If you’ve ever wondered what car is the General Lee, you’re in the right place. The General Lee is an iconic American muscle car famous for its role in *The Dukes of Hazzard*. That bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger, with its Confederate flag roof and blaring Dixie horn, is one of the most recognizable vehicles in television history.
This article gives you the complete story. We’ll cover the car’s exact model, its specs, its famous stunts, and what happened to the original fleet. You’ll get a clear picture of this automotive legend.
What Car Is The General Lee
The General Lee is a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. This isn’t just any Charger; it’s the high-performance R/T model, which stands for “Road/Track.” It was chosen by the show’s producers for its aggressive look and powerful presence.
The car featured a distinctive paint job. It was painted a specific shade of orange, now often called “General Lee Orange.” The doors were welded shut, a modification made for stunt driving safety and to force the actors to perform the iconic window jumps.
Its most notable visual markers were the Confederate Battle Flag on its roof and the number “01” on its doors. The flag, a source of significant controversy in later years, was a central part of the car’s identity on the show. The horn played the first 12 notes of “Dixie,” further cementing its Southern connection.
The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Specs And Details
Under the hood, the General Lee was as powerful as it looked. While engine setups varied across the many cars used during production, the primary General Lee vehicles were typically equipped with a 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine.
Here are the key specifications for a typical 1969 Dodge Charger R/T like the General Lee:
- Engine: 440 Magnum V8 (7.2L) or occasionally the 426 Hemi V8.
- Horsepower: 375 horsepower for the 440 Magnum.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual or 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic.
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.5 seconds.
- Top Speed: Around 130 mph.
- Body Style: Two-door fastback coupe.
The car’s rear-wheel drive and powerful engine made it perfect for the spectacular jumps and slides that defined the show. The suspension was also often modified to handle the constant punishment of stunt driving.
Why The Dodge Charger Was Chosen For The Show
The producers needed a car that was both visually striking and capable of performing incredible stunts. The 1969 Charger’s long hood, fastback roofline, and hidden headlights gave it a sleek, menacing look that stood out on camera.
More importantly, its robust construction could survive the jumps. The unibody frame was relatively strong, and the large engine bay could accommodate big block V8 engines. The car’s popularity in the South at the time also added to its authentic feel for the show’s Hazzard County setting.
Interestingly, the first car purchased for the pilot was actually a 1968 Charger. It was later sold, and the 1969 model became the standard. The ’69 had a slightly different grille and taillights, which became the definitive look.
The Famous Stunts And Jumps
The General Lee is perhaps as famous for its jumps as it is for its appearance. Over the series’ seven seasons, the car performed over 300 jumps. These stunts were coordinated by legendary stunt driver and coordinator, Gary Combs, and his team.
Each jump required precise calculation. The ramp angle, the car’s speed, and the landing area all had to be perfect to ensure the car could be driven away. Remarkably, many of the General Lee cars did survive multiple jumps, though they were often repaired and rebuilt between takes.
The most famous jump occured in the opening credits, where the General Lee soars over a police car. That single jump took three days to film and used multiple cars to get the final shot. The stunt team became experts at launching the two-ton vehicle through the air.
How The Stunt Cars Were Modified
Not every General Lee was built the same. The “hero” cars used for close-up shots looked pristine but were rarely jumped. The dedicated stunt cars underwent serious modifications to withstand the impact.
- Roll Cages: Extensive internal roll cages were installed to protect the stunt driver and prevent the roof from collapsing.
- Reinforced Suspension: Heavy-duty shocks, springs, and frame connectors were added to handle landing forces.
- Engine Protection: Skid plates were fitted underneath to protect the oil pan and transmission during rough landings.
- Brake Upgrades: High-performance braking systems were crucial for controlling the car on approach.
The History And Fate Of The Original Cars
One of the most common questions is: how many General Lees were there? It’s estimated that over 300 Dodge Chargers were used during the production of the series and subsequent TV movies. Very few of these were “complete” cars; many were shelles used for a single destructive stunt.
Of the original cars used during filming, only a handful are known to survive today. The fate of most was destruction. They were crashed, jumped beyond repair, or simply stripped for parts after the show ended.
How Many General Lee Cars Were Destroyed
The number is staggering. Due to the violent nature of the stunts, the majority of the General Lee Chargers were destroyed. It’s estimated that between 250 to 300 cars were wrecked by the end of production.
Cars were often purchased for as little as $1,200 in the late 1970s and early 80s. They were painted, modified for stunts, and then sacrificed for a scene. After a bad landing, if the frame was bent, the car was usually scrapped. This makes surviving, screen-used General Lees extremely rare and valuable collector’s items today.
Known Surviving Original General Lee Cars
A few authentic cars have been preserved, often restored by dedicated fans or collectors. Some notable examples include:
- Lee #1: The first 1969 Charger purchased for the series after the pilot. It was used for promotional photos and early episodes. It survives in a private collection.
- The “Cooter’s” Car: A car used in later seasons, now on display at “Cooter’s Place” museums, owned by Ben Jones who played Cooter.
- Various Stunt Cars: A few stunt cars that were less damaged have been restored, though they often contain parts from multiple vehicles.
It’s important to note that many cars advertised as “original” are actually accurate replicas built from period-correct 1969 Chargers. The market for these replicas is very active.
Building Your Own General Lee Replica
For many fans, owning a piece of this history means building a replica. The process is involved but follows a clear set of steps. Here is a basic guide to creating your own General Lee tribute car.
Step 1: Finding A 1968-1970 Dodge Charger Donor Car
The foundation is a 1968, 1969, or 1970 Dodge Charger. The 1969 model is the most accurate. You’ll want to find a car with as little rust as possible, as bodywork is expensive. A car that runs is a major plus, but many builders start with a project car.
Be prepared for a search. Good donor cars have become more expensive due to the show’s enduring popularity. You might also consider a Charger body shell if you plan on a full custom build.
Step 2: The Correct Paint And Decals
The paint must be the right shade of orange. Paint code “Hemi Orange” or “Go Mango” from the era is close, but many specialist suppliers offer “General Lee Orange” paint mixes. The finish should be a high-gloss enamel for that classic look.
The decals are crucial. You need the Confederate flag roof decal, the “01” door numbers, and the “General Lee” lettering on the doors and trunk. These are available from specialty vendors. Remember, displaying the Confederate flag is controversial and may be restricted in some areas.
Step 3: Mechanical Modifications And Interior
To be screen-accurate, you’ll need to weld the doors shut. For a practical street car, this is not recommended for safety reasons. Many replicas use dummy door handles or simply keep the doors functional.
Other key modifications include:
- Installing a “Dixie” horn.
- Adding a push bar to the front grille (often called the “herd bumper”).
- Fitting period-correct Rallye wheels or similar styled steel wheels.
- Creating a simple interior with a roll cage, correct seats, and a CB radio.
The engine should be a big block V8, like a 440 or a modern crate engine, to capture the car’s spirit. A loud exhaust is practically mandatory.
The Cultural Impact And Controversy
The General Lee transcended its role as a TV prop to become a cultural icon. It represented rebellion, freedom, and cleverness against authority for a generation of viewers. Toy versions, posters, and model kits cemented its place in pop culture.
However, the car’s imagery is inextricably linked to the Confederate Battle Flag. In recent decades, the flag is widely viewed as a symbol of racism and oppression. This has led to significant controversy surrounding the car.
The Confederate Flag Debate
The flag on the General Lee’s roof was a central part of its identity. The show presented it as a symbol of Southern pride and rebellion, largely divorced from its historical context. Today, that symbolism is critically re-examined.
As a result, merchandise featuring the unaltered General Lee has become difficult to find. Recent re-releases of the show, toys, and video games often edit out the flag or remove the car entirely. This has sparked debate among fans about preserving history versus acknowledging the symbol’s hurtful meaning.
For replica builders and owners, this presents a dilemma. Many choose to omit the flag or replace it with an American flag or a different design to avoid the negative association while still enjoying the car.
The General Lee’s Legacy In Automotive Culture
Despite the controversy, the General Lee’s impact on car culture is undeniable. It is a primary reason the 1969 Dodge Charger remains one of the most sought-after classic muscle cars. It inspired countless enthusiasts to get into automotive repair and restoration.
The car also set a new standard for automotive action on television. Its spectacular stunts were unprecedented for a weekly series and influenced how cars were used in film and TV for years to come. The image of a car flying through the air is forever linked to the General Lee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Kind Of Car Was The General Lee?
The General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, a high-performance muscle car. It was modified with a specific orange paint job, a Confederate flag on the roof, welded doors, and a horn that played “Dixie.”
How Many General Lee Cars Were Built For The Show?
Over 300 individual Dodge Chargers were used during the production of *The Dukes of Hazzard*. Most were used and destroyed for stunt sequences, with only a handful of original screen-used cars known to survive today.
Can You Buy A Real General Lee Car?
Authentic, screen-used General Lee cars rarely come up for sale and fetch very high prices at auction. Most “General Lees” available for purchase are highly accurate replicas built by fans using 1969 Dodge Chargers.
Why Did They Weld The Doors Shut On The General Lee?
The doors were welded shut primarily for stunt safety, preventing them from flying open during jumps and rolls. This also forced the actors, Bo and Luke Duke, to make their iconic jumps through the car’s windows, which became a signature move of the show.
What Does The “01” On The General Lee Mean?
The “01” was the car’s racing number, giving it the feel of a stock car or a moonshine runner’s vehicle. It added to the car’s identity as the top car in Hazzard County, essentially making it “number one.”