What Kinda Car Was The General Lee

If you’ve ever wondered what kinda car was the General Lee, you’re not alone. The General Lee was a modified 1969 Dodge Charger, famous for its bright orange paint and Confederate flag roof. It’s one of the most iconic television vehicles of all time, starring in the hit series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” This article will give you the complete breakdown on this legendary machine, from its exact specifications to its surprising history behind the scenes.

At its core, the General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. The “R/T” stood for “Road/Track,” indicating it was a high-performance model straight from the factory. The show’s producers chose the Charger for its aggressive, muscular look and its potential for the spectacular jumps that became the car’s signature stunt.

While the show presented it as the Duke family’s trusty vehicle, in reality, over 300 individual cars were used during filming to portray the single General Lee. Most were 1968 and 1969 models, with the ’69 being the most prevalent. These cars were heavily modified to withstand the punishing stunts, often being destroyed in the process.

The Original 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Specifications

To understand the General Lee, you need to know what a stock 1969 Charger R/T offered. This gives you a baseline for the performance the show’s car was supposed to represent.

Engine: A 440 cubic inch (7.2L) Magnum V8 was standard, producing 375 horsepower. An optional 426 Hemi V8, making 425 horsepower, was also available.
Transmission: Most were equipped with a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, though a 4-speed manual was an option.
Body Style: It featured a distinctive fastback roof line with hidden headlights and a full-width taillight panel.
Performance: With the 440 Magnum, the Charger R/T could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which was very quick for its era.

Key Modifications For The Show

The cars used on set were far from stock. They underwent extensive changes to become stunt-ready “General Lees.” These modifications were crucial for the car’s on-screen persona.

Roll Cages And Reinforced Frames

Every car used for jumping or rough driving was fitted with a full roll cage. The frames were also reinforced with steel tubing to prevent the car from buckling on impact. This was the most critical safety feature for the stunt drivers.

Suspension And Tire Upgrades

The stock suspension was too soft for landing jumps. The crew installed heavy-duty leaf springs in the rear and upgraded shock absorbers all around. They also used robust, wide tires to help absorb the massive impacts from landing.

Engine And Drivetrain Changes

While the show’s lore suggested a powerful engine, many stunt cars used less valuable engines to keep costs down. Some were fitted with 318 or 383 cubic inch V8s instead of the top-tier 440 or Hemi. Transmission coolers were added to prevent failure during repeated stunt takes.

The Iconic Visual Identity

The General Lee’s look is instantly recognizable. It wasn’t just orange; it was a specific shade with a very deliberate set of markings that made it a character itself.

The Paint Color: The official color was “1970 Chrysler Hemi Orange.” It was chosen for its high visibility on camera.
The Confederate Flag Roof: Perhaps the most controversial element, the flag was a central part of the car’s identity on the show, though it has since been widely retired from public displays and replicas due to its historical associations.
The “01” Decals: The doors famously featured the number “01,” signifying it was the top car in Hazzard County. The “Dixie” horn played the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie.”
Missing Door Handles: A running gag on the show was that the doors were welded shut. The Dukes always entered and exited through the windows, a move that became synonomous with the car.

The Stunt Performance Legacy

The General Lee wasn’t just a prop; it was a stunt star. Its ability to perform incredible jumps is what cemented its place in pop culture history. The show’s lead stunt driver, Gary Baxley, and others performed these feats.

The jumps were achieved using a specially designed ramp. The car would hit the ramp at a precise speed, launching it into the air. The landing was the hardest part, often causing irreparable damage to the car’s frame and body. It’s estimated that an average of two to three General Lee cars were destroyed per episode during the show’s peak.

The Ramp Setup: A steel ramp was covered with dirt and debris to blend into the roadside on camera.
The Approach: The driver had to hit a specific speed, usually between 55 and 65 mph, to achieve the desired distance and height.
In-Air Control: The driver would often tap the brakes in mid-air to tilt the nose down for a safer landing.
The Impact: The reinforced frame and heavy-duty suspension were the only things preventing total collapse upon landing.

How Many General Lee Cars Still Exist?

Given that so many were wrecked, surviving General Lee cars are rare and valuable collector’s items. Of the estimated 300+ used, it’s believed only around 17 original screen-used cars are known to exist today. These are scattered among private collectors and museums.

The most famous survivor is known as “Lee 1,” the first car built for the pilot episode. It was recently restored and is considered the holy grail of Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia. Other surviving cars often show signs of their stunt history, like weld marks from roll cages or uneven body panels from past repairs.

Building Your Own Replica

For many fans, owning a piece of this history means building a replica. It’s a complex but rewarding project that requires sourcing the right car and parts.

Find a Donor Car: Start with a 1968 or 1969 Dodge Charger. The 1969 model is more accurate but often more expensive. A solid body is more important than a perfect engine, as you’ll likely be making upgrades.
Bodywork and Paint: Strip the car to bare metal. Apply the correct “Hemi Orange” paint. This step requires professional skill to achieve the show-car gloss.
Install the Graphics: Source or have made the correct “01” door decals, flag roof decal, and other markings like the “General Lee” lettering on the trunk.
Mechanical Upgrades: For authenticity, many builders install a 440 Magnum or a modern crate engine like a 5.7L Hemi for reliability. Upgrade the suspension and brakes to handle the power.
Interior Details: The interior was typically sparse. Add a roll cage, racing seats, and a correct steering wheel. Don’t forget to weld the doors shut and install a “Dixie” horn kit.

The Cultural Impact And Controversy

The General Lee transcended television to become a cultural symbol, though its meaning has shifted over time. For a generation, it represented rebellion and fun, a car that always outsmarted the authorities. However, the prominent use of the Confederate battle flag has led to significant controversy in recent decades.

Many now view the flag as a symbol of racial oppression rather than Southern heritage. As a result, Warner Bros., who owns the rights to the show, has largely retired the flag from merchandise. Most replica builders and owners today make a personal choice about whether to include it, with many opting for an American flag or leaving the roof plain orange to focus on the car’s other attributes.

Despite this, the General Lee’s status as an automotive icon remains. It represents a specific era of television, stunt driving, and American car culture. Its image continues to evoke strong feelings, both of nostalgia and of reflection on the symbols we use in media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the General Lee.

What Kind Of Car Was Used In The Dukes Of Hazzard?

The primary car was a modified 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Throughout production, they used hundreds of 1968 and 1969 Chargers to film all the scenes and stunts.

How Much Horsepower Did The General Lee Have?

On the show, it was suggested to have a supercharged engine with immense power. In reality, the stunt cars had varying engines. The fictional General Lee was often said to have “over 400 horsepower,” aligning with the optional 426 Hemi available in 1969.

Why Did They Use So Many Cars For The Show?

The extreme stunts, especially the jumps, frequently destroyed the cars. They needed multiple copies to continue filming. Different cars were also used for close-up “hero” shots, driving scenes, and the specialized jump vehicles.

Can You Buy A Real General Lee Car?

Original screen-used cars rarely come up for sale and can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your most feasible option is to purchase a well-built replica from a specialist or undertake the project of building one yourself.

What Was The General Lee’s Horn?

The horn played the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie.” It was a customized air horn system. You can buy replica horn kits online to install in a replica Charger.

The General Lee is more than just a car; it’s a piece of television history. Knowing what kinda car was the General Lee—a 1969 Dodge Charger transformed into a stunt legend—helps you appreciate the engineering and effort behind the entertainment. From its roaring V8 to its gravity-defying jumps, it captured the imagination of viewers and left a permanent tire mark on pop culture, a legacy that continues to spark conversation and admiration decades later.