Counting Cars

Lore & Background

Counting Cars debuted August 13, 2012, after Pawn Stars before assuming its regular Tuesday time slot the following day. The series was created by co-executive producer Joel Patterson. Initial executive producers included History's Zachary Behr and Julian Hobbs, and Leftfield Pictures' Brent Montgomery, David George, and Shawn Witt. By mid-2014, Behr and Ed de Rivaz were History's executive producers, with Tom Romita and Jonathan Wyche joining as co-executive producers. In early 2015, Simon Thomas became a fourth Leftfield executive producer, and Sean Moran succeeded Romita as a co-executive producer.

The cast includes Danny 'The Count' Koker, owner of Count's Kustoms, who grew up in Cleveland and Detroit and is a self-taught mechanic from a family of Ford Motor Company employees. Scott Jones was the manager and bookkeeper but left between the second and third seasons. Kevin Mack is Danny's right-hand man and best friend. Michael 'Horny Mike' Henry is an airbrush artist. Roli Szabo was the shop's detailer until after Season 6, when he left on good terms to open his own detailing shop. Shannon Aikau is the bike shop manager and lead builder. Ryan Evans is the head painter and graphic artist. Big Ryan is the project scout and parts expert. Harry 'Grandpa' Rome Sr. does body work. Joseph 'Doc' Duggan integrates technology. George is a mechanic.

Reader's Guide

Counting Cars holds significance as the third spin-off of the popular series Pawn Stars, expanding the franchise's focus from pawn shop dealings to automobile restoration and customization. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at Count's Kustoms, a real Las Vegas business, and documents the work of Danny Koker and his staff as they restore and modify classic vehicles. Its format, similar to American Restoration, includes occasional conflicts among cast members, adding drama to the restoration process. The show's legacy lies in its contribution to the reality television genre centered on skilled trades and small business operations, and in highlighting the culture of classic car and motorcycle restoration in Las Vegas. It also introduced viewers to a range of personalities, from the owner to the detailer, each with distinct roles and backgrounds.

Did You Know?

• Counting Cars is the third spin-off of Pawn Stars, following American Restoration and Cajun Pawn Stars.
• The series is filmed in Las Vegas at Count's Kustoms, owned by Danny Koker.
• Roli Szabo, the shop's detailer, left after Season 6 to open his own detailing shop, Rock N' Roli Kustom Detailing.