Giant Transformers in Stillwater, Oklahoma: Optimus Prime and Bumblebee
Autobots Roll Out on Highway 51
We decided we were heading west for the winter, via a southwest route, and our first stop had a surprise that any 80s kid would love…
Our first stop along the newly formed route was Stillwater, Oklahoma, and what did we find?
Autobots.
Two massive Transformers stood guard over the east and west locations of G&M Body Shop like mechanical sentinels.
We found these incredible giants at the local body shops, where owner Mikal McCubbin and his sons had rebuilt them after purchasing them from Thailand. The 22-foot-tall Optimus Prime statue has been on permanent display since August 2015, while Bumblebee was officially installed at the west side location in September 2015.
Optimus Prime at G&M Body Shop
Optimus Prime stands guard at the east side location at 2207 E. 6th Ave., positioned on the south side of Highway 51 just past Jardot Road. This isn’t some fiberglass knockoff — both statues are made mostly of metal, decked with headlights and finished with sleek paint jobs. They look like they could transform and walk off if the mood struck.
Bumblebee on the West Side of Stillwater
Bumblebee stands at 5104 W. 6th Ave., on the north side of Highway 51 beside the west G&M Body Shop location. What makes these two statues even more unusual is that G&M Body Shop has two of only five Transformer statues in the United States that are 20 feet or taller.
The Story Behind Stillwater’s Transformers
The basic statues were imported from Thailand, but the real magic happened when the McCubbin family at G&M Body Shop refurbished these mechanical giants. What started as a creative way to advertise their shops turned into one of the coolest roadside attractions in Oklahoma. Both outdoor displays are visible from Highway 51 and free to view from the public-facing areas around the shops.
Visiting the Transformers in Stillwater, Oklahoma
🤖 Optimus Prime: 2207 E. 6th Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074 — East G&M Body Shop
🐝 Bumblebee: 5104 W. 6th Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074 — West G&M Body Shop
For current visitor information, check the Visit Stillwater listing for the Bumblebee statue.
Stillwater was a cute town, but let’s be honest — we stopped for the Transformers. These towering guardians of the highway were the real draw, and they did not disappoint. We got our photos, made our final call to winter in Arizona, and rolled out.
Pro tip: Both locations are visible from Highway 51. You’ll see them before you even finish wondering if you’re in the right spot.
Want more Oklahoma oddities? Our Things to Do in Oklahoma guide collects the roadside attractions, giant landmarks, Route 66 stops and other strange detours we’ve found across the state.