The 1969 Dodge Charger RT, famously known as the General Lee, is as much a star of The Dukes of Hazzard as the Duke boys themselves. This car, with its Confederate flag-adorned roof and bold orange paint job, became a symbol of the beloved TV show, known for its thrilling car chases, daring jumps, and action-packed storylines. But behind the excitement and the iconic jumps lies a surprising and somewhat tragic reality: the destruction of many Dodge Chargers in the making of the series.
The Destruction of Dodge Chargers in the Show
The thrill of watching the General Lee perform daring stunts was an essential part of The Dukes of Hazzard, but it came at a significant cost — particularly to the Dodge Chargers used on the show. While it’s impossible to pinpoint the exact number of cars destroyed, it’s widely agreed that the toll was shockingly high. John Schneider, who played Bo Duke, offered his estimate in a 2021 interview, suggesting that around 329 Chargers were likely used and destroyed throughout the series’ run from 1979 to 1985. His calculation of “150 episodes, two cars per episode, with a little room for error” gives a rough but credible figure.
This number highlights the heavy toll the stunts took on the cars. The show didn’t just feature high-speed chases and spectacular jumps — it pushed the vehicles to their breaking points, with many cars destroyed in the process.
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Watch this 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee replica in action – it’s one bad ass muscle car!
The Strain of Filming Stunts on the General Lee
One of the main reasons so many Chargers were lost during filming was the demanding nature of the stunts. The General Lee wasn’t just driving around corners — it was soaring through the air, often landing with a heavy impact. John Schneider explained that the impact of landing after a jump usually damaged vital parts of the car before it even hit the ground. Radiators were pushed back, fans pierced through the radiators, and the car’s body took considerable damage.
Over the years, several models from the Dodge Charger family made appearances in the show, but many were either too damaged to be reused or completely totaled. The need for a constant supply of these cars to maintain the authenticity of the show meant the production team had to resort to both genuine 1969 Chargers and other similar vehicles, sometimes modifying them to resemble the iconic General Lee.
The Legendary General Lee: A Star Beyond the Screen
Despite the staggering number of vehicles destroyed, the General Lee became an enduring symbol long after The Dukes of Hazzard ended its run. Out of all the vehicles featured, only 19 original General Lees are known to have survived. In 1991, Warner Bros. auctioned off 17 of these cars to private collectors with a stipulation that the buyers would not disclose the prices they paid. These cars have since been preserved and are often on display for fans to visit.
For those interested in seeing one of the surviving General Lees, there are several options. One of the most famous is on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Volo, Illinois. Another is showcased at the Hollywood Stars Car Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. These cars remain as much a part of the show’s legacy as the characters and the storylines themselves.
The Misfortune of Some Surviving General Lees
However, not all General Lees have had such a lucky existence. In 2023, one of the original cars, sold to a private collector, was tragically totaled in a crash in Missouri. Similarly, John Schneider’s personal replica of the General Lee has experienced a series of unfortunate events. In 2021, the replica was crushed by a tree, and in 2024, it was stolen, further adding to the lore of the General Lee’s troubled post-show life.
Controversy Surrounding the Confederate Flag
In recent years, the General Lee’s roof-mounted Confederate flag has been the subject of controversy. In 2015, Warner Bros. made the decision to stop licensing merchandise that featured the flag, and TV Land removed reruns of the show from its lineup. This move sparked a larger conversation about the implications of the Confederate flag’s symbolism, leading to the discontinuation of its use on merchandise and in media featuring the car.
The debate over the Confederate flag on the General Lee highlights how symbols can evolve over time, especially when viewed through a modern lens. While the car itself remains a symbol of the show’s legacy, the flag has become increasingly divisive, prompting changes in how the General Lee is portrayed in contemporary media.
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Check out another video: DeLorean vs. KITT vs. General Lee on Top Gear USA – Hollywood cars showdown!
Conclusion: The Legacy of the General Lee
While the destruction of hundreds of Dodge Chargers during the making of The Dukes of Hazzard is a testament to the intensity of the stunts and the dedication of the show’s creators, the legacy of the General Lee extends far beyond its role in the series. It’s a symbol of a bygone era in television history, a vehicle that captured the spirit of adventure, rebellion, and excitement. Even today, the General Lee continues to live on in the hearts of fans, with its bold design and iconic status making it one of the most memorable cars in TV history.
Whether you’re visiting one of the surviving cars in a museum or recalling the thrilling stunts of the show, the General Lee remains an indelible part of American pop culture — and a reminder of the cost of stardom in the world of film and television.
