How many General Lee Chargers are left?
The iconic General Lee Charger, made famous by the classic TV series "The Dukes of Hazzard," is becoming an increasingly rare sight on the roads. Once a ubiquitous symbol of Southern culture and automotive rebellion, the number of these classic muscle cars still in existence is dwindling.
The Decline of the General Lee Charger
The General Lee Charger, a 1969 Dodge Charger with its distinctive orange paint job and Confederate flag on the roof, was a central character in "The Dukes of Hazzard." During the show's run from 1979 to 1985, it's estimated that over 300 Chargers were used for filming, with many of them being destroyed in the show's numerous car chases and stunts.
After the show's cancellation, the remaining General Lee Chargers became highly sought-after collector's items. However, over the years, many of these cars have been lost or destroyed due to a variety of factors, including neglect, accidents, and even intentional destruction.
Estimating the Remaining General Lee Chargers
Determining the exact number of General Lee Chargers still in existence is a challenging task, as there is no definitive registry or database tracking these vehicles. Estimates vary, but most experts believe that there are fewer than 200 original General Lee Chargers left in the world.p>
Some of the remaining cars are in private collections, while others are on display in museums or used for special events and car shows. However, the scarcity of these vehicles has driven up their value, making them increasingly difficult for the average collector to acquire.
The Future of the General Lee Charger
As the number of original General Lee Chargers continues to dwindle, the future of this iconic car remains uncertain. While some enthusiasts are working to preserve and restore the remaining examples, the challenges of finding parts and maintaining these vintage vehicles are significant.
Additionally, the ongoing debate surrounding the use of the Confederate flag, which was prominently displayed on the roof of the General Lee, has added a layer of complexity to the car's legacy and its future.
Despite these challenges, the General Lee Charger remains a beloved and iconic symbol of American pop culture, and its legacy is likely to endure for generations to come, even as the number of original cars continues to decline.
How many real General Lee cars are left?
Only 19 screen-used General Lees survived the show's run, and in 1991, Warner Bros. auctioned off 17 of them to private collectors, with the unusual stipulation that the buyers never publicly reveal what they paid for the car.
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) |
Why is 01 on the General Lee?
This number wasn't chosen arbitrarily; it was a tribute to Burt Reynolds' character, Bo “Bandit” Darville, from the film “Smokey and the Bandit.” The “01” was symbolic of the Duke boys' rebelliousness and their resistance against authority.
Who owns Lee 1 now?
Bubba Watson
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.
