During the 1970s run, Barris told Edwards during the fourth season (1976–1977) that he wanted to make The New Treasure Hunt even more sadistic for the upcoming fifth season (1977–1978) – an example being that the contestant would be shown a very expensive car (such as a Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, or Mercedes-Benz) but, after the excitement subsided, learn that the prize was only a small part of the vehicle (such as the rear-view mirror).
During the 1970s run of The New Treasure Hunt, Barris intended to increase the cruelty of the game for the upcoming fifth season by showing contestants expensive cars and then revealing that the prize was only a small part of the vehicle.