If you’ve ever wondered what kind of car is the General Lee, you’re in the right place. Fans of *The Dukes of Hazzard* will recognize the General Lee as a 1969 Dodge Charger, famous for its horn and jumps. This iconic vehicle is more than just a TV prop; it’s a piece of automotive and television history that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
This article will give you a complete look at the car behind the legend. We’ll cover its specifications, its role on the show, and the surprising story of how many were actually used. You’ll learn everything from its engine details to its cultural impact.
What Kind Of Car Is The General Lee
The General Lee is a modified 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It’s not just any old car from a lot; it was chosen specifically for its powerful look and performance potential. The “R/T” stands for “Road/Track,” a performance package that made the Charger a formidable muscle car in its era.
On the show, the car was instantly recognizable by its bright “General Lee” orange paint job, the Confederate battle flag painted on its roof, and the numbers “01” on its doors. It’s horn played the first 12 notes of “Dixie,” a detail that became as famous as the car’s incredible jumps over obstacles.
The 1969 Dodge Charger: A Perfect Base
Why did the show’s producers choose this particular model? The 1969 Charger had a sleek, fastback design that looked aggressive even standing still. Its long hood and short rear deck gave it a muscular profile that was perfect for the daring stunts the Duke boys were known for.
Under the hood, the show cars were typically equipped with powerful V8 engines. While specifications varied across the many cars used in production, they were built to withstand the punishing demands of stunt driving.
- Body Style: Two-door fastback coupe
- Model Year: Primarily 1969, with some 1968 and 1970 models used
- Distinctive Features: Hidden headlights, full-width taillight panel, and a “tunnel” rear window
Key Modifications For Stunt Work
The General Lee you saw on TV wasn’t stock. Each car underwent significant modifications to perform the jumps and crashes that defined the show. These changes were necessary for both performance and driver safety.
Roll cages were welded inside to protect the stunt drivers during flips and hard landings. The suspension was heavily reinforced to handle the impact of landing after a jump. Powerful engines, often 440 cubic inch Magnum V8s or even 426 Hemi engines in some cars, provided the necessary acceleration.
- Roll Cage Installation: A sturdy steel cage was added to the interior.
- Suspension Reinforcement: Heavy-duty springs and shocks were fitted.
- Engine Tuning: Engines were built for torque and reliability over top speed.
- Exterior Reinforcement: Certain body panels were strengthened to withstand minor impacts.
The Famous Paint Job and Graphics
The iconic look was carefully crafted. The paint color is officially known as “General Lee Orange,” a vibrant, non-metallic hue. The flag and numbers were applied as decals, not hand-painted, due to the high number of cars needed.
Interestingly, the doors were welded shut to increase body rigidity for stunts. The actors, Bo and Luke Duke, always entered and exited the car through the windows, a move that became a signature part of their characters.
The Surprising Number Of General Lees
One of the most common questions is about how many General Lees were built. It’s a lot higher than most people think. Over the show’s seven-season run, approximately 256 to 321 Dodge Chargers were used and destroyed in the name of entertainment.
Only a handful of these cars survived filming intact. They were categorized into different types based on there use:
- Hero Cars: Used for close-up shots and promotional photos. These were the best-looking models.
- Stunt Cars: Built for jumping and crashing. They were mechanically sound but often cosmetically rough.
- Sound Cars: Used for filming interior dialogue scenes where the car wasn’t moving.
The Challenge Of Finding Chargers
As the show progressed, finding enough 1969 Chargers became a major challenge. The production team was eventually forced to use Chargers from other model years, primarily 1968 and 1970, and modify them to look like the 1969 model. This is why eagle-eyed viewers might spot slight differences in the cars from episode to episode.
The General Lee’s Role In The Dukes Of Hazzard
The car wasn’t just transportation; it was a central character in the show. Its personality and capabilities often drove the plot, helping the Duke cousins outsmart the corrupt Boss Hogg and Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane time and again.
The car’s most famous feats were its incredible jumps. These stunts were performed by professional drivers on closed courses. Ramps were carefully calculated, and the cars were launched into the air, often covering distances of over 100 feet.
Behind The Wheel: The Stunt Drivers
While Tom Wopat and John Schneider (Bo and Luke) did some driving, the dangerous jumps were handled by experts. The primary stunt driver for the General Lee was a man named Gary Davis. His skill and precision ensured that despite hundreds of jumps, no serious injuries occurred during the filming of these spectacular scenes.
Other notable drivers included Gene Winfield, who helped build many of the cars, and the legendary stunt coordinator Jack Gill. There work made the impossible look easy.
The “Dixie” Horn And Other Sounds
The horn was a crucial part of the car’s identity. The distinctive melody was achieved using a special air horn system with a sequenced valve controller. The sound is so iconic that aftermarket kits allowing fans to add the “General Lee horn” to their own vehicles remain popular to this day.
The roar of the engine was also a key audio cue. Sound editors often enhanced the natural engine noise with recordings from more powerful cars to emphasize the General Lee’s strength and speed.
Specifications And Performance Details
While the show cars varied, a typical General Lee stunt car was built to this general specification. These details explain how it performed those amazing jumps.
Engine And Drivetrain
The heart of the General Lee was a big-block V8 engine. Most cars used a 440 cubic inch (7.2L) Magnum engine, chosen for its robust torque and relative availability compared to the more exotic 426 Hemi.
- Engine Type: Chrysler 440 Magnum V8
- Horsepower: Approximately 375 horsepower (in stock form)
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic TorqueFlite
- Rear Axle: Heavy-duty differential, often with a post-traction (limited-slip) unit
Suspension And Chassis
To survive landings, the suspension was completely overhauled. The standard leaf spring rear suspension was reinforced with extra leaves or even replaced with custom components. The front torsion bars were often cranked up to provide additional ride height and strength.
The chassis itself was strengthened at key stress points. This extra metal added weight but was essential for preventing the car from buckling on impact.
Interior And Safety Features
Inside, the car was stripped down to essentials. The roll cage took up most of the interior space. A racing bucket seat for the driver, a simple dashboard, and a fire extinguisher were standard. The passenger seat and rear seats were usually removed to save weight.
Safety was paramount for the stunt drivers. In addition to the roll cage, they used full racing harnesses and wore fire-resistant suits and helmets during jumps, even though this equipment was never shown on camera.
The Cultural Impact And Legacy
The General Lee transcended its role as a TV car to become a global icon. It represents a certain idea of American rebellion, freedom, and ingenuity. For many, it is the definitive muscle car.
Its image has been cemented through endless merchandise, from toy cars to video games. The car’s design is so recognizable that even a glimpse of its orange paint and flag logo immediately brings *The Dukes of Hazzard* to mind.
Controversy Surrounding The Symbolism
In recent years, the Confederate battle flag on the roof has become a significant point of controversy. While the show presented the flag as a symbol of Southern heritage and rebellion against authority, many now view it as a symbol of racism and oppression.
This has led to toy versions being altered or discontinued, and episodes of the show being edited or pulled from circulation on some networks. The debate over the car’s imagery is a complex part of its modern legacy.
Surviving Cars And Their Value
The few surviving General Lee cars are highly prized by collectors. Authentic, documented cars used in the filming have sold at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Their value lies not just in being a Charger, but in their proven Hollywood history.
Many replicas have also been built by fans over the years. Building a accurate replica requires finding a 1969 Charger body, which has become increasingly expensive and rare, and meticulously recreating all the correct details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Model And Year Is The General Lee Car?
The General Lee is primarily based on the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Due to high demand during filming, some 1968 and 1970 models were also modified to look like the 1969 version.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
Estimates suggest that between 256 and 321 Dodge Chargers were destroyed during the production of *The Dukes of Hazzard*. Most were wrecked in stunt sequences, particularly the famous jumps.
What Engine Was In The General Lee?
Most of the stunt cars used a modified 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine. Some “hero” cars used for close-ups may have had other engines, including the 426 Hemi, for better sound and appearance under the hood.
Can You Buy A General Lee Replica?
Yes, you can buy replicas from specialty builders or build one yourself. However, finding a correct 1969 Dodge Charger donor car is the biggest and most expensive challenge. Many companies also sell parts kits to help with the conversion.
Why Did They Weld The Doors Shut?
The doors were welded shut to increase the structural rigidity of the car’s body. This was crucial for withstanding the tremendous forces experienced during jumps and crashes, making the car safer for the stunt driver inside.