Danny “The Count” Koker Of “Counting Cars” Isn’t Allowed To Film Here, Plus Other Facts About Him
In 2018, people began tuning in to watch Danny "The Count" Koker restore vintage cars on the hit series Counting Cars. But what do people actually know about the Las Vegas auto shop owner and the series?
From Danny's dream car to how the show came to be, here are some fast-fueled facts about The Count and Counting Cars. Strap in!
His Car Collection Is Massive
Being a car enthusiast and expert, it only makes sense that The Count has a garage full of expensive vehicles. In fact, he has a collection of around 58 cars and 78 motorcycles!
Some of his more valuable cars include a white Lamborghini Countach worth over $300,000, a first-generation Shelby Mustang GT350, and a 1968 Dodge Charger.
He's Been Married to Korie for Over 15 Years
Even though he's busy with his business ventures, The Count makes time for family. He's actually been married to his wife, Korie Koker, for over 15 years! But Korie isn't just Danny's wife; she is also his business partner.
Korie serves as the co-owner of the family restaurant, Count's Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill.
The Count Got His Own Spinoff Show
Counting Cars made its television debut in 2012 after Danny "The Count" Koker appeared on numerous other television series. Danny and his restoration business, Count's Kustoms, found their way onto Pawn Stars and even American Restoration.
The hosts of the two television shows trusted Danny's vehicle knowledge, and, eventually, The History Channel approached him about his own series.
No Cameras Are Allowed Inside The Family Home
Even though Counting Cars is technically a pseudo-reality TV series, Danny "The Count" Koker doesn't budge on one rule -- no cameras or filming crews are allowed inside his family home.
The Count likes to keep his private and professional life separate, especially when it comes to his family. In a 2013 interview, he explained that the rule allowed him to keep a sense of professionalism.
Danny Koker Is Also A Musician
Growing up with a musically gifted father who worked with the likes of the Oakridge Boys, CL Franklin, and the Foggy River Boys, Danny "The Count" Koker found himself on stage at a very early age.
The Count is a singer and even formed his own band, Count 77. They released their first album in 2014, Count 77.
The Love Of Cars Runs In The Koker Family
Danny "The Count" Koker was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to a family of car enthusiasts. So, it's really no surprise that he grew up loving and restoring cars alongside his father.
His father, Daniel Koker II, worked as an executive at the Ford Motor Company. He even gifted Danny a motorbike when he was only nine years old!
The Dream Car: 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Being a car lover his entire life, it only makes sense that Danny "The Count" Koker has a dream car. In The Count's Case, the one car he would love to own is a 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV.
In fact, Koker has gone on record saying that he almost had the pleasure of owning one a few years back. Unfortunately, the deal fell through.
Working On Newer Model Cars Isn't Danny's Forte
While Danny "The Count" Koker loves cars, he's been known to turn away newer models. He prefers to work on older cars, the classics. It works for him and his fanbase, though.
People enjoy watching The Count take apart and restore classic vehicles that otherwise would be left to rust.
Danny Koker's Net Worth Is $13 Million
Danny "The Count" Koker has pursued many business ventures throughout the years, allowing him to accrue quite a pretty net worth. Of course, he has his restoration business in Las Vegas, Count's Kustoms, but he also has another family-owned business that makes a nice chunk of change, Count's Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill.
Those two companies, along with his Counting Cars paycheck and other TV appearances, have brought his net worth up to $13 million.
The Koker-Tour In Las Vegas
As it turns out, Danny "The Count" Koker is a man of many talents. He not only owns and operates his car restoration shop, Count's Kustoms, but he's also the owner of the restaurant Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill.
And if that isn't enough Koker for people, they can hop over to his shop for a tattoo!
Danny Typically Drives His 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood
With so many cars in his personal collection, it must be impossible for Danny Koker to chose something to ride on a regular basis. Well, somehow, he made a decision to drive his 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood.
During an interview, Koker said, "My daily driver is a 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. It's huge. It's an absolute land yacht."
The Spontaneous Street Buying Is Fake
One of the fun aspects of Counting Cars is when Danny "The Count" Koker finds a car he likes, walks up to the owner, and asks to purchase it from them. It's all very spontaneous! Well, it's also completely staged.
Before the spontaneity and, usually, subsequent drama, producers let the owner know what's going to happen. It's all staged for the sake of entertainment.
Kevin And Danny Met While Riding Motorcycles
Kevin Mack is Danny Koker's right-hand man at Count's Kustoms, taking over as the manager when Scott Jones left. The two have been great friends for over 20 years, first meeting in a motorcycle club that rode around Southern California, Arizona, and other places around the country.
It makes sense that Danny would hire another motor-head to help run the shop!
Selling His Car Collection Is Out Of The Question
Danny "The Count" Koker loves cars, but nothing says love quite like his relationship with his personal car collection. He's put so much time and money into his collection over the years that, now, he's unwilling to sell.
During an interview, he said, "I feel like I put a piece of me in it."
Count's Kustoms Is A Busy Shop
Count's Kustoms always had a nice stream of business, but the production skyrocketed ever since the first episode of Counting Cars aired. Now, production is through the roof. At any given time, Danny has his staff of 50 people working on at least 15 projects.
Amazingly, the film crew is able to capture every minute!
The Count Will Do Everything In His Power For A Car He Likes
As it turns out, when Danny "The Count" Koker has his eyes set on a car or motorcycle, he will do everything in his power to own the vehicle.
The History Channel website even says, "whenever he sees a vehicle he loves, he'll do whatever it takes to get it."
The Iconic Headband Has A Purpose
For those who watch Counting Cars or have seen Danny Koker onstage live and singing, then they've probably noticed that he is always wearing a headband. The accessory has even sparked a "why does he wear it?" debate online!
Well, the answer to why The Count sports a headband is simple -- he doesn't want his fans to see his receding hairline!
Danny Isn't Down For The Environmentally-Friendly Prius
It's no secret that Danny "The Count" Koker loves cars. He has over 100 vehicles in his personal collection, after all! But there is one type of automobile he isn't overly fond of: environmentally friendly cars like the Toyota Prius.
During an interview on The Morning Show, The Count said he'd take performance over environment any day.
The Show's Success Makes Bargaining Difficult
A huge part of Counting Cars is Danny Koker's ability to bargain with car owners and acquiring vehicles at a good and fair price. Unfortunately, the popularity of the show began working against The Count.
Once the car owners became aware of Danny's income from the show, negotiations took a turn and were more difficult since people wanted more money.
The Count Hosted A B-Movie Horror Show
Danny Koker's first television appearance was a B-movie program called Saturday Fright at the Movies. He hosted the show under the name Count Cool Ride, a vampire-like character that wore a leather jacket, fake fangs, sunglasses, and rode a motorcycle onto the stage.
There was even a coffin on the set!
