Dukes of Hazzard Fans Keep Building New “General Lee” Dodge Chargers
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The 1969 Dodge Charger that starred in The Dukes of Hazzard went airborne more than 150 times over the course of the show’s seven seasons. Legend has it that Warner Brothers—which produced the Southern-fried action-comedy TV show from 1979 to 1985—totaled an average of two Chargers per episode. The show’s production took the lives of about 300 separate 1969 Dodge Chargers, but Dukes fans continue to produce new copies. On most days, eBay sellers offer up a handful of the iconic car painted the colors of Dixie and known as “General Lee.”
One particular General Lee that was listed on eBay never met the Duke boys, but instead kicked off the 65th Annual Detroit Autorama last February. With stunt driver Raymond Kohn at the wheel, it hit the ramp at 55 miles per hour, then both soared high and landed heavily. And as the photos attest, the poor car was more or less destroyed on impact. “The Dukes of Hazzard is the greatest show ever!” said Kohn after emerging from the bent car, which landed nose first.
Here’s a video of the big jump in Detroit last month:
What’s offered on eBay is a real ’69 Charger, but was built for the event from a shell with no VIN number or title. What the top bidder gets is the car post-jump, minus the motor, transmission, and driver’s seat.
“The front end suspension and sheet metal sustained heavy damage, and when the passenger door flew open it had everyone’s, and we mean everyone’s, attention,” reported the Hot Rod Network - opens in new window or tab.. Considering how bent the car clearly is, it’s going to be for display only—but that’s not to discount its worth. An exhibit of the wreckage could be a lucrative museum draw, and it could even tour.
Here’s the aftermath—sheet metal twisted and frame bent.
If you did decide you wanted to rebuild this historic General Lee, eBay Motors has you covered with ’69 Charger parts - opens in new window or tab..
General Lee Soars Again
The Detroit wreckage is by no means the only General Lee offered on eBay currently. There are as many as five.
Here’s what a General Lee is supposed to look like. This is a 1969 “tribute” car.
Here’s a nicely done 1969 “tribute” to the TV icon. This one is “much better” than the TV cars, with a long list of performance mods—many of which weren’t available back then. This example is a 1970, and it’s signed by Bo and Luke Duke. And this one’s also a ’70, with a 440 V-8 under the hood. “You cannot go around the block without tons of smiles, waves, thumbs up and horn requests,” states one of the sellers.
This 1970 example is signed by Bo and Luke Duke.
As many as 17 General Lees used on the show in one capacity or another still exist. They were all supposed to be ‘69s, but some were ‘68s or ‘70s.
The most valuable General Lee is undoubtedly LEE 1, a second-unit car with unusually nice options—including AM/FM stereo, a 383 V-8, air conditioning, and power steering. It was restored after making a famous jump over Rosco P. Coltrane’s police cruiser in the very first episode. The historic Charger wasn’t always valued—it spent 23 years in an Atlanta junkyard before it was liberated—and comprehensively restored. LEE 1 made $121,000 when it was sold to pro golfer Bubba Watson in 2012.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.