The History channel and Carl’s Jr. announced two History series integrations to celebrate Carl’s Jr.’s upcoming 75th anniversary on July 17. Episodes from returning series Counting Cars and American Restoration will feature two different classic car restorations in a nod to the Carl’s Jr. success story as well as the brand’s enduring impact on American culture.
In the season 5 episode debuting March 8, Andy Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants (parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s) stops by Count’s Kustoms to commission a custom, Carl’s Jr.–themed car rebuild to commemorate Carl’s Jr.’s upcoming 75th anniversary. Later in the episode, Count’s Kustoms’ founder Danny Koker unveils a perfectly restored ’75 Corvette Stingray, complete with racing-grade engine and emblazoned with the number “75.”
Coinciding with the Counting Cars episode, History, Carl’s Jr., and beverage partner Coca-Cola will launch a special Carl’s Jr. 75th Anniversary Sweepstakes that gives fans the chance to win the actual Carl’s Jr.–themed 1975 Corvette Stingray depicted in the show. Other prizes include Carl’s Jr. and Coca-Cola merchandise, as well as $75 Carl’s Jr. gift cards. The large cup promotion and sweepstakes started February 24 and runs through March 22.
In addition to Counting Cars, Puzder also appears on an upcoming episode of American Restoration, where he works with series talent Bodie Stroud, chief executive officer and founder of BS Industries, to restore a 1941 Plymouth Super Deluxe. It was in 1941 when Carl’s Jr. founder Carl N. Karcher and his wife Margaret borrowed $311 against their own Plymouth and used $15 in savings to purchase a single hot dog cart in Los Angeles. From one hot dog cart, Carl’s Jr. grew into the iconic, edgy brand known for premium quality charbroiled burgers worldwide.
Once fully restored by Bodie’s American Restoration team, with input from Puzder himself, the souped-up Plymouth will travel on a 75th anniversary tour to select Carl’s Jr. locations throughout the U.S. At the end of the tour, the Plymouth will be auctioned to raise funds for Carl’s Jr.’s Stars for Heroes program supporting American military veterans. The American Restoration episode featuring Carl’s Jr. is scheduled to premiere March 18 on History.
“We’re proud to work with Carl’s Jr. once again, especially during this milestone in the company’s history,” says David DeSocio, senior vice president of ad sales partnerships and marketing at A+E Networks. “History has an exceptional track record with creatively integrating brand partners into content across all platforms, and Counting Cars and American Restoration provide the perfect content and context to tell this true American success story.”
“Pairing cool cars and premium burgers has always been a part of America’s youthful, innovative culture and it’s a great way to kick off Carl’s Jr.’s 75th anniversary celebration,” says Steve Lemley, senior vice president of field marketing and media at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. “Counting Cars and American Restoration’s bold, creative style, focus on quality as well as their entrepreneurial spirit mirror the Carl’s Jr. brand. We’re thrilled to work with History as well as our long-time partner, Coca-Cola, to give Carl’s Jr. fans a view into our unique backstory and a chance to win a one-of-a-kind classic ’75 Corvette.”
