On Indianapolis’ West Side, even a 27-foot fiberglass giant could not walk away unscathed after an early Sunday collision. Mr. Bendo, the towering “Muffler Man” who has kept watch outside Ralph’s Muffler and Brakes on West 16th Street for decades, was hit by a vehicle that snapped his right leg and punched a hole in the shop’s exterior wall. The main garage stayed open for business, but staffers and neighbors quickly posted photos online and began talking about donations to cover restoration costs.
Owner vows to restore the landmark
Kevin Potter, who runs Ralph’s, told the Indianapolis Star that he believes an Audi plowed into the statue and that he is already thinking through how to fix it. “I’ll get him back to normal and everyone can look at him…..