Corky Coker turns barn finds into gold on new Travel Channel show

“Backroad Gold” follows antique car expert Corky Coker as he scours the highways, back roads and small towns of America, wheeling and dealing for hidden riches such as antique cars, motorcycles, trucks, gas pumps and road signs. This is Coker’s lifelong passion and his business — he is constantly on the road hunting for the next big find. Together with his expert team of restorers — which includes his father, Harold; son-in-law, Greg; daughter, Casey; and head wrench, Hal — Coker buys, restores, and sells all finds at his shop, Honest Charley, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

In 1974, Corky Coker was handed the reins of his father’s Chattanooga based B.F. Goodrich dealership. Although he didn’t know it then, much of what Corky would do over the course of the next 40 years would define the vintage tire industry. He grew Coker Tire into Coker Group and revived the iconic Honest Charley Speed Shop.

Corky is widely regarded as an expert on collecting and restoring antique automobiles and motorcycles. He speaks frequently regarding the collector car hobby, vehicle legislation, and the future of the automotive restoration market.

“Backroad Gold” debuts on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 9:30 p.m. EST on the Travel Channel.