Counting Cars

Rick Harrison, of the ultra-successful Pawn Stars TV show, would send some work to "Counts Kustoms" across town in Las Vegas. In time, Danny "The Count" Koker, the owner of the place, got his own show. The same thing happened to Rick Dale, who stars in American Restoration. Knowing the Pawn Star guys has its benefits!

In this show, you have a bunch of tough-looking, gruff-sounding bike guys who underneath are pussycats.....at least in Koker's character. Danny and his crew of Kevin, Scott, Roli, Horny Mike, Shannon and others fix up just about any kind of car you give them and transform them into an amazing-looking vehicle, whether it's a muscle car, classic car from the early years, bike or a coffin-on-wheels! You see a lot of variation of restoration projects and that keeps it interesting, along with the crew, who are fun to watch.

What's different is that these nasty-looking dudes, led by their boss, have a special heart for people who have served their country, or have been disabled, or want something as a tribute to a fallen family member. Yeah, it's very sentimental and even sappy at times...but it works. I admit there are times I have a tear in my eye at the end of these shows. I like the feel-good endings. You don't see much of that anymore on TV.

For the most part the show is a success - however there are two characters who add nothing to the overall value - Mike and Scott - both are horrible actors and their parts take away from the cars and interactions of Danny with the customers. I enjoy seeing Danny ride around and find vehicles, talk to the owners and sometimes purchase a flip - the end products of the creations are fantastic to see but the yelling of Scott and the lack of credibility of Mike take away from the entire show. I turn the sound off whenever Scott or Mike come on.

Counting Cars is of the Reality TV genre, featuring Danny Koker and his crew of 5-6 body painting enthusiasts. In India we are lucky to watch the episodes on History channel every Monday-Friday 6.00 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. Danny has some great, creative people working for him including Ryan, who is mainly the artist, Big, Kevin, Scott Jones, and a 5-6 others. Whether its a well-maintained Ford-T, or a Mustang, a Cadillac, or El Dorado, a Toyota or Nissan, or any other vehicle, Danny and hard working crew can restore almost any vehicle how so ever old, derelict, rusted or useless it might be and make them almost new, of course , for a price. Worth watching.

Love the Count and crew except for Horney Mike. Mike is not just not funny, but is mean, angry, argumentative, and annoying. Notice that his smile is not genuine but menacing. Why is this guy on the show? The Count should count him out!

Great premise for a show, if there weren't throngs of other car restoration shows on TV. But this one is slightly different.

Propped up by the backdrop of glitzy Las Vegas, the show revolves around Danny Koker, a well-known Vegas personality who's business interests not only surround cars, but tattoo parlours and bars. The show is creatively scripted, as most reality shows, and contains obviously cast-ed story-lines examples being one of Koker's cast of characters restoring their own car, or taking on the teaching duties of "airbrushing" to a colleague, all to have a contest at the end to see who is the better airbrush artist. Some shows focus on a specific customer and their story, which can tug at the heartstrings and keeps it interesting. The viewer is filled in on specific facts related to the original vehicle, and is given a glimpse into how Koker and his team are going to approach each project. In the end, Koker and his team do their magic on an automobile or motorcycle raised from the scrapyard, only to bring it back to a greater glory. His work is fabulous and his attention to detail, although good, sometimes shows up on some of the smaller stuff, like headlight chrome which remains pitted and dull remaining on what is a beautifully restored auto. Could be an issue with not being able to find a 60 year old part? So I never said the show was perfect. Barring that, its an interesting watch, however too much time is spent on the story-lines in my opinion, where more could be dedicated to the intricacies of the beautiful work they do, and focusing on the difficulties of exactly how they get it done, like re- manufacturing parts where none are able to be found. Did I mention the headlight chrome? All in all, Koker is an engaging sort. He has what seems an warm TV personality, a good heart and a good soul. He helps out the Vets with doing things for no money, and takes time to look after those who have been dealt a bad hand or have an unfortunate story, which makes this totally watchable. Take a look, it will help you kill 30 minutes.