By SEMA News Editors
Joseph "Corky" Coker, the industry legend, former SEMA Chairman of the Board and 2008 SEMA Hall of Fame inductee, has launched a brand-new TV series called "Corky Coker's Honest Charley Garage" airing on YouTube and The Hagerty channel on Samsung TV Plus.
Coker got his start at his father's Coker Tire company and helped grow its antique-tire offerings to become its most requested product by-far today. In his new TV series, he takes viewers into his Honest Charley Garage in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to see restorations, vintage cars and motorcycles while also meeting some of the incredible people in the industry. Viewers travel with Coker and the crew as they pick up new acquisitions and follow along with restoration projects in the garage, often preparing for events. In addition, you might get a glimpse into the Coker Museum, a unique collection of Coker’s 100 vintage vehicles, from cars to airplanes, also in Chattanooga.
In Episode 1, Coker acquires a '59 Jaguar XK 150 Drophead Coupe barn find, a build that has been in storage since 1985. They later travel to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in California to join the Ragtime Racers on the track with Coker's Marmon Wasp and Lozier race cars. You have got to see it, below!
Episode 2 features Coker talking about the 1911 Mercer Raceabout, often considered to be the most-prized original American sports car known for its advanced design, magnificent handling, high speed and ability to win races. In addition, the garage team preps cars for the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival, a three-day event featuring unique classic cars and events tailored to the vintage and historic car collector and racer. Viewers can also see shop team member Josh Kuczek install new bushings, upper and lower control arms, torsion bars and more components on Coker's '59 Jaguar project. Watch it below!
In Episode 3, watch Coker and the Honest Charley crew move cars to the concourse at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival. Coker then introduces the audience to Van Thurston and his 1909 Sears Model J, purchased new by Thurston's great-great grandfather from Sears Roebuck and Co. See the full episode below!
Learn more about Corky Coker's career in this special sit-down interview by the SEMA Hall of Fame. Follow along with the action on the Honest Charley Speed Shop's YouTube page here and The Hagerty channel on Samsung TV Plus.