When people ask what type of car is the General Lee, they are referring to the classic 1969 Dodge Charger. This iconic orange muscle car, made famous by the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard,” is one of the most recognizable vehicles in pop culture history.
Its image is unforgettable: bright orange paint, a Confederate flag painted on the roof, and the doors welded shut. But beyond its TV fame, the General Lee represents a specific era of American automotive design and performance.
This article explains everything about this legendary vehicle. We will cover its exact specifications, its role on the show, and what happened to the cars after filming ended.
What Type Of Car Is The General Lee
The General Lee is a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, a high-performance muscle car produced by Dodge. It’s not just any Charger; it’s a specific model year and trim that gave the General Lee its power and distinctive look.
The 1969 model year is significant for the Charger. It featured a redesigned body with a more aggressive stance and a distinctive “flying buttress” rear window. For the show, the production team selected this model because of its powerful presence and durability for stunts.
Key identifying features of the 1969 Charger used for the General Lee include:
- A long, sleek fastback roofline.
- Round, dual headlights hidden behind a retractable cover.
- A wide, chrome grille.
- Distinctive sequential turn signals on the rear.
The Exact Specifications Of The General Lee
Underneath its iconic paint job, the General Lee was built for speed. The show used cars equipped with powerful V8 engines to perform the famous jumps and high-speed chases.
Most of the General Lee cars were fitted with a 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine. This engine produced around 375 horsepower, which provided more than enough power for the car’s demanding stunts. Some units may have used the 426 Hemi engine, an even more powerful option, though these were less common due to cost and availability.
The transmission was typically a TorqueFlite automatic, chosen for its reliability. The car featured rear-wheel drive, a standard configuration for muscle cars of the era, which contributed to its ability to perform dramatic slides and donuts.
Modifications For Television And Stunts
The stock 1969 Dodge Charger had to be heavily modified to survive the rigors of filming “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Each car was built specifically for action sequences.
Common modifications included:
- Reinforced suspension and frame to handle the impact of jumps.
- Installation of a full roll cage to protect the stunt drivers.
- Welding the doors shut; actors entered and exited through the windows, a signature move on the show.
- Special skid plates to protect the engine and underside during slides.
- Loud horn that played the first 12 notes of “Dixie.”
The Role Of The Car In The Dukes Of Hazzard
The General Lee was more than just a vehicle on the show; it was essentially a main character. Driven by cousins Bo and Luke Duke, the car was their primary tool for outrunning the corrupt Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane and Boss Hogg.
The car’s personality was defined by its incredible stunts, most notably its soaring jumps. These jumps became a weekly highlight, with the General Lee often flying through the air to escape a roadblock or make a shortcut.
The bond between the Duke boys and their car was central to the show’s theme of fighting for justice with a trusty machine by your side. The car’s resilience mirrored the characters’ determination.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Used
Due to the destructive nature of the stunts, a surprising number of cars were used throughout the series’ run. It’s estimated that over 300 Dodge Chargers were modified to become the General Lee between 1979 and 1985.
Of these, only a handful were “hero” cars used for close-up shots with the actors. The majority were “stunt” cars, built to be destroyed in jumps, crashes, and rolls. This high attrition rate is why so many 1969 Chargers were sourced, impacting the availability of the model for collectors later on.
Identifying A 1969 Dodge Charger
If you’re looking at a classic car and wondering if it’s the same type as the General Lee, there are specific traits to check. The 1969 model has unique features that set it apart from other Charger years.
First, look at the rear window. The 1969 Charger has a distinctive “tunnel” or “flying buttress” design where the rear window is deeply recessed between two large C-pillars. This is a key difference from the 1968 model, which had a more open backlight.
Second, examine the front end. The 1969 Charger has a divided grille with a chrome center section, whereas the 1968 model has a full-width grille. The hidden headlights are also a signature feature.
Cultural Impact And Legacy
The General Lee transcended its role as a TV prop to become a lasting cultural icon. It represents a certain idea of American rebellion, freedom, and mechanical prowess, though its imagery is also subject to debate due to the Confederate flag symbol.
For many fans, the car symbolizes pure automotive fun and the spirit of the show. Its image appears on countless pieces of merchandise, from toy cars to t-shirts. The car continues to be a major attraction at car shows and pop culture conventions.
The show’s reliance on practical stunts, with real cars doing real jumps, has given the General Lee a legendary status in the history of television action. Modern shows often use computer graphics, but the General Lee’s feats were achived with skilled drivers and mechanical preparation.
The Controversy Surrounding The Symbolism
While the car is celebrated by many, the Confederate battle flag painted on its roof has made it a subject of controversy. The flag’s historical associations have led to discussions about the car’s symbolism in modern times.
In recent years, merchandise and reruns of the show have sometimes edited or removed the flag imagery. This reflects an ongoing conversation about historical symbols in popular media. For collectors and restorers, this presents a choice about whether to replicate the car exactly as it appeared on screen.
What Happened To The Original Cars
The fate of the original General Lee cars is a topic of great interest for fans. Given that hundreds were used and many were destroyed, surviving examples are rare and valuable.
A few intact cars are known to exist in private collections and museums. Some were restored by dedicated fans, while others were discovered in junkyards or barns years after the show ended. The most famous surviving car, known as “Lee 1,” was the first hero car used in the pilot episode and is highly sought after.
Authenticating an original General Lee is complex. It requires documentation from the production company, Warner Bros., or proof of its use as a stunt car. Many replica cars have been built by enthusiasts, so verification is crucial for historical and monetary value.
Building Or Restoring A General Lee Replica
Due to the scarcity and high value of original screen-used cars, many fans opt to build their own replica. This process involves finding a 1969 Dodge Charger and modifying it to match the screen specifications.
The first step is sourcing a donor car. A 1969 Charger is required, though sometimes other years are modified. The condition can vary, but a solid body is prefered to avoid extensive rust repair.
Key restoration and replication steps include:
- Complete mechanical overhaul of the engine, transmission, and suspension.
- Applying the correct shade of “Hemi Orange” paint.
- Adding the correct decals, including the “01” on the doors and the flag on the roof.
- Welding the doors shut and installing a roll cage for safety.
- Finding or replicating the “Dixie” horn.
Where To See A General Lee Today
If you want to see a General Lee in person, you have several options. A number of museums dedicated to television and movie cars often have one on display. Private collectors sometimes exhibit their cars at major automotive events like the SEMA Show or local car cruises.
You can also visit festivals themed around “The Dukes of Hazzard,” where owners gather with their replicas and originals. These events offer the best chance to see multiple cars and meet the enthusiasts who keep the legend alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Car Was The General Lee?
The General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, a two-door muscle car known for its powerful V8 engine and fastback design. It was modified extensively with a roll cage, reinforced suspension, and welded doors for the television show.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
It is estimated that most of the over 300 Chargers used in the production of “The Dukes of Hazzard” were destroyed during stunt filming. Only a small number of “hero” cars used for close-ups survived intact.
What Engine Was In The General Lee Car?
Most General Lee cars were equipped with a 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine. Some may have used the even more powerful 426 Hemi engine. Both provided the high performance needed for the show’s famous jumps.
Can You Buy A General Lee Dodge Charger?
Yes, but authentic screen-used cars are extremely rare and valuable. More commonly, enthusiasts sell high-quality replicas built from 1969 Chargers. The price varies widely based on authenticity, condition, and the accuracy of the restoration.
Why Did They Weld The Doors Shut On The General Lee?
The doors were welded shut primarilly for structural rigidity during stunts, making the body stronger for jumps. This also created the show’s iconic visual gag where Bo and Luke Duke had to climb in and out through the windows, which became a signature move.