If you’ve ever wondered what car is Dukes of Hazzard, you’re not alone. The iconic vehicle from *The Dukes of Hazzard* is a bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger. Known as the General Lee, this car became a star in its own right, famous for its jumps, slides, and that unmistakable horn playing “Dixie.”
This article gives you the complete story behind this legendary automobile. We’ll cover its specs, its on-screen stunts, and where you can see one today.
What Car Is Dukes Of Hazzard
The simple answer is a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. But the full story is much more interesting. Warner Bros. needed a car that looked tough, could perform stunts, and would be instantly recognizable on screen.
The 1969 Charger was the perfect choice. Its muscular design and powerful engine options made it an ideal candidate for the Duke boys’ high-flying adventures.
The Exact Model And Specifications
The General Lee was based on the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. The “R/T” stood for “Road/Track,” a package that included high-performance parts. While the show used many cars over its run, the specifications aimed for consistency.
Here are the key specs that defined the General Lee:
- Engine: A 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 was the most common engine used. Some cars reportedly had the even more powerful 426 Hemi.
- Transmission: A 4-speed manual transmission, allowing Bo and Luke to have full control during their getaways.
- Paint: The signature color was a custom bright orange, officially known as “General Lee Orange.”
- Roof: The doors were welded shut, requiring the famous slide-across-the-hood entry through the windows.
- Decals: The Confederate battle flag on the roof and the “01” on the doors were its most recognizable features.
The Origin Of The Name “General Lee”
The car wasn’t just called the General Lee by accident. The name was a direct tribute to General Robert E. Lee, a Confederate commander during the American Civil War. This, along with the flag decal, has made the car a subject of debate in modern times.
In the show’s fictional Hazzard County, the car was named by Uncle Jesse. He saw it as a symbol of rebellion against the corrupt county commissioner, Boss Hogg. For the characters, it represented fighting for justice, though its symbolism is viewed differently today.
How Many Cars Were Used In The Show
You might be surprised to learn that there wasn’t just one General Lee. Stunt work is hard on vehicles, so the production used a fleet of Chargers. Over the series’ seven-season run, it’s estimated that around 256 to 321 Dodge Chargers were used.
Most were 1968 and 1969 models, modified to look identical. Only a handfull of these cars survived the show’s legendary jump scenes and other destructive stunts.
Iconic Modifications And Features
Beyond the paint and decals, the General Lee had specific modifications for its role. These weren’t just for show; they were practical changes needed for filming.
- Reinforced Suspension: To handle the massive jumps, the cars had heavy-duty shocks and reinforced frames.
- Roll Cages: For driver safety during stunts, full roll cages were installed inside.
- Welded Doors: As mentioned, the doors were permanently sealed. Every entry and exit was done through the windows, a move that became a trademark of the show.
- Push Bars: A sturdy push bar on the front helped protect the car during collisions and was used to nudge other vehicles.
- The Horn: Perhaps the most famous feature after its color. The horn played the first 12 notes of “Dixie,” a tune that announced the General Lee’s arrival.
The Stunt Work And Famous Jumps
The General Lee’s jumps are the stuff of television history. These stunts were performed by skilled drivers, not the main actors. The most famous stuntman was Gary Combs, who executed the majority of the high-flying leaps.
How The Jumps Were Filmed
Creating a believable jump took careful planning. The crew would build a ramp out of wood and dirt, carefully concealing it from the camera’s view. The car would accelerate toward the ramp, launching into the air.
Landings were the hardest part. To film the landing from multiple angles without destroying to many cars, they often used a pit. The car would jump and land in a hidden pit, with the camera angled to make it look like a solid landing. Other times, they used a graduated landing ramp to soften the impact.
The Most Memorable General Lee Jumps
Some jumps stand out more than others. Here are a few that fans still talk about:
- The 16-Foot High Jump: In the first season, the General Lee jumps over a police cruiser. This set the standard for all jumps to come and instantly became iconic.
- The Jump Over The Rosco’s Patrol Car: A recurring gag involved the General Lee sailing over Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane’s parked car, often leaving him in a cloud of dust.
- The River Jump: In one episode, the General Lee leaps across a wide creek, showcasing the incredible distance these cars could achieve.
- The Finale Jump: For the series finale, the crew planned an epic jump over a helicopter. While the final filmed version was slightly less ambitious, it remained a spectacular scene.
The Cultural Impact And Legacy
The General Lee transcended its role as a TV prop. It became a cultural icon of the late 70s and early 80s, influencing car culture and popular media.
Merchandise And Toys
The car’s popularity led to a massive amount of merchandise. The most famous item was likely the toy replica by ERTL. These die-cast models were incredibly detailed and are now highly sought-after collectibles. You could also find lunchboxes, slot car sets, and video games featuring the famous orange Charger.
Influence On Car Enthusiasts
The show inspired a generation of car lovers. Demand for 1968 and 1969 Dodge Chargers skyrocketed after the show aired. Even today, building a “General Lee” replica is a popular project for classic car restorers. Clubs and events are dedicated to preserving and celebrating these specific vehicles.
Modern Controversies And Changes
The car’s imagery, specifically the Confederate flag on its roof, has become controversial. In recent years, networks airing reruns have sometimes edited out the flag or the “Dixie” horn. Replica owners and public displays have also faced scrutiny.
This has led to debates about separating the car’s pop culture status from its historical symbolism. Many replica builders now choose to use an American flag or other designs instead of the Confederate battle flag.
Where To See A General Lee Today
Believe it or not, you can still see original General Lee cars from the show. They are rare and valuable, but they do appear in museums and at car shows.
Museums And Private Collections
Several surviving cars are in private hands or on public display. The Volo Auto Museum in Illinois has one of the most famous surviving originals. The Cars of the Stars Motor Museum also featured one before its closure. Auction houses like Barrett-Jackson have occasionally sold authenticated General Lee cars for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Car Shows And Replica Events
Your best chance to see a General Lee up close is at a major car show. Events like Dukes Fest, which was organized by the original actors, often feature dozens of replica and original cars. Local car shows frequently have at least one detailed replica built by a dedicated fan.
Building Your Own Replica
If you’re inspired to build your own General Lee, it’s a significant but rewarding project. It starts with finding the right base car: a 1968 or 1969 Dodge Charger.
Step-By-Step Guide To A Basic Replica
- Source a Charger: Find a 1968 or 1969 Dodge Charger. A project car is fine, as you’ll be doing extensive modifications.
- Mechanical Restoration: Ensure the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension are in top working order. Many builders opt for a modern Hemi engine swap for reliability.
- Body Work and Paint: This is crucial. The body must be straight before applying the iconic “General Lee Orange” paint. You’ll need to weld the doors shut.
- Add the Details: Apply the correct “01” door numbers and find the correct push bar and wheel styles. You can purchase accurate decal kits from specialty suppliers.
- Interior: Recreate the simple interior with a roll cage, correct seats, and a functional “Dixie” horn.
Common Challenges And Considerations
Building a replica isn’t easy. Rust is a major enemy of these old Chargers. Original parts can be expensive and hard to find. Also, consider the modern controversy around the car’s symbols; you may choose to adapt the design for public display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind Of Car Was The General Lee?
The General Lee was a modified 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. It was a two-door muscle car with a powerful V8 engine, painted bright orange and featuring a Confederate flag on the roof.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed?
Most of the cars used on the show were destroyed. Of the estimated 300+ Chargers used, only about 17 to 20 are known to have survived filming intact. The rest were wrecked during stunts.
Why Did They Use Dodge Chargers?
The producers chose the Dodge Charger for its aggressive look, powerful performance, and relative affordability at the time. Its long hood and fastback design made it perfect for the dramatic jumps and slides.
Can You Buy A Real General Lee?
Yes, but it is very rare and expensive. Authenticated cars from the show occasionally appear at auctions, often selling for well over $100,000. Most people opt to build or buy a detailed replica instead.
Who Did The Stunt Driving For The General Lee?
Professional stunt drivers like Gary Combs, Bobby Joe Gentry, and Henry Kingi performed the dangerous jumps and maneuvers. The main actors, Tom Wopat and John Schneider, did some of the simpler driving scenes themselves.