The Michelin Man, also known as Bibendum, was created in 1898 by Marius Rossillon, a French artist who went by the nickname "O'Galop." The inspiration for Bibendum came from a pile of stacked tires that the Michelin brothers, André and Édouard, had displayed at the 1894 Lyon Exhibition. Rossillon was struck by the resemblance of the tires to a human figure, and he created a drawing of a man made of tires with a cheerful expression and a goblet in his hand.

The name "Bibendum" was taken from the Latin phrase "Nunc est bibendum," which means "Now is the time to drink." This phrase was a reference to the goblet that Bibendum was holding in his hand, which was filled with nails and broken glass. The implication was that Michelin tires were so tough that they could even withstand being pierced by nails or broken glass.

Bibendum's appearance more...

16 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A Michelin Bibendum Man, height 19 cm, width 12 cm, depth 9 cm

A Michelin Bibendum Man, height 19 cm, width 12 cm, depth 9 cm

A retro Michelin floor standing clock, in enamelled steel with…

Michelin Tulip Base Floor Clock

A retro Michelin floor standing clock, in enamelled steel with tulip base, height 175 cm, width 39.5 cm

A 1960s Michelin Man promotional inflatable figure, originally…

Vintage Michelin Man Inflatable Figure

A 1960s Michelin Man promotional inflatable figure, originally from a Rangiora service station. Height 150 cm approx.

Michelin vintage cast iron money box with 'Sydney 1938' on the…

1938 Sydney Michelin Cast Iron Money Box

Michelin vintage cast iron money box with 'Sydney 1938' on the back, 19 cm high

Michelin Man enamel sign, double sided, 80 cm x 61 cm

Double-Sided Michelin Man Enamel Sign - 80x61cm

Michelin Man enamel sign, double sided, 80 cm x 61 cm

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Michelin Cast Iron Money Box

Cast iron Michelin money box, 22 cm high approx

Michelin recap sign with Michelin man

Michelin Man Recaps Sign for Optimal Traction

Michelin recap sign with Michelin man

Vintage double sided Michelin enamel sign, 79.5 cm x 67 cm…

Double-Sided Vintage Michelin Enamel Sign (79.5 cm x 67 cm)

Vintage double sided Michelin enamel sign, 79.5 cm x 67 cm approx.

A genuine Michelin Bibendium man plastic composite. At least…

Vintage Michelin Bibendum Man Figurine

A genuine Michelin Bibendium man plastic composite. At least fifty years old. French

Michelin blue & yellow enamel sign, 30 cm high approx.

Michelin Enamel Sign, Blue and Yellow, 30cm High

Michelin blue & yellow enamel sign, 30 cm high approx.

An enamel Michelin advertising sign, 6six 66 cm

Enamel Michelin Sign - 66 cm

An enamel Michelin advertising sign, 6six 66 cm

Michelin enamel sign 75 cm x 75 cm

Vintage Michelin Enamel Sign - 75cm x 75cm

Michelin enamel sign 75 cm x 75 cm

Vintage Michelin man painted portable air compressor with…

Vintage Michelin Man Air Compressor with Accessories

Vintage Michelin man painted portable air compressor with accessories

French Michelin man sign, approx 65 cm x 65 cm

Vintage French Michelin Man Sign - 65 cm x 65 cm

French Michelin man sign, approx 65 cm x 65 cm

Eleven Brooklin models, including Ford Sedan Delivery service;…

Brooklin Models Collection: 11 Classic Cars

Eleven Brooklin models, including Ford Sedan Delivery service; V16 Cadillac Coupe; Oldsmobile Fiesta top up; Ford Skyliner; Cadillac Convertible Coupe; mercury Michelin Parade car; Packard light 8 Coupe; Lincoln Continental; Monarch Coupe; Pontiac pick up…

Original vintage Michelin Bibendum air compressor, circa 1920s

1920s Michelin Bibendum Air Compressor

Original vintage Michelin Bibendum air compressor, circa 1920s