You’ve probably seen the guy. Bandanna tied tight, sleeveless shirt, and that look in his eyes when he spots a classic Cadillac on the side of a dusty Nevada road. That’s Danny “The Count” Koker. He’s the heart and soul of Count’s Kustoms, a shop that’s become a global landmark for anyone who thinks a factory-standard engine is just a polite suggestion.
Honestly, people often think the shop was just a TV set for Counting Cars. It wasn’t. Long before the History Channel cameras showed up in 2012, Danny was already deep into the grease and chrome. He grew up in Cleveland and Detroit, surrounded by family members who worked for Ford. You could say the smell of gasoline is basically in his DNA. He taught himself how to wrench, how to weld, and more importantly, how to see a diamond where everyone else sees a rusted-out hunk of junk.
The Reality of Count’s Kustoms Cars Today
There was a lot of chatter around 2021 and 2022 about whether the shop was actually closing. Social media is great at starting rumors like that. But here’s the truth: Count’s Kustoms is still very much alive in Las Vegas. Even though the TV show hasn't aired new episodes in a bit, the bay doors are still open on Highland Drive.
Danny didn't just start the shop to be famous. He started it as a place to house his own growing collection and work on projects for friends. It was a hobby that accidentally became a world-class business. Nowadays, it’s a weird, cool mix of a working garage, a museum, and a tourist destination. You can walk in (for free, usually) and see rows of insane builds that look like they belong on a movie set.
What Makes a "Count" Build Different?
If you look at enough Count’s Kustoms cars, you start to notice a pattern. Danny isn't a "purist." If you want a 100% factory-correct restoration where every bolt has the original stamp, he’s probably not your guy. He likes things loud. He likes them low. He loves:
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- Heavy Metal Flake: Paint jobs that sparkle so hard they probably shouldn't be legal in direct sunlight.
- The "Pimp" Aesthetic: Think 1970s Cadillacs with fur interiors and enough chrome to blind a pilot.
- Old School Muscle: Putting modern, fuel-injected engines into bodies from 1968.
The Personal Collection: What Danny Refuses to Sell
People always ask how many cars Danny actually owns. Last count? It’s somewhere north of 58 vehicles. That's a lot of insurance premiums. But there’s one car that is basically his soul in metal form: his father’s 1966 Shelby Mustang GT350.
His dad, Danny Koker Sr., was a big deal—a musician who worked with the Oak Ridge Boys and a Green Beret. When Danny was nine, his dad bought that Shelby. It was the catalyst for everything. While Danny modifies almost everything he touches, he’s kept that Mustang remarkably close to original. It’s the one car he has gone on record saying he will never, ever sell.
Then you’ve got the "Vamp Rod," a 1932 Ford Roadster that Danny and his dad bought back in '83. It fits that "Count" persona perfectly—dark, aggressive, and a little bit spooky. Speaking of personas, did you know the whole "Count" thing started because Danny used to host a late-night horror movie show called Saturday Fright at the Movies? He played a character named Count Cool Rider. The name stuck, the shop took the name, and the rest is history.
Famous Builds You’ve Likely Seen
Some of the cars that rolled out of that shop have become minor celebrities themselves. Remember the 1973 Buick Riviera? That thing was a beast. It had a 455ci Oldsmobile engine and a paint job by Ryan Evans—the lead painter at the shop—that featured incredible detail. It was featured at SEMA, which is basically the Olympics for car builders.
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Then there’s the "Superfly" 1971 Cadillac Eldorado. This one is a total homage to the 70s blaxploitation film era. Danny bought it sight unseen, and it was a wreck. He tore it down to the frame, added gold metal flake, custom chrome spinners, and a fur interior. It’s loud, it’s obnoxious, and it’s perfectly Danny.
Not Just For Show
One thing people get wrong is thinking these cars are just "trailer queens" (cars that are towed to shows but never driven). Danny actually drives his stuff. He’s often seen cruising around Vegas in his 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. He prefers the classics because they have "soul." You won't see him getting excited about a 2026 electric crossover with a giant iPad for a dashboard. He wants the smell of oil and the rumble of a V8.
The Business Side: Can You Actually Buy One?
Yes and no. Count’s Kustoms does sell cars. They have a "For Sale" section on their site, and they take on client builds. But be warned: you’re not just paying for a car; you’re paying for the brand. A custom build from Danny and his crew can easily run six figures.
The shop has also branched out. Danny’s a busy guy. He’s got:
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- Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill: A place for live music and beer.
- Count’s 77: His 70s-style rock band (they’re actually pretty good if you like that classic hard rock sound).
- Count’s Tattoo Company: Because of course he has a tattoo shop in the Rio Hotel.
It’s an empire built on a very specific type of Americana. It’s about being a bit of an outlaw, loving the open road, and respecting the craftsmanship of the past while giving it a middle finger of modern style.
Why People Still Care About Count’s Kustoms
In a world where cars are becoming more like appliances—silent, plastic, and disposable—what Danny does feels rebellious. There’s something visceral about a '55 Chevy Gasser with a steel-tilt front end and a 454 big block engine. It’s not practical. It’s not "green." It’s just cool.
The shop represents a dying art form. While most people are happy with a car that gets them from A to B with the least amount of drama, Danny and his crew want the drama. They want the car to be the conversation.
If you’re ever in Vegas, skip the slots for an hour and head over to the shop. You can see the builds up close, and if you’re lucky, you might see Ryan in the paint booth or Kevin Mack (the shop manager) roaming around. It’s one of the few places left where the "Vegas" you see on TV is actually the real thing.
Your Next Steps
If you’re looking to get into the world of custom cars or just want to appreciate the work more, here’s how to start:
- Visit the Shop: If you're in Las Vegas, the showroom at 2714 Highland Drive is usually open to the public. It's the best way to see the actual scale and detail of the paint jobs.
- Check the Inventory: Keep an eye on the official Count’s Kustoms website if you’re in the market for a finished project. They occasionally list "As Seen On TV" builds.
- Follow the Crew: Most of the guys like Ryan Evans and Ghetto Bob are active on social media. They often post behind-the-scenes clips of builds that never made it to the show or are happening right now in 2026.
- Attend a Local Meet: Danny often hosts or attends car shows in the Vegas area. If you want to talk shop, these events are much better than trying to catch him while he's working.