The General Lee car is one of the most recognizable and iconic vehicles in American pop culture. This bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger, famously featured in the hit TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, became a symbol of rebellion, Southern charm, and pure horsepower. With its signature horn that plays the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie” and its ability to leap over obstacles in daredevil stunts, the General Lee car quickly became a beloved character in its own right.
But what was the General Lee car exactly, and why did it become such a phenomenon? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of the General Lee car, its role in pop culture, the fascinating stories behind the original vehicles, and even how you can find a General Lee car for sale today. Whether you’re a fan of classic American cars or simply nostalgic for the days of The Dukes of Hazzard, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the General Lee car.
1. The Origins of the General Lee Car: From Script to Screen
Before the General Lee car became a household name, The Dukes of Hazzard was just another television show in development in the late 1970s. The creators of the show were looking for a car that could stand out, perform stunts, and symbolize the rebellious spirit of the show’s main characters, Bo and Luke Duke. The producers settled on a 1969 Dodge Charger – a muscle car known for its speed and durability.
The General Lee car was named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, reflecting the Southern setting of Hazzard County, where the show took place. With its bright orange paint job, “01” on the doors, and the Confederate flag on the roof, the car became as much a star of the show as the human actors. Its ability to jump over rivers, barns, and other obstacles cemented its place in television history.
But it wasn’t just the stunts that made the General Lee special. The car also had a distinctive sound: the General Lee car horn, which played a snippet of the song “Dixie” whenever the Dukes were about to embark on one of their adventures. This musical horn became a signature feature, and fans still associate it with the spirit of the show.
2. What Was the General Lee Car? A Closer Look at the 1969 Dodge Charger
If you’re wondering what was the General Lee car, it was specifically a 1969 Dodge Charger – a car that epitomized the American muscle car era. The Charger was known for its sleek, aerodynamic design, powerful V8 engine, and rear-wheel drive, which made it perfect for high-speed chases and jumps over obstacles.
The General Lee car featured several modifications that made it stand out from a typical Dodge Charger. These included:
- The Bright Orange Paint: This unmistakable color was custom-mixed to create the unique shade that fans recognize today.
- The Number “01”: Painted on both doors, the number signified the Duke boys’ car as the first and best.
- The Confederate Flag on the Roof: While controversial today, this design element was part of the show’s Southern setting and imagery.
- Welded Doors: One unique aspect of the General Lee car was that the doors were welded shut, forcing Bo and Luke to slide through the windows whenever they got in or out.
Underneath the hood, the General Lee car often featured a 383-cubic-inch V8 engine, although various cars used throughout the show had different engine configurations. Despite the harsh treatment the car endured during filming, the Dodge Charger proved to be the perfect vehicle for the stunts and action scenes that defined The Dukes of Hazzard.
3. The Original General Lee Car: Where Are They Now?
With over 300 episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard, dozens of General Lee cars were used during the show’s production. In fact, more than 300 Dodge Chargers were reportedly destroyed throughout the series due to the high-impact stunts, particularly the famous car jumps. As a result, the original General Lee car became a rare and valuable piece of television history.
So, who owns the original General Lee car today? While many of the cars used in the series were scrapped or sold off, there are a few known surviving vehicles. One of the most famous original General Lees, known as “LEE 1,” was restored by a dedicated fan after being discovered in poor condition in a Georgia junkyard. This specific original General Lee car was one of the first used in the series and can still be seen at car shows and events today.
Additionally, actor John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, is known to have owned one of the original General Lee cars for many years. He has kept it in pristine condition and occasionally drives it to events or uses it for charity purposes
4. How to Find a General Lee Car for Sale
If you’re a fan of The Dukes of Hazzard and have always dreamed of owning your very own General Lee car, you might be wondering where to find a General Lee car for sale. While it’s unlikely that you’ll come across one of the original vehicles used in the show, many fans and car enthusiasts have created their own replicas of the iconic car. These replica General Lees are often based on restored Dodge Chargers from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Here are some tips on how to find a General Lee car for sale:
1. Classic Car Auctions
Classic car auctions are a great place to find rare and custom-built vehicles like the General Lee. Some auctions even specialize in famous movie and TV cars, so keep an eye out for listings related to The Dukes of Hazzard. Be prepared to bid competitively, as these cars are highly sought after by collectors.
2. Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay Motors, Craigslist, and specialized classic car trading platforms often feature listings for replica General Lees. Be sure to thoroughly research the seller and inspect the car before making any purchases. Many sellers include detailed information about the modifications made to the car to resemble the General Lee car.
3. Car Shows and Fan Events
Fan conventions, car shows, and Dukes of Hazzard reunions are other good places to find a General Lee car for sale. Many fans who have built their own replicas attend these events, and it’s not uncommon to see a General Lee or two up for sale at the right price.
5. The Legacy of the General Lee Car Horn
One of the most memorable features of the General Lee car is its unique horn. The General Lee car horn plays the first 12 notes of the Confederate anthem “Dixie,” which has become closely associated with the character of the car itself. Fans of the show will remember how the horn would sound just as Bo and Luke Duke were about to jump the car over a river, ditch, or fence.
Although the use of the “Dixie” tune has become controversial in modern times, it remains an iconic part of the Dukes of Hazzard legacy. Today, many fans who build their own General Lee replicas ensure that their car comes equipped with the signature General Lee car horn. There are even aftermarket kits available that allow car enthusiasts to add this special horn to their vehicles, ensuring that the spirit of the General Lee lives on in car culture.
6. Pop Culture Impact: The General Lee Car Beyond ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’
While the General Lee is best known for its role in The Dukes of Hazzard, its influence extends far beyond the TV screen. The General Lee car has appeared in other media, including video games, cartoons, and various pop culture references. It has been featured in car magazines, model kits, and even as die-cast collectible toys.
The car’s ability to resonate with fans has also kept it alive in the world of cosplay and fan conventions. You can still see custom-built General Lee cars displayed at events around the country, and many fans take pride in showing off their replica versions of this iconic vehicle.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Confederate flag on the car’s roof, the General Lee car remains a beloved symbol of Americana and a reminder of the simpler, adventurous spirit embodied by Bo and Luke Duke.
Conclusion
The General Lee car remains one of the most iconic vehicles in television history. From its bright orange paint to its signature horn, the General Lee continues to captivate fans of The Dukes of Hazzard and car enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re curious about who owns the original General Lee car or looking to buy a General Lee car for sale, this car is much more than a prop – it’s a symbol of adventure, nostalgia, and Americana.
