were later repainted or modified to fit different themes, but their classic hand-on-hip stance makes them easy to recognize. The custom-built Gals, created in more recent years, pay tribute to these fiberglass icons and help keep the tradition alive.

One of the most unique Uniroyal Gals can be found in Blackfoot, Idaho, standing proudly outside Martha’s Cafe. She’s been a Blackfoot resident for decades and has gone through more than one makeover. Once known for “flaunting her wares” in a bikini, the fiberglass waitress was later given a more modest look — complete with a big, sparkling diamond ring on her finger. Today, she’s less pin-up and more hometown waitress, reflecting the character of the family-run diner she represents.

Martha’s Cafe itself is a local institution, known for its hearty, old-fashioned meals and friendly small-town atmosphere. It’s a favorite stop for both locals and road-trippers passing through town. Travelers can grab a bite and then walk a few blocks north to visit the Idaho Potato Museum, making it a perfect quirky roadside combo stop.

Address:
Martha’s Cafe
851 S. Broadway St.
Blackfoot, ID

Directions:
Located downtown, just a few blocks south of the Idaho Potato Museum on S. Broadway Street.

In the tiny desert community of Pearsonville, California, a towering fiberglass woman with a classic blonde flip hairdo still keeps watch over what was once dubbed the “Hubcap Capital of the World.” She isn’t tied to any active business today, but she’s an unforgettable roadside sight just the same.

The Gal stands near the remnants of Pearsonville’s heyday, when hubcaps were collected, sold, and displayed in massive numbers. While the town itself has faded into ghost town status, the giant figure remains — fenced off but still visible as of 2021.

Travelers stopping here will also notice a few curiosities: a large storage tank painted with “Pearsonville,” a small restored park and playground, and the lingering feel of roadside Americana. Though the businesses are long gone, this quirky stop along Highway 395 is still worth a detour — especially for lovers of vintage giants and ghost town charm.

Address:
Pearson Rd., Pearsonville, CA

Directions:
Pearson Road runs parallel to Highway 395 on the east side. The statue stands just north of the Shell station, beside a large tank with “Pearsonville” painted on it.

On the outskirts of El Paso, Texas, a fiberglass giantess with a striking resemblance to 1960s Jackie Kennedy still stands tall against the desert sky. She is one of a small number of identical Uniroyal Gal statues scattered across the U.S., created by International Fiberglass in the late 1960s to promote Uniroyal Tires.

This particular Gal doesn’t advertise a business anymore — instead, she silently watches over an empty field. With her hand-on-hip stance, perfectly coiffed hair, and timeless outfit, she captures the elegance of her era while embodying the quirky roadside charm of fiberglass giants.

Though she’s no longer tied to commerce, she remains a must-see stop for roadside enthusiasts and Route 62 travelers, offering a nostalgic photo op in a setting that feels both lonely and iconic.

Address:
Mager Dr., El Paso, TX

Directions:
Located along Mager Drive between Bernard Lane and La Von Avenue. From Hwy 62/180 (Montana Avenue), take Hwy 659/Zaragosa Road southwest a few blocks to Augusta Drive. Turn left on Bernard Lane, which continues as a dirt road after the pavement ends. At the T intersection, turn right and drive about half a block — the Uniroyal Gal is hard to miss, standing tall near the open field.

Not every Uniroyal Gal’s journey has been straightforward, and few have a story as colorful as Tootsie. Originally, she stood in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, until her owner retired and brought her along to Florida. After his passing, the Gal was inherited by his son, who eventually sold her in 2013 to Tom Edmunds for just $500.

For a while, Tootsie didn’t get much attention. She lay on a transport trailer behind Tom’s sheet metal fabricating shop, her blonde hair and polka-dot bikini fading in the hot Florida sun. In 2015, she was finally put up on display — only to be taken back down two years later when Hurricane Irma threatened the area.

That downtime inspired Tom to reimagine her. Before she went back up, he gave Tootsie a dramatic makeover:

• Her hair was dyed brunette.

• Her new swimsuit was painted in red, white, and blue.

• An ankle bracelet was added with four charms symbolizing the branches of the U.S. military.

• A set of dog tags dangled from her right hand.

• And beneath her, a platform carried the slogan: “Patriotism means standing up for being an American.”

Today, Tootsie proudly stands tall again, a patriotic fiberglass icon representing both her 1960s California roots and her modern Florida rebirth. She’s not just a roadside giant — she’s a tribute to resilience and American pride.

If you’re traveling through Bolton, North Carolina, keep an eye on the roadside — you may just spot a fiberglass wonderland. Known as Grahamland Fiberglass, this unique property is home to more than 250 fiberglass animals and giant figures, making it one of the largest private collections of its kind in the U.S.

Among the dinosaurs, animals, and whimsical creations, you’ll also find three Uniroyal Gals. These were created using molds from an original Gal near Rocky Mount, ensuring they capture the authentic look and feel of the roadside queens from the 1960s.

Many of the figures can be admired from the highway, standing tall against the Carolina sky. However, if you want to get up close for photos and a proper tour, you’ll need to schedule an appointment or pay an entry fee for a self-guided walk through the property.

Address:
Grahamland Fiberglass
24605 US Hwy 74
Bolton, NC

Directions:
Located on US Hwy 74, west of Delco, on the north side of the highway.

Not all Uniroyal Gals stand proudly along highways or in front of businesses. Some end up in more unusual places — like this one in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Here, a blonde fiberglass giantess has been customized with Daisy Duke shorts and a bikini top, giving her a bold, playful look. She serves as the centerpiece of the private Men’s Night Out Club, where she stands behind a security fence on gated property.

Because of the location, she’s not visible from the main road — especially when the trees are in full leaf. Visitors who do catch a glimpse usually consider themselves lucky. Those who’ve managed to photograph her note that she’s been repainted in recent years and is “looking lovely” once again, despite the unusual setting.

Address:
Men’s Night Out
MNO Lane, Rocky Mount, NC

Directions:
From US 64, take the Atlantic Ave./Hwy 97 exit. Drive north one mile, then turn right and continue on Hwy 97 for about 2.5 miles. Turn right onto MNO Lane, across from the Deer Run mobile home park. The club property is gated, and the Gal is not visible from the road when trees are in bloom.

⚠️ Note: This Gal stands on private property, and access is restricted. She is not a public attraction.

Sometimes the best roadside transformations come from a little creativity and a touch of foresight. That’s exactly what happened in Glassboro, New Jersey, when Ed Werbany Jr. decided his family’s Uniroyal Gal needed a new identity.

The fiberglass giantess had stood outside Werbany Tire Town since 1965, when Ed’s father bought her for just $300. Back then, she resembled the familiar “Jackie Kennedy”–style Gal, dressed in a turquoise skirt and green top, and affectionately known to locals as “The Doll.” She always held a tire, making her the perfect roadside advertisement for the family’s business.

By 2007, however, Ed Jr. sensed it was time for a makeover. With superhero movies on the rise and Wonder Woman rumored to return to the big screen, he decided to get ahead of the trend. In July of that year, he hired artists Karen Baxter and Linda M. Shelley to reimagine the 18-foot-tall figure as Nitro Girl — a superhero-inspired roadside icon.

The redesign was clever: bold enough to suggest Supergirl and Wonder Woman while staying original enough to avoid copyright conflicts. Nitro Girl was given:

• Stars in her hair and across her skirt

• Superhero boots and gloves

• A bold W-with-wings logo on her chest

• A stronger, more confident expression

• Her trademark tire — now painted with stars and the Nitro Girl name

The result was a roadside superhero who stood tall above Glassboro, watching over Werbany Tire Town and delighting both locals and road-trippers. Ed Jr.’s instinct paid off — Nitro Girl became a legend in her own right, blending classic roadside Americana with modern pop culture flair.

One of the more unusual Uniroyal Gals you can visit today is JoLean, a classic “Jackie Kennedy”–style fiberglass giantess with a long history of travel and transformation.

She originally stood in Kentucky, before being moved to Ohio, where she spent years lying neglected in a backyard. Purchased at one point for just $150, she might have faded away completely if not for friends of a Michigan business owner who recognized her potential. In 2021, she was fully restored and given a second life as the outdoor mascot of Leelanau County’s first marijuana dispensary.

Today, she stands as the outdoor mascot of Leelanau County’s first marijuana dispensary, right next to the parking lot where visitors can see her up close. Once known for her polka-dot bikini, JoLean has since been redressed in a more conservative skirt and shirt, giving her a fresh, respectable new look while still showing off her vintage fiberglass charm.

As one of the few Uniroyal Gals on public display, JoLean is easy for travelers to visit — and she’s a wonderful example of how these roadside queens can be reimagined for modern times while preserving their historic character.

Among the many fiberglass titans standing on George and Pam Farnham’s property in Unger, West Virginia, one stands out for us: their vintage Uniroyal Gal.

The Farnhams, famous for collecting giants like Muffler Men, Big John, and even a surfer dude, added their Gal to the menagerie in 2008. She joined a growing lineup of fiberglass icons cemented firmly into the West Virginia hills — what George jokingly calls their “lawn ornaments.”

Like the rest of their collection, the Uniroyal Gal isn’t going anywhere. Anchored in concrete and cared for as part of their roadside sanctuary, she represents not just nostalgia but also preservation. While many Gals have been lost or repurposed, the Farnham’s fiberglass queen remains a proud reminder of her 1960s heritage, watching over the two-lane blacktop with a timeless roadside charm.

One of the most enduring Uniroyal Gals is Suzibelle, who has called Omaha, Nebraska home since the 1960s. Like many fiberglass giants, however, her story includes years of being out of sight. For three decades, Suzibelle was kept in storage, away from the public eye.

In 2024, she was finally restored, bringing her back to life as a piece of roadside Americana. Today, Suzibelle isn’t always standing out in the open. Instead, she’s kept in a separate garage — but the owner or manager is known to happily unlock the doors for curious visitors, even encouraging photos.

While she may not tower over a roadside business the way she once did, Suzibelle remains a proud reminder of the fiberglass giant era, her restoration proof that even after decades in hiding, a Uniroyal Gal can shine again.

In the west Texas town of Lamesa, a rare Uniroyal Gal stands proudly with her signature 1960s flip hairdo. Unlike most of her fiberglass sisters, this Gal has been customized to reflect the spirit of the community — she’s dressed as a Golden Tornadoes cheerleader, complete with the team’s two-fisted cartoon twister mascot emblazoned across her chest.

Lamesa might not be a hotbed for tornado activity, but that hasn’t stopped the town from embracing the theme. The local high school sports teams proudly play as the Golden Tornadoes at Golden Tornado Stadium, and their fiberglass cheerleader adds a perfect roadside twist to this hometown pride.

You’ll usually find her facing east, standing on the sidewalk against the brick wall of Franklin and Son Tire Shop. Catching her in the morning sunlight is ideal, as the angle highlights her bright uniform and makes for a memorable photo stop.

Uniroyal Gal – Tornadoes Cheerleader
Franklin and Son Tire Shop
Address:
310 S. Dallas Ave., Lamesa, TX

Directions:
Located on Business US 87 on the south side of downtown Lamesa — about 50 miles north of Big Spring and 60 miles south of Lubbock.

From Florida Backyard to Wonder Woman:

One of the most remarkable stories of the Uniroyal Gals is the figure that once stood in Winter Garden, Florida. By 2016, she was no longer gracing a roadside business — instead, she had been tucked away in a backyard, weathered and worn, a fading reminder of her fiberglass glory days.

In February of 2017, collectors stepped in and gave her a second chance. She was purchased, transported, and began the long journey of restoration. Over the course of a year, layers of age and damage were carefully repaired until the Gal was ready to shine again.

Today, she proudly stands in Dallas, Georgia, at 500 Nathan Dean Boulevard — and she’s sporting a bold new look. This once-forgotten roadside queen has been transformed into Wonder Woman, complete with boots and emblem, giving her an entirely new personality while keeping her fiberglass roots intact.

Even better, she’s not alone. She now stands across the parking lot from another Muffler Man, making this spot a must-see stop for fans of roadside Americana. It’s hard to believe she’s the same figure once hidden away in a Florida backyard — now, she’s reborn as a superhero towering over Georgia travelers.

Address:
500 Nathan Dean Blvd., Dallas, GA

Like many Uniroyal Gals and Muffler Men, this fiberglass giantess has lived more than one life. She began her journey as a classic Gal before taking on a series of makeovers that reflected the places she called home.

For a time, she stood at Huber’s Farm in Kingsville, Maryland, where she was part of the hayride adventure. Families on the tractor ride would pass by her, and to make her even more memorable, the farm actually made real clothes for her to wear — giving her a seasonal, interactive flair.

Later, she moved to Illinois and spent a stint outside the Pink Elephant Antique Mall, a popular roadside stop for those hunting both nostalgia and curiosities. Like the Muffler Men who often change roles from cowboys to gas attendants, she adapted once again to her new surroundings.

Today, she has transformed into Ruby the Pirate at the Pirates of the Mississippi attraction in Batchtown, Illinois. Dressed in swashbuckling style, she now greets visitors with a whole new personality, proving that these fiberglass giants can evolve and stay relevant while still carrying their unique roadside charm.

From farm girl to antique mascot to pirate queen, Ruby shows just how versatile — and resilient — the Uniroyal Gals truly are.

Standing 17 feet tall along Washington Avenue, Vanna Whitewall is one of the rare surviving Uniroyal Gals from the 1960s. She first arrived in Peoria in 1968, and like many of her fiberglass sisters, she has gone through a few wardrobe changes over the years.

Originally displayed in a bikini, Vanna later switched to a more conservative mini-skirt and blouse before returning to her bright red bikini once again. Unlike some roadside statues that stir controversy, the Peoria community embraced her look with no objections — a red bikini here simply meant “no heat.”

But Vanna’s story took a dramatic turn on July 29, 2005. An elderly driver ran a red light, was struck by another vehicle, and her car careened into the base of the statue. The crash left Vanna with broken toes, a damaged ankle, and a shattered high-heeled foot.

Fortunately, the owners had wisely insured the statue for $25,000, which covered the cost of her repairs. By 2006, Vanna was back on display, at first dressed conservatively, then once more in her bikini, and later alternating between the two.

Today, she remains a Peoria icon — a true survivor who has stood the test of time, car crashes, and changing fashions, all while keeping her roadside charm intact.

The story of the Uniroyal Gals didn’t end in the 1960s. While the original fiberglass figures by International Fiberglass became icons of roadside America, their legacy is still alive today thanks to passionate artists and preservationists who are keeping these giants standing tall.

Mark Cline and Enchanted Castle Studio

One of the most important figures in this new era is Mark Cline, owner of Enchanted Castle Studio in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Known as a modern-day showman and fiberglass artist, Cline has been creating roadside giants, dinosaurs, and whimsical sculptures for decades.

What makes his work especially meaningful is his connection to the past. Cline has access to the original International Fiberglass molds, which allows him to build new Uniroyal Gals and Muffler Men that are faithful to the originals — while still putting his creative spin on them. His work includes new builds like the Lumi Giant waitress in Atlanta, Illinois, showing how these roadside queens can be reimagined for today’s travelers.

By fabricating new figures and customizing old ones into superheroes, pirates, or local mascots, Cline is helping towns and businesses draw in visitors with attractions that feel both nostalgic and brand-new.

American Giants Museum – Restoring the Legends

Alongside new builds, the American Giants team  based in Atlanta, Illinois, has been leading the way in restoring original Muffler Men and Uniroyal Gals. Through careful work, they’ve saved weathered fiberglass statues from scrapyards, backyards, and forgotten lots, bringing them back to life for new generations to enjoy.

The museum not only showcases restored originals but also helps install giants in small towns across America, turning them into tourism magnets. Their efforts mean that more people than ever can stand beneath a 20-foot-tall Gal or Muffler Man and experience the quirky magic of roadside Americana.

A Legacy That Still Grows

Between Mark Cline’s imaginative new creations and the American Giants team’s restorations, the Uniroyal Gals and Muffler Men are enjoying a second golden age. Instead of fading away, they’re multiplying — delighting travelers, inspiring small towns to invest in their roadside culture, and keeping alive the tradition of pulling over for that perfect photo with a fiberglass giant.

Meet Stella Atom, the dazzling Space Cowgirl Uniroyal Gal who brings a blast of retro-futuristic flair to Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She’s the female counterpart to the classic Muffler Men and part of the new generation of Uniroyal Gals, custom-built to capture the spirit of roadside Americana in the modern era.

Created by fiberglass artist Mark Cline, Stella was designed specifically for Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66, where she now stands proudly alongside Buck Atom, the space cowboy Muffler Man. Together, they form one of the most photogenic roadside duos along the entire Mother Road.

Stella isn’t your average Gal. Decked out in cowgirl boots, a wide-brimmed hat, and a sleek silver space suit, she strikes a powerful pose with a lasso in one hand and a ray gun in the other. Part western outlaw, part intergalactic sheriff, Stella is a perfect blend of Tulsa’s quirky Route 66 culture and old-school fiberglass fun.

As roadside attractions go, she’s not just a statue — she’s a statement, celebrating both the history of the Muffler Men and the creativity of today’s artists who are keeping the tradition alive.

The town of Atlanta, Illinois, already home to the American Giants Museum, welcomed another fiberglass giant in 2024 — a 19-foot-tall waitress holding an apple pie, now known as the Lumi Giant.

The statue was commissioned by Nick Beckteshi, owner of the Country Aire Restaurant, after he noticed the steady stream of tourists visiting the nearby museum. Wanting to give visitors another reason to stop, he decided to install a giant of his own — one with a personal twist.

The Gal was named after Nick’s wife, Lumi, an accomplished baker who once won Grand Champion honors at the Illinois State Fair for her pies. Inspired by her achievement, the giant was designed to carry a fresh-baked apple pie in one hand while holding an order pad in the other.

Master artist Mark Cline, working out of his Enchanted Castle Studio in Natural Bridge, Virginia, built the Lumi Giant using the original mold of the 1960s Uniroyal Gal figures. She was transported to Illinois in the summer of 2024 and installed on August 16th, with the public invited to bring lawn chairs and watch the event unfold.

Today, the Lumi Giant stands proudly on the west side of the CountryAire Restaurant parking lot, complete with waitress cap, cat-eye glasses, and an outdoor picnic area where visitors can grab a bite to eat beside her. She’s not only a new roadside attraction but also a tribute to small-town pride, family tradition, and the timeless appeal of America’s fiberglass giants.

Address:
CountryAire Restaurant
Atlanta, Illinois

In Longview, Texas, a female Muffler Man — or rather, a Uniroyal Gal — stands proudly at the entrance of American RV Restoration. Affectionately known as Big Amanda, she’s more than just a fiberglass figure; she’s part of the new generation of Uniroyal Gals, continuing the legacy of these roadside queens well into the 21st century.

While the original Gals of the 1960s were tied to tire shops and car dealerships, Big Amanda has taken on a modern role as the mascot of an RV restoration business. It’s a fitting pairing: RV owners are often road-trippers at heart, and what better way to celebrate the open road than with a fiberglass giantess watching over the property?

Her presence blends nostalgia with fresh purpose, showing how these figures can still find new homes, new stories, and new fans decades after their debut.

Address:
American RV Restoration
3200 Brent Rd.
Longview, TX

Say hello to Rosie, a pretty blonde and a proud member of the new generation of Uniroyal Gals. Inspired by the iconic Rosie the Riveter, she’s making her way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she’ll soon take her place at Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66.

The brainchild of Mary Beth Babcock, the creative force behind Buck Atom’s, Rosie is a perfect example of how imagination keeps the fiberglass giant tradition alive. Just like Stella Atom, the Space Cowgirl, Rosie adds a new twist to the Uniroyal Gal legacy — celebrating strength, history, and Americana in a way that resonates with both locals and Route 66 travelers.

Expected to arrive in the fall of 2025, Rosie will grow the Cosmic Curios “family” and give visitors yet another reason to stop for photos, souvenirs, and a dose of Tulsa’s quirky roadside charm. With her strong pose and classic look, she carries forward the empowering spirit of Rosie the Riveter while cementing her place in the evolving story of the Uniroyal Gals.Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios

The Uniroyal Gal isn’t just a quirky roadside figure — she represents a slice of Americana when giant advertising was the way to grab attention. Before flashy digital billboards and viral marketing campaigns, towering fiberglass figures were the best way to get people to pull off the highway.

She also highlights a fascinating chapter in fiberglass art history: how a company took a basic mold of a Muffler Man and transformed it into one of the few roadside “giant women.” Today, with only a handful left, spotting a Uniroyal Gal feels like stepping back in time.

For travelers eager to uncover hidden gems beyond the giants, the Roadside America app is a must-have companion. Packed with over 15,000 quirky attractions—everything from fiberglass giants and gravity hills to atomic cannons and giant chairs—it helps you discover must-see stops along your route or nearby your location .

The app’s “Near Me” feature automatically shows attractions within a 25‑point radius, while the “On Route” function lets you plot pickups targeted to your trip plan It’s free to download (US & Canada), with one region included at $2.99 and full access for $6.99 more; maps, directions, hours, reviews, and even user tips are right at your fingertips. Fans rave, saying it “directed us to a ton [of] cool/weird places” and that “the tips from other travelers are extremely helpful” Whether you’re cruising Route 66 or off-roading through the Midwest, this app ensures you never miss a hidden roadside wonder! Roadside America.

 I’ve always loved tracking down roadside giants, and the Uniroyal Gals are especially fun because they’re so rare. While Muffler Men are scattered all across the country, the Gals are harder to find — making them even more special when you do stumble across one. They stand as bold, quirky reminders of the golden age of roadside America.

Next time you’re cruising down the highway, keep an eye out. You just might spot one of these fiberglass queens striking her classic pose, hand on hip, welcoming you to pull over and snap a photo.