My 42 sighting was truly a hunt and thankfully there was a scratch of information about it online that I was able to track down. In 2012 I was able to use a work trip to Puerto Rico to follow the rumors and track down this Muffler Man in Caguas. The story of how he got there and his history fascinated me and also being able to confirm he actually existed. You may be surprised to find out where he is today and what his future holds.
The original article about this discovery has recently been recently updated with more info and pictures and moved to our Patreon Account. Please join us there for full access and the entire story.

I can’t believe you went all the way to Puerto Rico just to hunt down a Muffler Man! I love it! You are the man. I thought we were pretty avid, but you’ve got us beat by a mile. (Or more like 3,000 miles.) Great stuff!
Cheers!
Tamera (Colorado Springs Daily Photo, http://csdailyphoto.blogspot.com)
Well I should confess I was already down there on a business trip but used it to my advantage in the ever present quest for muffler men:)
NIce report, Mr. Baker. The Caguas Giant is still a beloved icon of our city. I’m the one who sent the other sighting report to roadside America.
Thank you so much for that report! I really enjoyed tracking him down and finding him based on your information.
I grew up in Puerto Rico in the 60s and 70s and remember vividly driving pass this giant. It was known as the Giant of Caguas “El Gigante de Caguas”. Thanks for finding this iconic sculpture! Luis, San Antonio, Texas
Hi My name is Rafael Ramirez and I’m the grandson of Mr. Rafael Ramirez Aponte. I knew some history behind the Muffler man but you got it right. Hard work pays off. Me grandfather passed away about 2 years ago and the family is thinking of maybe passing down the giant to the municipality so they can put it for the enjoyment of the town.
I grew up in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I remember clearly this being one the main landmarks there. It was called the Texaco Giant back then.
Buenos Recuerdos de la Niñez, calle Gautie Benítez, Caguas
In the late 60s early 70s el senor Rafael Ramirez was my jefe my boss) i used to work in that gas station texaco el Gigante .