If you’ve ever wondered what car was in Dukes of Hazzard, you’re not alone. The television series *Dukes of Hazzard* famously featured a 1969 Dodge Charger as its central vehicle. Known as the “General Lee,” this bright orange muscle car with its iconic Confederate flag roof became a star in its own right.
Its jumps, slides, and horn are etched into pop culture history. This article gives you the complete story behind this legendary automobile.
We’ll cover its specs, its on-set adventures, and where you can see surviving models today.
What Car Was In Dukes Of Hazzard
The definitive answer is a modified 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. This wasn’t just any car off the lot; it was a specific model chosen for its power and durability. The “R/T” stood for “Road/Track,” indicating a high-performance package.
Producers needed a vehicle that could handle the demanding stunts the show was built around. The Charger’s robust frame and powerful engine options made it the perfect candidate. Over 300 individual cars were used throughout the show’s run, each painted that signature shade of orange.
Most were 1969 models, though a few 1968 and 1970 Chargers were reportedly used when supply ran low.
The Birth Of The General Lee
The car wasn’t originally called the General Lee. In the initial pilot, the Duke boys drove a 1969 Dodge Charger painted orange but with a different stripe pattern. The name and final look came together as production began.
The car was named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Its paint scheme was finalized as a vibrant orange with a Confederate battle flag on the roof and the number “01” on the doors. The famous horn, playing the first 12 notes of “Dixie,” was added to complete its rebellious identity.
This transformation turned a stock muscle car into a symbol of the show’s fun-loving, authority-defying spirit.
Key Modifications For Stunt Work
To survive the incredible jumps, the cars underwent serious modifications. These changes were not for show; they were essential for the stunts.
- Reinforced Frame: The chassis was strengthened with extra steel to withstand the impact of landings.
- Heavy-Duty Suspension: Special shocks and springs were installed to handle rough terrain and big jumps.
- Roll Cages: Every stunt car was fitted with an internal roll cage to protect the driver during flips or crashes.
- Transmission Brake: A special brake was added to the driveshaft, allowing the driver to lock the rear wheels for spectacular slides and 180-degree turns.
- Engine Choices: While often equipped with a 440 Magnum V8, many stunt cars used smaller, more reliable engines like the 318 or 383 cubic inch V8s.
Specifications And Performance Details
On screen, the General Lee seemed invincible. In reality, its performance came from a combination of good engineering and clever filming. A stock 1969 Charger R/T with a 440 Magnum V8 produced about 375 horsepower.
It could go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. For the show, top speed was rarely the point; acceleration and durability were key. The modified suspension allowed for those famous high-flying jumps.
The transmission brake, or “bootlegger turn,” was a practical stunt driver’s technique exaggerated for television. The cars were built not for speed records, but for repeated, camera-ready action.
The Stunt Legacy And Destruction Of Cars
The show’s signature element was the car jump. An incredible number of Chargers were destroyed in the process. It’s estimated that over 300 cars were used across 7 seasons and 2 TV movies.
Only a handful of these vehicles survived fully intact. The vast majority were wrecked during stunt filming. This has made surviving General Lees extremely rare and valuable collectors items.
Stunt coordinator Jack Gill and driver Gary Combs were responsible for many of the most famous leaps. They perfected techniques to make the jumps look dangerous while keeping the drivers as safe as possible.
Most Famous Jumps And Stunts
Several jumps stand out in the show’s history. They became milestones for the series and for stunt driving on television.
- The First Jump (Season 1): This set the template, proving the car and the concept could work.
- The 16-Car Jump: In the episode “Coltrane’s Angels,” the General Lee jumped over 16 police cars lined up side-by-side.
- The River Jump: In one memorable stunt, the car leaped across a river, a feat that required precise timing and speed.
- The Helicopter Jump: Perhaps the most famous, the General Lee jumped over a police helicopter in the episode “The Dukes Meet Cale Yarborough.”
Each jump required meticulous planning. Ramps were carefully calculated for angle and height. Speed had to be exact to ensure the car landed on its wheels, not its nose or roof.
Cultural Impact And Modern Controversy
For decades, the General Lee was a pure symbol of automotive cool and rebellious fun. However, its imagery has been re-examined in recent years. The Confederate flag on its roof, once seen by many as a simple symbol of Southern pride within the show’s context, is now widely recognized as a painful symbol of racism and oppression.
This has led to complex debates about the car’s legacy. Warner Bros., which owns the rights, has largely retired the flag imagery from new merchandise. Replica builders and owners now often choose alternative roof designs, such as an American flag or a simple black roof.
The car itself remains an icon, but its presentation has undeniably changed to reflect modern sensibilities.
Where To See A General Lee Today
Genuine screen-used General Lees are rare, but several are on public display. If you want to see one in person, here are some places to look.
- The Volo Auto Museum (Illinois): This museum has one of the most famous surviving examples, used for close-up shots.
- Cars of the Stars Museum (Tennessee): Another museum with a well-documented screen-used vehicle.
- Private Collections: Many are owned by private individuals and occasionally appear at car shows.
- Replica Builds: Hundreds of accurate replicas have been built by fans. You’re much more likely to see one of these at a local car show.
When viewing a car, experts look for specific details like the correct push-bar, the “01” font, and evidence of the specialized stunt modifications to verify its authenticity.
Building Your Own Replica
For many fans, the ultimate dream is to build a replica. This is a significant project that requires sourcing a correct 1969 Dodge Charger body and all the specific parts. Here is a basic step-by-step guide to the process.
Step 1: Sourcing The Base Car
Finding a 1969 Dodge Charger is the first and often most expensive step. Rust-free bodies are highly sought after. You may need to consider a car that needs extensive restoration. Be prepared for a large initial investment, as prices for even project-grade Chargers have risen dramatically.
Step 2: The Correct Paint And Decals
The paint must be the exact shade of orange, often identified as “Hemi Orange.” The black stripes, “01” numbering, and “General Lee” lettering on the trunk must be accurately placed. The roof decal is a major decision point; many builders now opt for a blank or alternative design out of respect for the controversy.
Step 3: Performance And Stunt Modifications
While you might not plan to jump your car, enthusiasts often add period-correct performance parts.
- Install a 440 Magnum or similar big-block V8 engine.
- Upgrade the suspension with heavy-duty components.
- Add a push bar and reinforced bumpers.
- Source a correct-style five-spoke wheel, like the American Racing Vector.
The interior should feature a roll cage, a simple bench seat, and of course, a horn that plays “Dixie.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was The Exact Model Of The Car In The Dukes Of Hazzard?
The car was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. The “R/T” package included high-performance engine options and styling cues, making it the ideal base for the General Lee. Most cars used in filming were 1969 models, though a few from adjacent years were used when needed.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
It is estimated that over 300 Dodge Chargers were used and subsequently destroyed during the production of the series. Stunt jumps and crashes took a heavy toll. Only a small number of screen-used cars are known to have survived without being wrecked for a scene.
Why Did They Use A Dodge Charger?
The producers chose the 1969 Dodge Charger for its powerful, aggressive look and its strong frame. They needed a rear-wheel-drive car with a long hood that could perform stunts reliably. The Charger’s design also made it highly recognizable and visually striking on camera, which was crucial for the show’s success.
Can You Buy A Real General Lee?
Authentic, documented screen-used General Lees occasionally come up for auction, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. They are extremely rare. A more practical option is to purchase a well-built replica from a specialist builder, which can still cost a significant amount but is more readily available.
What Happened To The General Lee After The Show?
Most were destroyed. The surviving cars were sold off, often to crew members or collectors. Some have been meticulously restored, while others remain in the condition they were in when filming ended. These surviving cars are now prized pieces of television and automotive history.