If you’ve ever wondered what car was the General Lee, you’re not alone. Fans of classic television will recognize the General Lee as a modified 1969 Dodge Charger. This iconic orange muscle car, with its signature horn and Confederate flag roof, became a star in its own right on the TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Its jumps, chases, and sheer durability captured the imagination of a generation. This article will give you the complete story behind this legendary vehicle.
We’ll cover its specifications, its on-screen history, and what happened to the cars after filming ended. You’ll get a clear picture of why this particular car became so famous.
What Car Was The General Lee
The General Lee was always a 1969 Dodge Charger. This wasn’t a random choice by the show’s producers. They needed a car that looked tough, had a powerful presence, and could perform the incredible stunts the scripts demanded.
The 1969 Charger fit the bill perfectly. Its fastback design and wide body gave it a muscular, aggressive look that stood out on screen. The car’s robust construction was also a key factor, as it had to survive numerous jumps and crashes.
Over 300 individual 1968, 1969, and 1970 Chargers were used during the show’s seven-season run. The 1969 model was by far the most common. Each one was painted the same bright orange color, which was officially called “Hemi Orange.”
The Specifications Of The 1969 Dodge Charger
To understand the General Lee, you need to understand the machine it was built from. The 1969 Dodge Charger was a pinnacle of American muscle car design.
Here are the key specifications that made it the ideal candidate:
- Engine: Most General Lee cars were equipped with a 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine. A few of the lead stunt cars reportedly used the legendary 426 cubic inch Hemi V8 for extra power.
- Transmission: They typically featured a 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission, chosen for its durability during stunts.
- Body Style: Two-door fastback coupe with a distinctive “tunnel” rear window and hidden headlights.
- Suspension: The stunt cars received heavy-duty modifications, including reinforced frames, strengthened suspension components, and special roll cages.
- Paint: The iconic color was a custom mix, often refered to as “General Lee Orange.”
Modifications For Stunt Work
The stock Charger was strong, but the show’s stunt coordinators had to make it nearly indestructible. Each car destined for a jump or hard crash went through extensive modifications.
These changes were crucial for the safety of the stunt drivers and to ensure the car could perform on cue.
- Roll Cage Installation: A full, welded steel roll cage was installed inside the cabin to protect the driver in case of a rollover.
- Frame Reinforcing: The car’s frame was boxed and reinforced at critical stress points, especially where the suspension attached.
- Suspension Upgrades: Heavy-duty shocks, springs, and steering components were added to handle the impact of landings.
- Engine Protection: The engine was often moved slightly rearward to improve weight distribution for jumps. Oil pans and other vital components were shielded.
- Interior Stripping: All non-essential interior parts like the back seat, carpet, and trim were removed to save weight.
The Famous Dixie Horn
No element of the General Lee is more recognizable than its horn. The distinctive “Dixie” tune, played whenever the Duke boys charged into action, was actually a novelty item.
The horn was a standard “General” brand horn, model KH6, that was programmed with the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie.” It was wired to a second horn button on the floor of the car. This allowed Bo and Luke to activate it quickly while keeping their hands on the wheel.
The Confederate Flag Controversy
The painted Confederate Battle Flag on the General Lee’s roof has become a point of significant controversy in recent years. During the show’s original run, it was presented simply as a symbol of Southern pride and rebellion against authority.
However, as cultural understanding of the flag’s association with slavery and segregation deepened, this symbolism changed. In modern reruns and streaming, the flag is often digitally removed or the episodes come with a disclaimer. This is an important part of the car’s legacy that cannot be ignored.
The Stunt Cars Versus The Hero Cars
Not all General Lees were created equal. The production team used different cars for different purposes, mainly categorized as “hero” cars and “stunt” cars.
Knowing the difference explains how so many cars were destroyed while others survived.
- Hero Cars: These were the detailed, pristine cars used for close-up shots, promotional photos, and scenes where the car wasn’t being damaged. They had full interiors, detailed paint, and all the correct decals.
- Stunt Cars: These were the workhorses. Built for strength, not beauty, they had the full roll cages, reinforced frames, and stripped interiors. They were the ones that performed the famous jumps and were often destroyed in the process.
- Camera Cars: A few Chargers were modified to carry camera equipment for filming chase scenes from unique angles.
The History And Fate Of The General Lee Cars
With over 300 Chargers used, the question of what happened to them all is a fascinating one. The fate of these cars varies widely, from total destruction to careful restoration.
Only a handful of confirmed, screen-used General Lees are known to exist today. Their rarity makes them highly valuable to collectors.
Destruction During Filming
The vast majority of General Lee cars were wrecked during the production of the show. Stunt coordinator Jack Gill and his team performed an estimated 325 jumps over seven seasons.
Each major jump typically required a dedicated stunt car, and that car was often rendered unusable after a single landing. Cars were also crashed into trees, other vehicles, and barricades. The show’s high-octane action came at a high cost in automotive terms.
Surviving Cars And Their Whereabouts
Perhaps two dozen or so authentic General Lee cars survived. Their journeys after the show are often as interesting as their on-screen careers.
- Warner Bros. Backlot: After the series ended, many damaged but repairable cars were stored on the Warner Bros. lot. They were eventually sold off in lots to clear space.
- Private Collectors: Many surviving cars were purchased by private collectors. Some have been meticulously restored to their on-screen glory.
- Museums: A few notable General Lees are on permanent display in museums like the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois and the Cooter’s Place museums in Tennessee and other states.
- Legal Issues: Ownership of some cars has been disputed, with lawsuits over authenticity and titles adding to their complex history.
The Value Of An Authentic General Lee
An authentic, documented General Lee is one of the most valuable television cars in the world. Its worth depends on several key factors.
- Screen Provenance: Can its use in a specific episode or scene be proven with documentation or photographic evidence?
- Condition: Is it a restored hero car or a battered but original stunt car?
- Original Parts: Does it retain original components like the correct engine, transmission, or even a piece of the roll cage?
Prices can range from hundreds of thousands of dollars for a well-documented car to tens of thousands for a replica or a car with a less clear history. The market for these cars remains strong among a dedicated group of fans and collectors.
Building Your Own General Lee Replica
Given the rarity and cost of an original, many fans choose to build a replica. This is a popular project in the classic car community. Building a faithful General Lee tribute requires careful planning and sourcing of parts.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the process.
Step 1: Finding A Donor Car
Your project starts with a 1969 Dodge Charger. While 1968 and 1970 models look similar, purists will insist on the 1969 for accuracy. You can find project cars through online classifieds, classic car auctions, or specialized dealers.
Be prepared for rust repair and mechanical work, as these cars are over 50 years old. A solid body is more important than a running engine, as you will likely be replacing many components anyway.
Step 2: Sourcing Correct Parts And Paint
Accuracy is key for a good replica. You will need to find the correct parts to transform your donor Charger.
- Paint: Use the correct “Hemi Orange” or “General Lee Orange” paint code. A high-quality basecoat/clearcoat job is essential.
- Decals: Reproduce the “01” on the doors, the “Dukes of Hazzard” lettering on the trunk, and the flag on the roof. Several companies sell accurate kits.
- Dixie Horn: Reproduction Dixie horns are available from specialty suppliers. Ensure you get the correct General KH6 model sound.
- Wheels and Tires: The car used American Racing Vector wheels with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
Step 3: Mechanical And Interior Setup
While a full stunt-ready build is complex, you can choose your level of mechanical authenticity.
- Engine: A 440 Magnum or a modern crate Hemi engine will provide the right look and power. A 426 Hemi is the ultimate but very expensive.
- Interior: The interior was mostly stock but often missing the back seat. Install a correct bench seat, a simple dashboard, and a second horn button on the floor.
- Suspension: You don’t need a full stunt cage, but upgrading to heavy-duty springs and shocks will give it the right stance and improve handling.
Remember, a replica is about capturing the spirit of the General Lee. You can make reliability and safety modifications that the original stunt cars lacked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the General Lee.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
It is estimated that around 256 to 300 of the over 300 Chargers used were destroyed during stunts. The exact number is hard to pin down due to incomplete records, but the survival rate was very low. Most were sacrificed for the sake of on-screen action.
What Was The General Lee’s Jump Record?
The longest recorded jump for the General Lee was 16 feet in the air and 82 feet in distance. This record was set during a special exhibition stunt, not during regular filming. The average show jump was between 50 and 70 feet, which was still incredibly dangerous for the time.
Why Did They Use So Many Dodge Chargers?
The show used so many Chargers because the stunts were so destructive. A single car might only last for one jump or one crash scene. The production team bought Chargers in bulk from used car lots and junkyards to keep costs manageable. They needed a steady supply of donor vehicles.
Can You Buy A Real General Lee Today?
Yes, but it is very difficult and expensive. Authentic, screen-used General Lees rarely come up for public sale. When they do, they are usually sold at high-profile auctions or through private brokers. Most cars advertised as “General Lees” are high-quality replicas, which are still fantastic cars in their own right.
What Happened To The Flag On The Roof In Reruns?
Due to the Confederate flag’s offensive connotations, modern broadcasts and streaming versions of the show often edit it out. Techniques include digitally removing the flag, cropping the shot to hide the roof, or placing a disclaimer before the episode. This reflects a broader reevaluation of the symbol’s use in popular media.