Danny Koker, renowned as “The Count,” rose to global fame as an automotive expert following the successful launch of his popular TV show, “Counting Cars.” The show offered viewers an immersive glimpse into the daily operations of Danny Koker’s revered establishment, Count’s Kustoms, where automotive restorations and customizations took center stage.
A testament to his passion and dedication, Koker boasts an extraordinary car collection comprising more than one hundred vehicles, as of 2019. Widely regarded as one of the most remarkable assemblages worldwide, his collection features several notable gems. Among them is a 1966 AC Cobra, a coveted classic automobile valued at approximately $2.1 million in today’s currency. Additionally, he possesses an invaluable 1966 Mustang GT350, a sentimental gift from his father that ignited his enduring love affair with cars. Speaking candidly to The Globe and Mail about his insatiable appetite for car collecting, Koker confessed, “I’m undeniably addicted. It’s probably time for an intervention. I require assistance! From high-performance exotics and sports cars to hot rods, my collection encompasses a diverse array of automotive marvels.”
For ardent followers of Danny “The Count” Koker, here are a few fascinating tidbits that only the most devoted fans would be privy to.
He is a self-taught mechanic
Danny “The Count” Koker is the proud owner of Count’s Kustoms, a globally renowned automotive restoration and customization shop. Despite the shop’s prestigious reputation, one might assume that Koker himself possesses extensive formal training and education in mechanics. However, that is not the case. In an interview with American Profile, Koker revealed, “The only formal education I received was through high school, where I took basic shop and automotive classes. Beyond that, it was a matter of diving in, getting my hands dirty, and dismantling things to understand their inner workings. Then, I had to figure out how to put them back together.”
The fact that Koker is essentially self-taught in the realm of automobile restoration and customization exemplifies the immense dedication and hard work he has poured into honing his craft. He proudly stands as a self-made individual, and the resounding success of Count’s Kustoms serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment.
He started Count’s Kustoms as a hobby
Danny Koker’s fascination with cars began long before his memory could serve him. Playfully recounting his early years to the American Profile, Koker jests that as soon as he began speaking, cars were the topic of his every conversation.
This automotive enthusiasm forged a strong bond between him and his father, as they would collaborate on car projects even when Koker was just a young child. Reflecting on their relationship in “Counting Cars,” Koker acknowledged that his father imparted invaluable lessons on style and individuality when it came to car restorations.
The experience of working alongside his father sparked Koker’s passion for the field, which has since blossomed into a remarkable phenomenon. Sharing his journey with the American Profile, Koker expressed, “When your entire life revolves around something, starting as a mere hobby and eventually evolving into a legitimate business, it truly becomes a self-taught pursuit.” The hobby-turned-vocation has propelled Koker to exceptional heights of achievement. From the triumph of “Counting Cars” to his extensive and valuable collection of automobiles, it is remarkable how something that began as a hobby has yielded such remarkable success.
He lost the chance to own one of his favorite cars, a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
The 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV has seemingly been a thorn in Danny Koker’s side. Despite never having the opportunity to own this coveted Lamborghini, Koker shares the tale of how he once came incredibly close to acquiring the car, only for the deal to crumble at the final moment. In a 2013 interview with the American Profile, he reminisces, “Somewhere between 15 and 20 years ago, I was on the verge of sealing the deal, but it slipped through my fingers.” Koker laments the loss and continues his search, acknowledging that the value of these cars escalates by the day.
Fast forward six years to 2019, and Koker is still discussing his near-miss with owning the Miura. On his YouTube channel, Count’s Kustoms Network, he declares the 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV to be “one of the most breathtakingly beautiful cars ever produced.” Offering further insight into the ill-fated transaction, Koker reveals that the seller of the Miura SV experienced a sudden wave of sentimentality right before they were about to shake hands on the deal, causing them to back out at the eleventh hour. Koker commends the seller’s shrewd move, recognizing that, in today’s market, a ’72 Lamborghini Miura SV, depending on its condition, would easily command a price tag of $2-3 million.
Despite these setbacks, Danny Koker’s pursuit of the 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV persists, fueled by his unwavering admiration for its unparalleled beauty and timeless allure.
American cars are his favourite
With the vast number of cars Danny Koker has worked on throughout his career, it might seem challenging for him to pinpoint his favorite types, makes, and models. On his YouTube channel, Koker was posed with the question, “If you could choose one place in the world that offers the best cars to restore, where would it be?”
To this inquiry, Koker’s response was resolute and unwavering. There was no doubt in his mind that the United States of America is the ultimate destination for restoring cars. Revealing his deep patriotism, Koker proudly declares, “Right here in the great US of A.” He emphasizes his affinity for American automobiles, describing himself as a “big, flag-waving, patriotic guy” who holds a genuine love for American iron.
However, Koker is quick to clarify that his appreciation for cars extends beyond national boundaries, as his collection boasts beloved vehicles from all around the world. Nevertheless, he firmly asserts that American cars hold a special place in his heart, considering them to be at the forefront.
For Danny Koker, the United States stands as the unrivaled hub for car restoration, driven by his passion for American craftsmanship and his overarching love for automobiles.
He lost his mind trying to restore a Ford Ranchero
Restoration and customization seem to come to Danny Koker as effortlessly as breathing.
It’s natural to assume that he can perform these tasks blindfolded, and fans might believe there’s no car Danny Koker can’t restore. However, a curious fan once asked him if there was a car he couldn’t bring back to life.
Koker vividly recalls encountering an early to mid-60s Ford Ranchero at an auction. Tempted by its low price and the prospect of an exciting restoration project, he impulsively purchased it, only to regret it later on.
As the car made its way to Count’s Kustoms, Koker quickly realized the harsh reality: the Ranchero was nothing short of a corroded shell, plagued by extensive rust.
While Koker humorously claims he could have restored it, noting that anything can be restored with “a gazillion dollars and an old Ford Falcon Ranchero,” he acknowledges that even with such efforts, the resulting car would have likely held little value.
Never one to miss an opportunity, Koker ingeniously transformed the dilapidated Ranchero into a remarkable Ford Ranchero pool table, which now resides in a Las Vegas hotel, adding a touch of automotive flair to the establishment.
This anecdote highlights that despite his expertise, there are limits to what even Danny Koker can restore, and his ability to adapt and repurpose showcases his creative ingenuity and knack for turning challenges into unique opportunities.
The car that got him hooked on rebuilds was his first car, a 1979 Camaro Z28
Danny Koker’s passion for cars and bikes ignited at a tender age. However, it was his very first car, a 1979 Camaro Z28, that truly captured his imagination and spurred his interest in restoration and customization.
Despite its sentimental value, Koker embarked on a bold endeavor, deciding to dismantle the Camaro completely and transform it from front to back. Nostalgia took a backseat as Koker turned the Camaro into a “street style Can-Am race car,” showcasing his bold vision and creative flair.
Despite the evolution of his automotive pursuits, Koker’s connection to the past remains intact. The transformed Camaro still holds a place of pride within Count’s Kustoms, a testament to its enduring significance.
However, the passage of time has taken its toll, and the Camaro, having sat in the shop for years, is now in need of another restoration.
The fact that the 1979 Camaro Z28 continues to occupy a special place in Danny Koker’s expansive collection speaks volumes about the deep sentimental value he attaches to the vehicle.
Its presence serves as a constant reminder of his early passion for customization and the profound impact it has had on his journey as an automotive enthusiast.
A rebuild he is most proud of is one he did for Barry White’s widow, a 1979 Stutz IV-Porte
Throughout his illustrious career, Danny Koker has undertaken countless car restorations, making it nearly impossible to keep track of them all.
Nevertheless, there’s one question he often receives: Which restoration project is he most proud of?
During a conversation on Count’s Kustoms Network, Koker revealed a deeply meaningful restoration that holds a special place in his heart—the restoration he undertook for Barry White’s widow.
The vehicle in question was a 1979 Stutz IV-Porte, a unique custom car with an American chassis and an Italian body, once owned by the legendary Barry White himself.
Following Barry White’s passing, the car had been sold and subsequently believed to be lost. Years later, Glodean, Barry White’s widow, reached out to Koker, hoping to locate the very car that her late husband had cherished.
With determination and a bit of searching, Danny Koker successfully located the exact vehicle and embarked on its restoration, with the ultimate goal of returning it to Barry White’s family.
Reflecting on the significance of this project, Koker expressed, “That was a truly meaningful car, and I would say it was a significant rebuild/restoration for me.”
The restoration of the 1979 Stutz IV-Porte holds a deeply sentimental value to Danny Koker, as it allowed him to honor the legacy of an iconic musician and bring joy to Barry White’s family.
This project stands as a testament to Koker’s commitment to preserving automotive history and creating meaningful connections through his exceptional craftsmanship.
The hardest car he ever parted with was a 1973 boat-tail Riviera
With the amount of dedication and effort that Danny Koker and Count’s Kustoms put into their car projects, parting ways with the finished vehicles can undoubtedly be a bittersweet experience.
When asked about the hardest car he has ever sold or let go of, Koker reminisced about a 1973 boat-tail Riviera that left a lasting impression. This iconic car, featured on “Counting Cars” during season 4, was described by Koker as “one of the sexiest cars to come out of the 70s.” He acquired the car for $5,000 in cash and transformed it into the centerpiece of his car show.
The restoration of the 1973 Boat-Tail Riviera was a labor of love, with Koker’s entire team pouring their skills into every detail. Watching the video showcasing the car’s restoration makes it easy to understand why Koker had such difficulty bidding farewell to this remarkable vehicle.
Among the many powerful vehicles in his collection, two stand out prominently. One of these prized possessions is a 1932 Ford Roadster, which holds immense significance for Koker.
In fact, it is the original model that served as the inspiration for Mattel’s renowned “Hot Wheels” collection. This 1932 Ford Roadster underwent hot-rodding back in 1949, and Koker proudly showcases it on social media platforms, giving enthusiasts a glimpse into its rich history.
Another powerhouse in Koker’s collection is the 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S, a truly exceptional and coveted automobile. With only around 16 known examples in the United States, this car has become a highly sought-after collector’s item.
Koker highlights its impressive capabilities, mentioning that it can reach speeds of over 210 mph—an incredible feat for a vehicle from 1983.
These remarkable vehicles, including the cherished 1932 Ford Roadster and the rare 1983 Lamborghini Countach 5000 S, are a testament to Danny Koker’s passion for automotive excellence and his dedication to preserving iconic pieces of automotive history.
He has close to 100 cars in his collection, but only 25-30 of them get out on the road
During a Q&A session on his YouTube channel in 2019, Danny Koker was asked about the size of his car collection and how frequently he takes them out for a spin.
Koker shared that he estimates having close to 100 cars in his personal collection, although at one point, the number reached around 135. Recognizing the need to downsize and allow others to enjoy some of the vehicles, he has been actively trying to reduce the size of his collection.
Having over 135 cars is a substantial increase compared to his collection back in 2012 when he mentioned owning over 50 restored cars and motorcycles during an interview with Las Vegas Weekly while promoting the second season of “Counting Cars.”
As for the cars that see regular road time, Koker stated that he tries to rotate the vehicles he personally drives.
He estimated that around 25 to 30 cars are driven regularly, while the majority are stored in what he refers to as “dry storage.” These vehicles are prepared for long-term storage by removing fluids and safely storing them in a dormant state.
With an impressive collection of cars, Danny Koker continues to indulge his passion for automobiles, ensuring that some of his cherished vehicles see the open road while actively curating and sharing his automotive treasures with others.
He was 17 when he built his first car from the ground up
When asked about the age at which he built his first bike or automobile, Danny Koker provided an interesting insight on Count’s Kustoms Network. He replied, “From the ground up? 17… I was tinkering with motorcycles and tinkering with cars, man since I was, you know, 8.” Growing up in Cleveland and Detroit, Koker and his father engaged in the restoration of various vehicles and motorcycles, fostering his passion from an early age.
This early passion for working on cars played a pivotal role in the success of Count’s Kustoms. The recognition gained from this success led Danny Koker to appearances on popular shows like “Pawn Stars” and “American Restoration” before ultimately securing his own spin-off, “Counting Cars.”
The series achieved remarkable success, spanning 10 seasons, as Koker’s genuine enthusiasm for every car that enters his shop shines through. This unwavering passion for automobiles traces its roots back to Koker’s formative years as a child, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in the automotive world.
His hardest build was a custom chopper for Ozzy Osbourne
Throughout his journey at Count’s Kustoms, Danny Koker has undertaken the restoration and customization of countless vehicles, numbering in the hundreds, if not thousands. With such a vast array of cars passing through his shop, fans have often wondered about the most challenging project Koker has ever tackled.
In a candid response on Count’s Kustoms Network, Koker revealed a surprising choice. Despite working with renowned figures like Alice Cooper, Tommy Lee, Dee Snider, and others, his most demanding build came in the form of a custom chopper for none other than Ozzy Osbourne.
Koker singled out Ozzy Osbourne’s custom chopper as a memorable and difficult undertaking. He explained, “It was really a challenging build because we really wanted it to reflect what would be Ozzy’s flavor without it being like a theme bike.”
One particularly intricate aspect of the project was incorporating a tribute to Randy Rhoads, Ozzy’s late guitar player, by replicating Rhoads’ iconic flying V guitar on the back fender.
Interestingly, although the bike was intended for Ozzy Osbourne, Koker eventually repurchased the bike from him in later years. Presently, the bike proudly resides in Danny Koker’s personal collection, serving as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship and unique challenges he encountered along the way.
