(Words and photos by Tommy Lee Byrd) – In case you didn’t know, a couple blocks of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee is known as Corkyville, because it’s the home of the Coker Tire Company world headquarters.

Also on the block are Honest Charley Speed Shop and Honest Charley Garage, so owner Corky Coker tends to take over the streets from time to time. One particular shindig is called the Chattanooga Cruise In and it’s growing into one of the biggest cruise in events in the Southeast. Why is it so cool? Corky opens the doors to his facilities, and lets you roam around on your own. And what started as a couple hundred cars has now turned into well over one thousands cars, invading Chattanooga for a cool cruise in. The limited amount of space in “Corkyville” means that the spots fill up quick and the overflow parking lots fill up quick as well. It was out of control, but in a good way!

Among the crowd were some real show stoppers! Kevin from Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle brought the Kosmic Outcast all the way down from Chicago and it was certainly the focal point of the cruise in. That thing is just plain wild. Other notable cars include a banger powered Model A roadster rolling on magnesium wheels and Dirt Track tires, a couple of wicked Pro Touring Camaros, and a bunch of great barn finds that Corky dragged out for the occasion. He’s selling off a bunch of project cars, so what better place to do it? Thousands of folks roamed the streets and buildings, making the Spring 2014 Chattanooga Cruise In the biggest ever.

Check out the gallery for Tommy Lee Byrd’s photos from the event, and be sure to mark your calendars for the Fall Chattanooga Cruise In—Saturday, September 13th!