Dukes of Hazzard Car: The General Lee Charger (2024)

The Dukes of Hazzard Car, also known as the General Lee, is a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T that gained popularity from the hit CBS TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” This iconic and controversial vehicle has become a symbol of classic American muscle cars and pop culture since the show’s debut in the late 1970s.

10 Facts About the Dukes of Hazzard Car

In this list of 10 Dukes of Hazzard Car points, we’ll explore fascinating facts and figures about this iconic car, from its Dixie Horn to how many Chargers survived the show’s production.

A Brief History of the General Lee

The “Dukes of Hazzard” CBS television show aired from 1979 to 1985 over 174 episodes. It features cousins Bo and Luke Duke, who drove their trusty Dodge Charger R/T, the General Lee, while fighting the corrupt local authorities in fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. The Duke boys’ car quickly became a star in its own right, and the Dodge Charger became synonymous with the show.

The Dukes of Hazzard Car name “General Lee” was derived from Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The iconic Confederate flag painted on its roof was a hallmark of the car, which has since become a controversial symbol.

On November 11, 1978, a stuntman used a dirt ramp that was 16 feet high and 82 feet long to launch a police car. This car was an iconic and historic Charger that appeared in the show’s opening credits. To make sure the car didn’t flip during the jump, multiple bags of cement were placed in the trunk to counterbalance the weight of the front end. Despite these precautions, the car was totaled upon landing because of its height, speed, and weight.

The Star of the Show: A 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

Due to its impressive performance and design, the Dukes of Hazzard car was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T for Bo and Luke Duke. They purchased it off Cleetus The car was part of the second-generation Chargers, which were launched in 1968 and featured a more curvaceous body than their predecessors. The R/T (Road/Track) model was a high-performance variant of the Charger, boasting a powerful V8 engine, making it the perfect ride for the action-packed television series.

The General Lee Interior and Exterior

As mentioned earlier, the General Lee’s eye-catching exterior featured a bright “Flame Red” orange paint job with a Confederate flag painted on the roof. The car also had the words “General Lee” emblazoned on both sides and the racing number “01” on the doors. The car’s color combination was iconic, with the orange body and white lettering becoming instantly recognizable.

Inside, the General Lee interior was mostly stock, with the original saddle tan vinyl seats and dashboard. The factory option code for the saddle tan interior was C6T. However, several chargers had different interior colors when being converted for the show and were all dyed to simulate the correct light brown-colored vinyl upholstery.

The car had a few modifications for the show, including a roll cage for added safety during stunts and the iconic “Dixie” horn that played the first twelve notes of “Dixie’s Land.”

The General Lee Engine and Performance

The Dukes of Hazzard Charger’s engine came in three sizes: 318, 383, and 440 cubic inches. All used a 4-barrel carburetor and 3-speed Torqueflite transmission. Despite rumors, no 426 CID Hemi engines were used. The hero car’s 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine produced 375 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, making the General Lee a formidable presence on Hazzard County’s roads.

The General Lee’s Lasting Legacy

The General Lee has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the world of muscle cars. Its high-flying stunts, including incredible jumps and near-misses, made it a central character in the “Dukes of Hazzard” series. According to some estimates, 256 to 321 Chargers were used and destroyed during the show’s production. The show’s popularity and the car’s distinctive look contributed to the General Lee becoming one of the most famous Dodge muscle cars of all time.

The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee also appeared in the 2005 movie adaptation of the series, further cementing its status as a pop culture icon. The car’s on-screen exploits have inspired many fans to build their replica General Lees, and the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T remains a sought-after classic car for collectors and enthusiasts.

The General Lee has transcended television and movies, and the car has become a symbol of American automotive history.

Dukes of Hazzard Car: At A Glance

What Kind of Car was the General Lee?

The General Lee was a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, a high-performance version of the popular high-performance Dodge Charger model. This muscle car was part of the second-generation Chargers that boasted curvier, more aggressive styling than the previous generation. The R/T trim was specifically designed for performance enthusiasts, featuring a powerful 440 cubic inch Magnum V8 engine, upgraded suspension, and improved handling.

How Many Dodge Chargers Cars were Totaled?

It is estimated that over 300 Chargers were used and destroyed during the production of the “Dukes of Hazzard” television show. The high number of cars used was due to the intense stunts and jumps performed in nearly every episode, often resulting in significant vehicle damage. As the show’s popularity grew, finding suitable Chargers for the General Lee became increasingly difficult, and the production team had to resort to repairing and reusing damaged cars whenever possible.

What Color was the General Lee?

The first Charger was painted in a Chrysler color called EV2 “Hemi Orange.” The remaining 300 or so Chargers were painted in a different color called Code 70 “Flame Red,” which was originally used on 1975 Chevrolet Corvettes. Even though the paint was called “Flame Red,” it looked more orange.

How High Did the General Lee Car Jump?

The General Lee car was famous for its incredible jumps and airborne stunts throughout the “Dukes of Hazzard” television show. The highest recorded jump performed by the General Lee was approximately 16 feet high and 82 feet long, which occurred during an episode titled “Carnival of Thrills.” Bags of cement in the trunk kept the Charger level during jumps. Unfortunately, due to the vehicle’s height, speed, and weight, it was totaled upon impact with the ground. The show’s opening credits feature this historic car jumping off of a dirt mound.

Conclusion

The Dukes of Hazzard Car, the legendary General Lee, has left an indelible mark on automotive and television history. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T, with its powerful V8 engine, distinctive design, and impressive performance, was the perfect choice for the adrenaline-pumping adventures of the Duke boys in Hazzard County. Despite the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag on the car’s roof, the General Lee remains a symbol of American muscle car culture.

From its high-flying jumps to its unforgettable orange paint job, the General Lee has captured the hearts of millions and inspired countless replicas and tributes. As a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic car, the Dukes of Hazard 1969 Dodge Charger R/T continue to be a sought-after collector’s item and an integral part of muscle car history.

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