Classic TV Cars

General Lee - 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

The Dukes of Hazzard originally aired between 1979-1985 on CBS and featured one of the most recognized classic American muscle cars. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T was named "General Lee" and owned in the show by cousins Bo and Luke Duke. The story of the General Lee began with the two cousins looking for a fixer-upper to enter a local race. They found the Dodge Charger (then black in color) with a busted front end. With the help of Cooter (the local mechanic) and their family, the Duke boys put together an orange race car with the doors welded shut (for safety), a confederate flag on the roof and a big "01" painted on the doors. The boys won the race in the Charger, a car with with classic lines and world-beater performance.

General Lee Details

• Year: 1969
• Make & Model: Dodge Charger R/T (Road and Track)
• Engine: 440 c.i. Magnum V-8 rated at 375hp (225 c.i., 383 c.i. and 426 c.i. Hemis were also used)
• Carburetor: Four barrel Holly 780 Double-Pumper
• Transmission: Chrysler "Torqueflite" A-727 Heavy Duty Automatic Tranmission
• Wheels: Shelby 10 Spoke Rims and B.F. Goodrich T/A radial tires
• Color: Hugger or Hemi Orange
• Other Notables: Black or tan interiors, three point roll-bar, glass pack exhaust, front grill guard, Dana limited slip differential, Dixie horn and CB whip antenna.

The '69 Chargers were further modified to make it through the rigors of shooting. The show went through about 200 - 300 cars during its life, many suffering severe damage thanks to the jumps and rough driving. "First Unit" cars were standard Charger R/Ts prepared for close-up shots and still photography with the actors. The "Second Unit" cars were the workhorses that did the jumps, two wheel driving, 180 degree turns and other stunts. The "Bootlegger turns" were done thanks to overinflated tires and a rigged handbrake. The jumps were done in special cars that had extra weight added to the rear, had reinforced bodies and were equipped with NASCAR style fuel cells to prevent leaks and possible accidents. The Dodge Charger is a tough car but some modifications were necessary to do the jumps.

Compilation video of the General Lee's jumps from the Dukes of Hazzard

Pictures of the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard