Episode running time: 39 minutes, 49 seconds.
Welcome to our first Vettes of Atlanta Magazine Podcast interview!
We kick off our podcast series with an engaging interview with a true automotive legend, Corky Coker.
If you’ve owned a vintage Corvette, then you’ve probably purchased tires from Coker Tires over the years. Not only has Corky been inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame, but was also selected to be the Grand Marshall for the 2021 Chattanooga Motoring Festival.
With a life spent in the automotive world, this consummate storyteller steps up to the microphone and shares his experiences.
Show Notes
Looking for a specific question in the episode?
We’ve made it easy by providing the questions we asked in the show and where you can find them.
- “Corky, Welcome to the Show!” – 2:16 seconds
- “Congratulations on beling selected as the Grand Marshall of 2021 Chattanooga Motoring Festival” – 2:30 seconds
- “Background story on his Corky nickname” – 3:16 seconds
- “When did you start in the business, and what was your job?” – 4:43 seconds
- “What were the early life lessons from your grandfather, “Pop” Coker?” – 7:59 seconds
- “Did you see something special in the vintage tire business when you took it over in 1974?” – 11:19 seconds
- “Why have your tire business in a turn-of-the-century building and why base it in Chattanooga?” – 12:55 seconds
- “Who are some of the celebrities that have purchased Coker vintage tires?” – 16:42 seconds
- “Tell us more about your TV show, “Backroad Gold” and when did you start collecting cars?” – 21:22 seconds
- “What is the backstory of Honest Charley’s Speed Shop?” – 30:14 seconds
- “After all you’ve done in your life, what gets you of the bed in the morning, what motivates you?” – 34:09 seconds
- “Wrap up” – 38:09 seconds
Definitely Worth The Visit
The Coker Museum’s home is a turn-of-the-century brick building in Chattanooga’s historic district. This assembly represents some of the finest examples of Corky Coker’s lifetime of collecting.
This curated collection is surprisingly diverse, extensive, and noteworthy in the quality of its offering. There are over 100 classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses available to admire.
There is something here for everyone.
A host of classic neon signs glow brightly overhead, setting the mood the moment you walk in. Also pulling your gaze upward are three airplanes strategically suspended from the rafters.
No car lover’s trip to Chattanooga would be complete without stopping into the Corker Museum at Honest Charley’s Speed Shop.
For further insight into the Museum, we offer our article titled, “Chattanooga’s Best Secret – Honest Charley’s And The Corker Museum.”
Museum Information
Coker Museum (located in Honest Charley’s Speed Shop)
Address: 1309 Chestnut St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: (888) 795-7077
Website: Coker Museum
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