If you’ve ever wondered what was the car from Dukes of Hzzard, you’re not alone. That famous orange 1969 Dodge Charger with the Confederate flag roof is the vehicle from *The Dukes of Hazzard*. Known as the General Lee, this iconic car became a star in its own right, capturing the hearts of viewers with its incredible jumps and rebellious spirit.
For a generation of fans, the sight of that Charger sailing through the air is pure television magic. This article will tell you everything about this legendary automobile, from its specs to its stunts and where you can see one today.
We’ll cover its history, the modifications that made it jump, and its lasting cultural impact.
What Was The Car From Dukes Of Hazzard
The car was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, modified and reborn as the “General Lee.” It wasn’t just one car, however. Over the show’s seven-season run, producers used an estimated 256 to 321 Chargers to film all the high-flying action and destructive stunts.
Each one was painted the same signature “General Lee” orange and adorned with a Confederate Battle Flag on its roof, alongside the iconic “01” on its doors. The car was named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, a detail that has become a point of significant controversy in later years.
The General Lee’s role was central to every episode. It was the primary tool Bo and Luke Duke used to outrun the corrupt Boss Hogg and the bumbling Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane in Hazzard County.
The Exact Model And Specifications
Let’s break down the specific details of the original General Lee model. The show’s car coordinator used 1969 Dodge Chargers because their body style was agressive and readily available at a low cost in the late 1970s.
Most were originally 383 or 440 Magnum V8 models, though they were often modified for filming.
- Model Year: 1969 (Though a few 1968 and 1970 models were reportedly used when needed).
- Engine: Typically a 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 or a 440 Magnum V8 for stunt cars, providing massive horsepower for jumps.
- Transmission: A heavy-duty TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission.
- Color: The paint was a custom mix, often called “General Lee Orange” or “Hemi Orange.”
- Distinguishing Features: The Confederate flag on the roof, the “01” on the doors, a welded-shut trunk, and no exterior door handles (the Dukes always climbed in through the windows).
The Famous Modifications For Stunts
The General Lee couldn’t perform those amazing jumps straight from the factory. Each stunt car underwent serious modifications to survive—or be sacrificed for—the episode’s action.
A specialized team, including legendary stunt coordinator Jack Gill, prepared these vehicles. The goal was to make them safe for the stunt driver and predictable in flight.
Key modifications included:
- Roll Cages: Heavy-duty steel roll cages were installed inside every stunt car to protect the driver in case of a rollover.
- Reinforced Suspension: The front and rear suspensions were heavily reinforced with extra leaf springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers to handle the impact of landing.
- Engine Relocation: In some jump cars, the engine was moved back several inches toward the firewall to help balance the car’s weight distribution during a jump, preventing a nose-down attitude.
- Special Ramps: For the most famous jumps, a precise steel ramp was buried at the take-off point. The car’s speed and the ramp’s angle were calculated to create the perfect arc.
How The Iconic Jump Was Filmed
The most famous stunt, the open-air jump, was filmed using a combination of skill and precise engineering. The ramp was carefully concealed so the car appeared to be jumping from a natural rise in the road.
Stunt drivers like Gary Baxley and Bobby Joe Gentry would hit a marked spot on the road at an exact speed, usually between 55 and 80 mph. The car would launch, and the driver would essentially coast through the air, steering slightly to maintain direction before the often-brutal landing.
Multiple cameras captured the action from different angles to create the thrilling sequence viewers saw at home.
The Surprising Number Of Cars Used
It’s one of the most shocking facts for fans: hundreds of Chargers were destroyed. With an average of one major jump or wreck per episode, the production needed a constant supply of vehicles.
They would by them from junkyards, used car lots, and private sellers for as little as $1,500 each. A team would then work around the clock to paint, modify, and prepare the next batch of Generals.
By the final season, good 1969 Chargers were becoming harder to find, forcing the crew to sometimes use other model years or even alter Charger bodies onto different car frames.
The Cultural Impact Of The General Lee
The General Lee transcended its role as a TV prop to become a global pop culture icon. It represented freedom, rebellion against authority, and good old-fashioned ingenuity. For kids in the early 80s, it was the coolest car imaginable.
The car spawned an enormous amount of merchandise, from toy cars and model kits to lunchboxes and video games. Its image was everywhere, cementing its place in automotive and television history.
Controversy Surrounding The Confederate Flag
Today, the General Lee’s imagery is inseparable from the Confederate flag painted on its roof. While the show presented the flag as a simple symbol of Southern pride and rebellion in its original context, societal understanding has deepened.
The flag is now widely viewed as a painful symbol of slavery, racism, and segregation. This has led to significant controversy. Many modern reruns of the show edit out the flag or use digital effects to remove it. Toy replicas have been discontinued or altered.
This shift has sparked debate among fans about separating the car’s nostalgic appeal from its controversial symbolism. It’s an important part of any discussion about the vehicle’s legacy.
The General Lee In Modern Car Culture
Despite the controversy, the General Lee remains a powerful icon in car culture. Dedicated fans and collectors have built thousands of meticulous replicas over the decades.
These replicas are a common sight at car shows and special events. The car’s design is so recognizable that even a glimpse of that orange paint and the number “01” immediately brings the show to mind.
Original screen-used cars that survived filming are extremely rare and valuable, often selling at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Where To See A General Lee Today
If you want to see a piece of television history in person, several authentic General Lee cars are on public display. These are usually cars that were used for close-up shots or promotion and survived the series intact.
- The Cooter’s Place Museums: Owned by Ben Jones, who played Cooter on the show, these museums in Tennessee and Virginia often have screen-used Generals on display.
- Volo Auto Museum: Located in Volo, Illinois, this museum has a famous General Lee that was used in the show’s opening sequence.
- Private Collections: Some surviving cars are in the hands of private collectors and occasionally appear at major automotive auctions like Barrett-Jackson.
It’s always best to check the current exhibits before you plan a visit, as displays can change.
Building Your Own Replica
For the ultimate fan, building a replica is a popular project. It starts with finding a 1968 or 1969 Dodge Charger body, which can be challenging and expensive due to the show’s own demand for them decades ago.
The process involves a complete restoration and customization to match the screen-accurate details. You can find specialized companies that sell replica decal kits, correct orange paint, and even the correct push bars for the front bumper.
It’s a labor of love that requires significant time, mechanical skill, and financial investment, but the result is a driving piece of nostalgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
Nearly all of the estimated 256-321 cars used during filming were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Only a handful of “hero” cars used for close-ups survived the production intact.
What Happened To The Original General Lee?
There isn’t one single “original.” The first car used for the pilot episode was a 1969 Charger found in a Georgia junkyard. Its fate is unknown, but it was likely wrecked during filming or stripped for parts after. The most famous surviving cars are those used for promotional photography.
Why Did They Always Climb Through The Windows?
The door handles were removed and the doors were welded shut for safety during jumps. This prevented the doors from flying open in mid-air. The window entry became a signature move that added to the car’s unique character and the Dukes’ athletic style.
Could A Real Car Actually Jump Like That?
While the jumps were real, a standard car would be destroyed. The General Lee’s jumps were only possible due to the extensive modifications described earlier. Even with those, the cars sustained heavy damage, which is why so many were needed.
Is The General Lee The Most Famous TV Car?
It is certainly a top contender, alongside vehicles like KITT from *Knight Rider* and the Batmobile. Its unique combination of action, style, and cultural notoriety ensures its place in the pantheon of iconic television automobiles.