How many 69 chargers did Dukes of Hazzard use?
"The Dukes of Hazzard," a beloved television series that aired from 1979 to 1985, is famous for its high-flying car stunts, Southern charm, and, of course, the iconic 1969 Dodge Charger known as the "General Lee." But have you ever wondered just how many of these classic cars were used during the show's production? Let's dive into the fascinating history of the General Lee and uncover the answer.
The Role of the General Lee in the Show
The General Lee was more than just a car; it was a character in its own right. Painted in bright orange with a Confederate flag on the roof and "01" emblazoned on the doors, the General Lee became a symbol of the show. Its gravity-defying jumps and high-speed chases were a staple of nearly every episode, making it one of the most recognizable cars in television history.
How Many Chargers Were Used?
Due to the intense stunts and frequent crashes, the production team went through a significant number of 1969 Dodge Chargers. Estimates suggest that between 250 and 325 Chargers were used throughout the series. Each car was modified to perform specific stunts, and many were damaged or destroyed during filming. By the end of the series, the supply of 1969 Chargers had dwindled so much that the production team began using 1968 models and modifying them to look like 1969 Chargers.
Why So Many Cars Were Needed
The high turnover of vehicles was primarily due to the following reasons:
- Stunt Damage: The General Lee was famous for its jumps, but these stunts often resulted in significant damage to the car's frame and suspension, rendering it unusable for future scenes.
- Multiple Cars for Different Scenes: Different Chargers were used for various purposes, such as close-up shots, high-speed chases, and jumps. Each car was customized for its specific role.
- Wear and Tear: Filming a high-action show like "The Dukes of Hazzard" took a toll on the vehicles, necessitating frequent replacements.
The Legacy of the General Lee
Today, the General Lee remains a cultural icon, and surviving models from the show are highly sought after by collectors. While the use of the Confederate flag on the car has sparked controversy in recent years, the General Lee's place in television history is undeniable. It stands as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the show's production team, who managed to keep the car at the center of the action despite the challenges of maintaining such a demanding vehicle.
So, the next time you see the General Lee soaring through the air in a rerun of "The Dukes of Hazzard," remember the incredible effort—and the hundreds of Dodge Chargers—that went into creating those unforgettable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the only car to beat the General Lee?
Back the only car to beat the General Lee in the series was a blue Mustang the double.
How many General Lee Chargers are left?
17 originals
Approximately 17 originals still exist, although in various states of repair. On average, more than one General Lee was used up per show. When filming a jump, anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds (230 to 450 kg) of sand bags or concrete ballast was placed in the trunk to prevent the car from nosing over.
How much is a 1969 Dodge Charger worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $46,600 for a 1969 Dodge Charger in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1969 Dodge Charger? The highest selling price of a 1969 Dodge Charger at auction over the last three years was $330,000.
How many 69 Chargers were destroyed in Dukes of Hazzard?
317
317 total 1969 Dodge Chargers were destroyed in the making of the 147 episodes of "The Dukes of Hazzard", with the average of three of these classics wrecked per episode. They were not classics when the show was produced.
What is the rarest 1969 Charger?
The HEMI is the rarest of them all, with just 60 made, while the 383 was the most popular, with 2,522 units made.
How much is a General Lee charger worth?
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1969 Dodge Charger “General Lee” |
|---|---|
| Years Produced: | 1969 |
| Number Produced: | 89,200 total. 309 General Lees were built for the original TV show. At least 26 were built for the 2005 remake. |
| Original List Price: | $3,839 |
| SCM Valuation: | $30k–$45k (Charger R/T), $55k–$70k (this car) |
How much is a 1969 Dodge Charger worth now?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $46,600 for a 1969 Dodge Charger in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1969 Dodge Charger? The highest selling price of a 1969 Dodge Charger at auction over the last three years was $330,000.
Who owns the original General Lee car?
Golfer Bubba Watson
Golfer Bubba Watson owns the original General Lee that was used to shoot the opening scenes of the television show. According to the BBC, Watson announced that he would remove the Confederate flag from the roof of General Lee 1 and repaint it with the US flag.
Who owns the Dukes of Hazzard car?
When production ended, 17 General Lees – in various stages of disrepair – survived. Bubba Watson, who now owns "Lee 1", said he would paint over the car's Confederate Flag roof and replace it with an American Flag, much to the consternation of pretty much everyone on the internet.
How many 1969 Dodge Chargers were left?
Its a rule of thumb in the classic car hobby that after 25 years, the number of a given car still in existence tends to hover around 10% of production, which would be 8,500 in the the 1969 Charger's case.
