THE CORKY
Best Hot Rod Stance Award
COKER MUSEUM, CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE | 2025
CLIENT
Coker Museum
LOCATION
Chattanooga, Tennessee
MEDIUM
Bronze
(silver nitrate patina)
TYPE
Commemorable Award
COMMISSIONED
2025
INAGURAL PRESENTATION
October 19, 2024
BUILT FROM A PASSION
FOR HOT RODS
My journey with The Best Hot Rod Stance award began the day I first met Corky Coker. From the moment he greeted me, he welcomed me into his world with warmth and generosity — guiding me through the Coker Museum and their shops, sharing stories of tires, cars, and a lifetime devoted to preserving automotive history.
Corky's influence is legendary. By transforming his family's tire store in Chattanooga into the world's premier source for vintage-style tires, he safeguarded a piece of history and gave restorers and hot rod enthusiasts the chance to keep their machines authentic. His vision grew into a global enterprise that honors craftmanship, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the open road.
With Corky Coker and The Corky - Best Hot Rod Stance Award - at Coker Museum
THE STORY WITHIN THE SCULPTURE
THE STANCE
Corky's crossed arms and grounded posture capture the confidence and unmistakable presence that inspired the award itself.
THE TIRES
The tires beside Corky connected the portrait directly to the industry he helped shape—and to the idea of stance at the heart of the award.
THE TOOLS
Bolts, nuts, screwdrivers and threaded tools are worked directly into the surface of Corky's jumpsuit, transforming the clothing into a tribute to hands-on automotive craftmanship.
THE LIKENESS
Corky's expression, signature mustache, posture and familiar workwear were developed through photographs, careful observation and live sculpting sessions with Corky himself.
FROM CLAY TO THE CORKY
A look at the process from study to finished award.
LIVE SCULPTING
MAQUETTE
SCULPTING CLAY
BRONZE CASTING
THE AWARD
I wanted to present an award for the Best Hot Rod Stance at the Triple Crown of Rodding. For my idea, I needed to find the best sculptor for the job! My daughter Casey Coker Jarvis contacted and engaged our new friend, famed sculptor Alex Paul Loza to help us with this new hot rod award.
At our first meeting, Alex Paul was prompt and prepared. He had done his homework on our company, about me, my history of developing tires for collector cars, muscle cars, and of course hot rods… He was excited to create this idea for my ‘one-of-a-kind award’ for the Best Hot Rod Stance for The Triple Crown of Rodding show in Nashville, TN.
Alex Paul, Casey and I held several meetings where Alex Paul shaped clay with his hands, and also used screwdrivers, wrenches and threaded bolts to channel the spirit of a hot rod car builder. Alex Paul Loza was a blast to work with on our new Best Hot Rod Stance award. Alex Paul met our short time schedule, and he presented the finished clay model on time.
I have been absolutely pleased with Mr. Alex Paul Loza’s commitment, energy and talent. He does what he says and delivered to us a wonderful piece of art we were able to give away to a worthy winner of the award.
“Sculptor Alex Paul Loza made me a hero! But Alex Paul is the real hero! Thank you, Alex Paul! You’re the best!”
— CORKY COKER
CEO
The Coker Museum
