TV’s most famous car, the bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee. Decades after “The Dukes of Hazzard” came to an end, fans are still crazy about this car. Today, the world wonders about the fate of the other General Lee cars and whether they still exist.
How Many General Lee Cars?
Over three hundred Dodge Chargers were used as General Lee cars while the show was being made (1979 – 1985). Most were destroyed during stunt work, and only a few remain. Currently, car experts say there are an estimated 20 original General Lee cars, with some in museums and some held in private collections.
The Confederate Flag Controversy
The top of the General Lee was famously embellished with a painted-on Confederate flag. Due to controversy surrounding this symbol, Warner Bros. ceased selling General Lee toys and edited the flag out of reruns. Some now show replicas with alternative designs; others retain the original, but not for historical reasons.
Where You Can Find a General Lee Today
There are a handful of original General Lee cars that the public knows about. There is one in the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, and the Cars of Fame Museum in California displays another one. And some private collectors show theirs off at car shows and memorably pose for fans to take pictures, and fans can recall “The Dukes of Hazzard” days.
Prices of General Lee at Auction
Dukes of Hazzard cars of the original General Lee livery, in good condition, go for huge amounts. One changed hands at auction for $250,000 in 2024. Replicas constructed by fans cost between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on how true to the TV version they are.
Can You Still Order a General Lee Replica?
Yes! There are thousands of companies that offer kits to transform a 1968-1970 Dodge Charger into a General Lee. Prices begin at around $15,000 for a straightforward conversion, not including the car. Certain enthusiasts even create their modern versions with new Chargers, retaining the orange paint and “01″ door numbers.
The Most Famous General Lee Stunt
The most iconic stunt of the show was the General Lee flying over the top of a police car in one take! The car, later named Lee 1, was discovered again in a junkyard, restored, and sold for $110,000 in 2020.
What Happened to the Show’s Main Stars?
(Bo Duke) still has replicas of the General Lee, and he’s been known to show up at car shows with them. Tom Wopat (Luke Duke) has also been spotted posing with replica cars at fan appearances. Neither actor is apologetic for their association with this pop culture milestone.
Driving a General Lee Today
The car is sexy, but it’s not suitable for everyday use. Its loud (”Dixie” tune!) horn and stiff suspension make it more of a cruiser for short trips or car shows. Some states have laws on the books about the Confederate flag, so owners must be careful about where they’re seen driving it.
The General Lee’s Lasting Popularity
From video games to T-shirts, the General Lee endures as an emblem of wild car chases and country fun. While the show’s content might feel a little dated in parts, the car itself has continued to win over the hearts and minds of car aficionados and classic TV fans everywhere.
Is It OK to Ride in a General Lee?
A handful of tour companies in the South give rides in knockoff General Lees. For around $50 to $100, you can “get behind the wheel of the most famous orange car,” even hear the iconic horn. It’s about as close as most people get to feeling like a genuine Duke boy living in Hazzard County.
The Future of the General Lee
Electric General Lee replicas electric cars as become more popular, so some fans are making electric General Lee replicas. And then bellyachers who wish Dodge would just make the thing electric. What is for sure is that this car’s lineage will continue to roll for generations.
