Interview with Corky Coker at Chattanooga, Wayne's new fire truck, Jay's next car purchase
About this episode
Wayne Carini and Jay Ward catch up on their latest classic car projects, including Wayne's restoration of a Di Tommaso Mangusta and his surprising purchase of a fully restored 1936 Aaron's Fox fire truck. Jay discusses selling his Austin Healey and seeking advice on affordable Italian classics like the Maserati Bora and Ferrari 308 GT4. The episode also features an insightful interview with Corky Coker at the Chattanooga Motor Car Festival, highlighting his pioneering role in vintage tire reproduction and the event's growth. The conversation blends personal stories, restoration tips, and classic car culture.
Hosts Wayne Carini and Jay Ward delve into the world of classic cars with special guest Corky Coker, talk about Wayne's new fire truck and Wayne gives Jay some advice on his next car purchase. Join them as they discuss their current projects, recent purchases, and sales, sharing their passion for all things automotive. In this episode, they also have an engaging interview with Corky Coker, a renowned figure in the vintage tire reproduction industry. Explore their conversations filled with enthusiasm, knowledge, and camaraderie. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just curious to learn more, this episode offers an entertaining and informative look into the world of classic cars. Get ready for an enjoyable ride on Talking Classic Cars!
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Di Tommaso Mangusta
"So in the shop, we're working on a Di Tommaso, main booster right at present time, tearing it all apart, getting ready for the down and dirty, strip the paint off and everything."
The Mangusta is an old Italian sports car that has a powerful engine placed in the middle of the car, which helps it go fast and handle well. It is popular among car collectors.
The De Tomaso Mangusta is a classic Italian sports car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its distinctive styling and mid-engine layout. It was powered by Ford V8 engines and is a sought-after collector's car.
Daytona Spider
"We just finished painting a Daytona Spider for a good friend of mine, Herb Chambers."
The Daytona Spider is a fancy old Ferrari car that you can drive with the top down. It is famous for being fast and looking great.
The Ferrari Daytona Spider is the convertible version of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4, a classic grand tourer from the late 1960s and early 1970s, celebrated for its performance and iconic design.
351 Cleveland
"Di Tommaso Mangusta, does it have a 351 Cleveland the way a Pantera does? No, so they came out with 289 Ford's first and then went to the 302."
The 351 Cleveland is a type of powerful engine made by Ford that was used in fast cars a long time ago.
The 351 Cleveland is a Ford V8 engine produced in the 1970s, known for its performance and use in muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Pantera sports car.
Pantera
"... Mangusta, does it have a 351 Cleveland the way a Pantera does? No, so they came out with 289 Ford's first ..."
The Pantera is a fast and stylish sports car made in the 1970s that used a strong engine from Ford. It looks like a fancy Italian car but has the power of an American muscle car. People like it because it’s different and goes really fast.
The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-1970s Italian-American sports car that combined Italian design with a powerful Ford V8 engine, often the 351 Cleveland. It is notable for its exotic looks and strong performance at a relatively affordable price. The Pantera is frequently discussed among enthusiasts for its unique blend of style and muscle car power.
289 Ford
"No, so they came out with 289 Ford's first and then went to the 302."
The 289 Ford is an old but strong engine made by Ford that was used in many cars a long time ago.
The 289 Ford is a small-block V8 engine produced by Ford in the 1960s, widely used in classic Mustangs and other Ford vehicles, known for its balance of power and reliability.
pumper truck
"Now, I'm not a fire engine expert, but there are pumper trucks that pump the water, and then there's ladder trucks that carry the ladders. This is a pumper."
A pumper truck is a fire truck that can pump water to help put out fires. It carries water and hoses to spray on the fire.
A pumper truck is a type of fire engine equipped with a water pump to deliver water to fight fires. It carries hoses, water tanks, and firefighting equipment, and is essential for firefighting operations.
ladder truck
"Now, I'm not a fire engine expert, but there are pumper trucks that pump the water, and then there's ladder trucks that carry the ladders. This is a pumper."
A ladder truck is a fire truck that carries big ladders to help firefighters reach high places like tall buildings.
A ladder truck is a fire engine designed to carry large extendable ladders used for reaching high places during firefighting and rescue operations. It typically does not have a water pump like a pumper truck.
Ferrari Dino
"But what are the ones that are still under 100 grand that, you know, Dino was there 20 years ago."
The Ferrari Dino is a classic Italian sports car made by Ferrari a long time ago. It has a special V6 engine and is a bit easier to afford than other Ferraris from that time.
The Ferrari Dino is a line of sports cars produced by Ferrari in the late 1960s and 1970s, named after Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari. It is known for its V6 engine and is considered an entry-level Ferrari from that era.
Volkswagen Bora
"... Maserati's in that time period. I don't know the Bora or the Merrick. I don't know if those are any goo..."
The Volkswagen Bora is a small car that is like a family car with four doors. It was made in the early 2000s and is known for being comfortable and well-built. People like it because it drives nicely and is good for everyday use.
The Volkswagen Bora is essentially the European name for the Jetta Mk4, a compact sedan known for its solid build and comfortable ride. It was popular in the early 2000s and is often discussed in relation to Volkswagen's reputation for quality and driving dynamics. The Bora is sometimes overlooked but appreciated by enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and performance.
Ferrari 308 GT4
"You know, and I don't know, it's the 308 GT4 you can't beat. Just a wonderful little car, a great driving car."
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a classic Italian sports car from the 1970s. It has its engine in the middle of the car, which helps it drive well on both regular roads and race tracks.
The Ferrari 308 GT4 is a mid-engined V8 sports car produced by Ferrari in the 1970s. It features a longer wheelbase than some other Ferraris of the era, making it a good balance for both street and track driving.
Maserati Bora
"A Bora though, I think, we did a Bora for the Audrean Museum, rebuilt the engine and went through everything. It didn't really restore the whole car, but mechanically we did."
The Maserati Bora is an Italian sports car from the 1970s. It has a strong engine and special suspension that makes the ride smooth and sporty.
The Maserati Bora is a mid-engined grand tourer produced in the 1970s, known for combining Maserati's powerful V8 engine with Citroën's advanced hydraulic suspension technology. It offers a comfortable yet sporty driving experience.
hydraulics
"I mean, basically what they did with the SM is they took a very similar car with all the hydraulics and all the stuff. They're a pain, but once you get them right and dialed in, what, heck of a car."
Hydraulics means using special fluid to help parts of the car work smoothly, like the suspension that makes the ride comfortable. Some cars use this to make driving nicer but it can be tricky to fix.
Hydraulics in cars refer to systems that use fluid pressure to operate components like suspension, brakes, or steering. The Maserati Bora uses a hydraulic suspension system inherited from Citroën, which provides a smooth ride but can be complex to maintain.
Citroën SM
""It's sort of like an SM. I really want an SM, but it's got to be the right one, you know. So, yeah...""
The Citroën SM is a fancy old car from the 1970s that was special because it had cool technology and looked different from other cars. People like it because it's rare and interesting.
The Citroën SM is a luxury high-performance coupe produced in the early 1970s known for its advanced technology and distinctive design. It combined French innovation with Maserati engineering, making it a unique classic car.
California smog laws
""I don't want 76 or newer because of California small laws.""
California has tough rules about car pollution, so some older cars can't be used there unless they meet certain clean air standards.
California smog laws are strict emissions regulations that affect which cars can be legally registered and driven in the state. These laws often influence the desirability and legality of classic cars in California.
European bumpers
""And I'd like to find one with the European bumpers. Those thinner bumpers look so nice on those cars.""
Cars made for Europe often have thinner bumpers that look nicer compared to the bigger bumpers on cars made for the US.
European bumpers on cars are typically slimmer and less bulky than their US counterparts, often contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing design. Differences arise due to varying safety regulations between regions.
vintage tire reproduction
""This is the gentleman who literally started the vintage tire reproduction world. So 25, 30 years ago, if you're restoring a car...""
Vintage tire reproduction means making new tires that look just like the old tires that came with classic cars, so people can keep their cars looking original but still drive safely.
Vintage tire reproduction refers to the manufacturing of new tires that replicate the look, size, and specifications of tires originally fitted to classic cars. This allows collectors to maintain authenticity while ensuring safety and performance.
bias ply tires
"there was limited choices of what you could get for like a bias ply, large, small, wide. There was only so many of those available."
Bias ply tires are a kind of old tire that was made differently from most tires today. They were used on old cars and feel different when you drive.
Bias ply tires are an older type of tire construction where the cords inside the tire run diagonally across the tire, providing a different ride and handling characteristic compared to modern radial tires. They were common on vintage vehicles.
Coker Tires
"And Corky had that insight of going to the manufacturers and getting the rights to make the molds or get the molds for these old vintage tire patterns and reproduce them again and really set this legacy of Coker tires."
Coker Tires makes old-style tires again so classic cars can have the right kind of tires that look and work like they did when the cars were new.
Coker Tires is a company specializing in the reproduction of vintage and classic tires, often used for restoring classic cars to their original specifications. They acquire molds of old tire patterns to produce authentic replicas.
Volkswagen Atlases
"Chattanooga is a car town. We make all the Volkswagen atlases here in town. And we made Nyberg automobiles here..."
The Volkswagen Atlas is a big car that can carry many people and their stuff, like a family car. It is made in a factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the USA. People talk about it because it’s a roomy and comfortable SUV made by Volkswagen.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size SUV produced in the United States, notably at the Chattanooga plant. It is designed to offer spacious seating and family-friendly features, competing in the popular SUV market. The Atlas is often mentioned in discussions about Volkswagen's expansion into larger vehicles and American manufacturing.
Koker Tire Company
"And Koker Tire Company was born and raised here. And we became the largest supplier of vintage automobile tires and wheels in the world."
Koker Tire Company is a business that makes and sells special tires and wheels for old cars to help keep them original and working well.
Koker Tire Company is a well-known supplier specializing in vintage and classic car tires and wheels, supporting restoration and preservation of historic automobiles.
vintage automobile tires
"And we became the largest supplier of vintage automobile tires and wheels in the world."
Vintage automobile tires are special tires made to fit old cars and keep them looking and working like they did when they were new.
Vintage automobile tires are specially made tires designed to fit and maintain the authenticity of classic and antique cars, often replicating original tire designs and specifications.
prewar cars
"As well as prewar cars. So we have 17 prewar cars out there this year."
Prewar cars are old cars made before the big World War II happened. They are special because they are very old and have a unique style.
Prewar cars are automobiles manufactured before World War II, often considered classic or vintage vehicles with unique historical and design significance.
barn find
""And we just did a seminar about barn finds and what we're looking for.""
A barn find is an old car that someone finds after it has been left unused and hidden away for a long time. These cars can be special because they are often original and rare.
A barn find is a classic or vintage car that has been discovered after being stored and forgotten for many years, often in a barn or similar location. These cars are usually in original condition and can be highly valuable to collectors.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
""I've got a 300 SL.""
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a very special old sports car known for its unique doors that open upwards like wings. Many car fans love it because it's rare and cool.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is a classic sports car produced in the 1950s, famous for its distinctive gullwing doors and advanced engineering for its time. It is highly regarded among collectors and enthusiasts.
Stutz Bearcat
""I got a Stutz Bearcat.""
The Stutz Bearcat is an old American sports car known for being fast and popular in races a long time ago. Many people collect these cars today.
The Stutz Bearcat is a famous American sports car produced in the 1910s and 1920s, known for its performance and racing heritage. It is a highly collectible vintage automobile.
Hershey
"You know, going to Hershey every year. I know your dad did. I did."
Hershey is a big car event where people buy and sell old car parts and show off classic cars. It's like a big car flea market for old cars.
Hershey refers to the annual Hershey AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) Fall Meet, a famous car show and swap meet held in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known for classic and antique car parts and vehicles.
Ford Model A
"He would go to every four dealer and he'd buy all the Model A parts that were up in the attic... It's only a Model A Ford two door sedan."
The Ford Model A is an old car made almost 100 years ago. It was one of the first cars that many people could afford and is now a special classic car that collectors like.
The Ford Model A is a classic car produced by Ford from 1927 to 1931, succeeding the Model T. It was one of the first cars to be mass-produced with modern features for its time and is highly collectible today.
Ford Model A Ford
"...s within a hundred miles of here, but it's only a Model A Ford two door sedan. But it's a very special."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars ever made that many people could buy because it was cheaper than others. It helped lots of people start driving cars a long time ago. People talk about it because it changed how cars were made and used.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, is one of the most significant cars in automotive history as it was the first affordable automobile that opened car ownership to the masses. Its simple design and mass production techniques revolutionized the industry. It's often mentioned to highlight automotive heritage and the evolution of car manufacturing.
stainless steel
"It's stainless steel. Oh, wow. Stainless steel. Those are rare."
Stainless steel is a type of metal that doesn't rust easily. Some special cars have bodies made from this metal, which makes them last longer and look different.
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy used in some rare car bodies instead of traditional steel or aluminum. It is valued for its durability and unique appearance but is uncommon in automotive manufacturing.
Ford Thunderbird
"They made some Model A's. They made a 58 Thunderbird and a 64 or 65. I don't remember Lincoln Continen..."
The Ford Thunderbird is an old, fancy car made by Ford that was comfortable and looked stylish. The versions from the late 1950s and 1960s are especially popular because they were nice to drive and looked good. People remember it as a car that was both nice and fun.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American personal luxury car produced in various forms from 1955 to 1997. The 1958 and mid-1960s models mentioned are notable for their styling and role in defining the luxury coupe segment. It's often referenced for its blend of comfort and performance during its production years.
the chase
"OK. Well, hey, they've met fun. That's it's it's all about the chase. Yeah, it's all about the chase."
When people say 'the chase,' they mean the fun of looking for and trying to get cool cars or bikes, not just owning them.
In car and motorcycle collecting, 'the chase' refers to the excitement and pursuit involved in finding and acquiring rare or desirable vehicles before actually owning them.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Yeah. We had a Canosa rally. B-8s in the village Corvettes in the village on Saturday. Tonight, Friday night..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous fast car from America that looks cool and drives really well. The newer models have the engine placed in the middle, which helps it go faster and handle better. People talk about it because it's a great sports car that many car fans like.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. The mention of 'B-8s' likely refers to the C8 generation, which introduced a mid-engine layout, marking a significant evolution in Corvette history. It's often discussed for its blend of speed, technology, and value in the sports car segment.
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