Car Guy Magazine Car Guy Magazine Issue 215 | Página 14

Coker brokered deals with major tire producers that secured Coker Tire the worldwide licensing agreements and exclusive distributorships for big-name vintage brands, including B.F. Goodrich, Firestone, Michelin and U.S. Royal. In
addition to tires, Coker saw a need for the company to create
another division to sell tire related accessories and collectible
automobilia. This division markets a variety of diverse products from tire and whitewall cleaners to officially licensed Michelin memorabilia. Another division, Coker Classic Cycles,
markets vintage-style Monster Cruiser bicycles and Big One
unicycle, a unique 36” unicycle with a world-wide following.
To grow his customer base, Coker initially went straight
to his customers. Coker and just one employee would load a
small van with tires and work endless weekends of car shows
across the country. To save money, the Coker Tire team
would sleep in the back of the van. Today, Coker Tire attends
over 60 shows a year and utilizes a fleet of tractor-trailers. The
crew’s sleeping accommodations have improved, too.
With more than 70 collector cars and 50 vintage motorcycles in his personal collection, Coker is now widely regarded
as an expert on collecting and restoring antique automobiles
and motorcycles.
With his son Cameron, Coker recently participated in
the 2003 Great Race in a 1909 Lozier, the oldest vehicle competing in the annual 2,000-mile cross-country rally. The tires
on the Lozier? They came right out of Coker Tire’s warehouse.
A life long collector, Coker holds memberships in numerous collector clubs including the Antique Automobile
Club of America (AACA), Horseless Carriage Club of America, Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Cushman Club of
America, and the Antique Truck Historical Society. In 2006,
Keith Martin’s Sports Car Market named Coker as one of the
top 50 automobile collectors in North America.
Every year Coker participates in various car shows, cruises, rallies, swap meets and other automotive events. Along
with his participation and sponsorship of the Great Race,
Coker also hosts the annual Coker Tire Challenge regional
timed endurance rally.
Coker’s classic car passion extends beyond work into
his private collection.

12 CarGuyMagazine.com