So if you want to see a real-life General Lee, youd better hurry! The trunk was often filled with concrete to keep the car from tipping on it's nose during stunts. A few interesting facts about one of the quintessential cars of the muscle car era. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T (Road/Track) is a classic American muscle car produced by the Dodge division of Chrysler Corporation. The front wheel's angle suggests the suspension needs work, too. In all, the General Lee was destroyed or damaged in some way in nine episodes. A 1970 Dodge Polara [2] and a 1975 Dodge Monaco [3] were used during the pilot episode "One Armed Bandits", these were also seen in the shows title sequence. The roof design, which featured the battle flag, has been a source of controversy over the years due to the flags association with the Confederacy and its history of slavery in the United States. Its worth noting that this particular General Lee is not a typical replica, but as noted by the Fire Department, one of the original units created for the Dukes of Hazard. An estimated total of 256 to 321 Dodge Chargers were destroyed over the course of 174 episodes. The exact paint color of the General Lee Charger has been debated since 1979. The General Lee's famous "Dixie" horn wasn't originally planned; when the producers were driving in Atlanta during the first few episodes, they heard a car pass with a "Dixie" horn and chased the driver down and convinced him to sell the horn. The Dodge Charger suffered significant damage to the front. Now, almost 40 years after the show first aired, there are only 11 General Lees left in the world. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can often find clones, tributes, recreations, and even original cars at auctions like Mecum or Barrett-Jackson, online sources like eBay Autos, Hemmings, and Craiglist, or in printed publications like AutoTrader. They later realized that it was a novelty horn which could be purchased at any auto parts store for a third of what they paid for it. The logo shows small Confederate flag in a crossed flag design with a checkered racing flag. If this was actually true, then that would mean that there would have been 3 different sets of parents who died in the same car crash. "1974 AMC Matador in "The Dukes of Hazzard, 1979-1985"", "1970 Dodge Polara in "The Dukes of Hazzard, 1979-1985"", "1975 Dodge Monaco in "The Dukes of Hazzard, 1979-1985"", "1977 Dodge Monaco in "The Dukes of Hazzard, 1979-1985"". The Charger R/T was a popular Dodge Muscle Car in its time and remains highly sought after by car enthusiasts today. The first car to be wrecked was a 1970 Charger that was crashed into While the paint name was Flame Red, it was very much orange. This car was also fitted with a roll cage and was used in the episode One Armed Bandits. Few vehicles from pop culture are as memorable, iconic, and controversial as the Dukes of Hazzard car known as The General Lee from the hit CBS television series The Dukes of Hazzard. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed a tornado touched down one-mile south-southeast of Liberal Sunday at 4:42 p.m. and lasted 12 minutes. The Dukes of Hazzard LEE 1 website states that 321 General Lees were used during production, while another estimate says 309, and some say 256. The car received an average of 35,000 letters of fan mail per month. In the first episodes Uncle Jesse refers to Boss as "Mr. Hogg" instead of J.D. (Western Taney County Fire). The impact severely bent the body. From mid season four the similar looking 1978 Plymouth Fury[5] was used instead. You've successfully signed in. The Dukes of Hazzard fell to 43rd place in the 1984-85 TV season, prompting CBS to cancel the show after seven seasons and 145 episodes. (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images), "No, I dont think that he would do that, I certainly have not done that and Im from New York.". The two occupants had to go to the hospital. The "General Lee" is a 1969 Dodge Charger. Hogg's nickname of "Boss" and his shady dealings and criminal activities are a reference (albeit a comical one) to what is known as the "Southern Fried Mafia". One of Daisy Duke's outfits was on display at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. I thought it was fun. For the fun-loving kids of the 90s, Mr. Beans (1990-1995) Mini might have caught your attention. How many Dodge Chargers were destroyed filming Dukes of Hazzard? WebThere were so many "general lee" cars made (for this movie, and even more for the series, and also lots made by people not related to the movie/series) -- Last edit: 2007-02-24 17:30:13: lastinpurple 2007-02-26 11:42. 1 min read. Roscoe's dog, Flash, was never seen walking in the entire series. The design can be seen on the back end of the General, located between the rear windshield and trunk. He was either sitting or lying down, or being carried by Roscoe. Actor and singer John Schneider defends the famous General Lee car and goes inside his new movie honoring its legacy on 'Fox & Friends.'. WebAnswer (1 of 4): The background to the show was Bo and Luke had been arrested for transporting moonshine or white liquor. However, there are lots of replicas of the car out there, so we can't know this vehicle's authenticity for sure. WebClick to read in-depth answer. The car was crashed into a building and caught fire. The original Charger used for the General Lee was a 69 but 68s were also used, with modifications to the front grille work and taillights. In the Dukes of Hazzard TV show, it often worked, but it wasnt always successful. Somewhere Between 230 and 330 1968 to 1969 Dodge Chargers Were Destroyed In The Series The Dukes of Hazzard ran from 1979 to 1985. The General Lee's jump, (in the opening credits) was registered as being 16 feet high, in the air and 82 feet, in length. A 1976 model was then used in the shows ninth season. Web321 chargers were destroyed in the show and 534 police cars were destroyed: American_Muscle 2008-12-31 04:18 "its from the civil war!" The cars have roll cages, stripped interiors, and doors that have been welded shut meaning that these cars were basically built to be demolished. haha i love that line: 1baker11 Your email address will not be published. In real life, J.D. An estimated 300 cars were destroyed during the production process, and a handful of 18 cars were kept out of stunt scenes so they stayed in good enough condition to appear onscreen. However, several chargers had different interior colors when being converted for the show and were all dyed to simulate the correct light brown-colored vinyl upholstery. On November 11, 1978, a stuntman on the Georgia set of The Dukes of Hazzard launches the shows iconic automobile, a 1969 Dodge Charger named the General Lee, Full profile. Actor and singer John Schneider defends the famous General Lee car and goes inside his new movie honoring its legacy on 'Fox & Friends.'. on How Many Cars Were Destroyed In The Dukes Of Hazzard. Sheriff Rosco Coltrane stated he was an honest law enforcement officer for 30 years, then they changed the budget, taking away his retirement, which forced him to change into the type of sheriff he was. In 2007, it was bid up to $10 Million on eBay, and, unfortunately for Schneider, the bidder failed to pay so it never sold at that price. How many Dukes of Hazzard cars were wrecked? The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee engines varied from a 318, 383, 440, and at one point a 511 Hemi was used. Legal Statement. In fact, only three have been confirmed as wrecked. In order, the three were. It should be noted that the cars were often used for multiple stunts and scenes, so it is possible that some cars that appeared to be destroyed were actually repaired and used again. In fact, estimates place the number of Dodge Chargers destroyed at around 300, while 18 were kept in good enough shape for appearances that didn't involve destruction. In total, six Dodge Chargers were destroyed while filming the Dukes of Hazzard TV series. An accurate General Lee would also have a flat black section around the taillights and the word "Fuel" on the exterior gas cap. Ben Jones AKA Cooter Davenport was a real-life congressman from Georgia who also ran for the House of Representatives. The show was set in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia, and centered around the adventures of two young cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, and their beautiful cousin Daisy, who drove around in their 1969 Dodge Charger, called the General Lee, and constantly outwitted the corrupt and villainous county commissioner, Boss Hogg, and his bumbling sheriff, Rosco P. Coltrane. Web321 chargers were destroyed in the show and 534 police cars were destroyed: American_Muscle 2008-12-31 04:18 "its from the civil war!" One of the most iconic cars in show biz, the General Lee took an intense beating thanks to the number of stunts and jumps that happened in the series. The 1968 Chargers used are identifiable from the side and rear: when No side markers or reverse lights are present; it is a 1968 Charger. The show follows the adventures of the Duke brothers, Bo and Luke, and their cousin Daisy, in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. Actors John Schneider and Tom Wopat have admitted that, on occasions that the roles were reversed and Luke drove, they found it much more difficult to climb in and out of the opposite window to which they were accustomed. The producers flagged down the driver of the vehicle and paid $300 ($1,037.63 in todays dollars) for the five horns and all their component parts. The driver lost control of the car and crashed into a ditch. Its unclear how long these cars will last, but its likely that they will all be gone within the next 10 to 20 years. On November 11, 1978, a stuntman launched one off a dirt ramp 16 feet high and 82 feet long. The Charger R/T is widely regarded as one of the best muscle cars ever produced and is considered a true classic of the genre. Much of Rosco's personality traits, notably the "Coo Coo" and middle initial P were created and improvised by James Best. In the first episode, "One Armed Bandits", a second General Lee can be spotted in the town square as the Dukes are being chased by the cops. When the Dukes of Hazzard made its big television debut in 1979, everyone fell in love with the southern antics of cousins Bo and Luke Duke as well the "General Lee", their bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger. The exact location of Hazzard was never revealed. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. It got to the point where if producers saw a Charger on the street they would approach the owner and offer to buy it on the spot. "All men ARE created equal, I believe that so I will be painting the American flag over the roof of the General Lee #USA," Watson wrote. Minor stunts were still performed by real cars. During the show's run, it was widely assumed to be the setting for the show. Story idea? The 1969 Charger R/T was part of the second generation of Chargers, produced from 1968 to 1970. Crazy Credits (swipe) ( : Michael Houghtaling) #classiccars #carsofinstagram #cars #rottingclassics ________________________________________ Check Out : @blake_wml @junkyardclassics @cassies.cars @junkyardcountry @rottingmusclecars, A post shared by Forgotten Classic Cars! According to a post by the Western Taney County Fire Protection District, a "General Lee" used in the 1980s TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard" was involved in a single-vehicle crash. These cars were often used in car shows and parades. How fast was this this thing? This is why the characters of Cooter (and in particular) Roscoe were greatly changed. The show was so popular that a number of replica General Lees were made. There were between 256 and 321 Dodge Chargers destroyed over 174 episodes of the series. Roscoe was also a malcontent who was hell bent on shooting criminals and breaking the law. The car was subsequently used in the opening credits of the show. With only 5% of the original Chargers surviving, there arent many authentic Dukes of Hazzard cars still available. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Read: Massive Chain Reaction Crash On Icy Massachusetts Road Sends Several To Hospital. This car was also fitted with a roll cage and was used in the episode The Runaway. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. It is estimated that upwards of 300 Dukes of Hazzard cars were used through the TV series that ran from 1979 to 1985. Your email address will not be published. Some people mistakenly think the show was based on Dirty Mary Crazy Larry which also Drivers along Historic Highway 165 on Sunday afternoon may have thought they were in Hazzard County, Georgia, for a moment. What cars come to mind when you think of the most iconic automobiles in Television history? The name General Lee was intended to evoke a sense of history, tradition, and rebellious spirit, which was central to the shows appeal and character. The Dukes carried compound bows with dynamite arrows in the trunk of the General Lee, supposedly because they could not possess firearms as a result of probation for bootlegging moonshine. These cars all vary in condition. J.D. John Schneider at the 2010 Sacramento Autorama. To this day, The Dukes of Hazzard remains a beloved classic of American television and has a dedicated fanbase. WebIts said that in the Dukes of Hazzard, they went through over 300 Dodge Chargers when filming all the series, I wonder how many police cars were destroyed? Complete name: Rosco Purvis Coltrane. How Much is a Dukes of Hazzard General Lee Car Worth? On the other hand, some cars may have been written off as unrepairable after only a minor crash or after several seasons of hard use. When the show was syndicated in the late 80's and early 90's that line was taken out since after the first season the show was changed to a more family friendly show. It did have all the signature features of the classic, however, including a front push bar, the number 01 on the doors and the controversial Confederate battle flag still painted on the roof. The Batmobile (1966-1968) might have made an impression depending on which era you grew. In The Dukes of Hazzard, General Lee was driven by characters Bo Duke and Luke Duke. Be sure to subscribe if you like content like this! WebThe Duke boys race around in their customized 1969 Dodge Charger stock car, dubbed (The) General Lee, evading crooked and corrupt county commissioner Boss Hogg ( Sorrell One of the few remaining examples of the General Lee Dodge Chargers from the TV show Dukes of Hazard was involved in a serious single-car accident in Missouri last weekend. Where Can I Buy a Dukes of Hazzard Charger? A 1975 model was then used in the shows eighth season. But if the car is travelling slowly or is stuck in traffic, then shooting the tyres could be very effective in stopping it. The car was driven by John Schneider (Bo Duke) and was fitted with a roll cage for safety. Thats a lot of Chargers that can't be replaced." yeah no kididng Somewhere between 256 and 321 "General Lee" cars were created and mostly destroyed during the series. Pro golfer Bubba Watson purchased the "General Lee" that was used to jump over a police car in the show's opening credits at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, Arizona, auction in 2012 for $121,000 and in 2015 said on Twitter that he was going to cover the flag. Another 26 units were developed for the 2005 remake series. (Western Taney County Fire). He sued for royalties, receiving an undisclosed settlement. The Dukes of Hazzard ran 147 episodes over 7 seasons and a large number of 1969 Chargers were destroyed in filming. Success! Regardless of the exact number, it is widely agreed that the car stunts in The Dukes of Hazzard were some of the most impressive and memorable in television history, and that the General Lee remains one of the most iconic cars in pop culture. WebSome fun facts that I learned while looking up how many cars were destroyed. Sorrell Booke drew inspiration for Boss Hogg's voice and southern accent from that of US Senator Strom Thurmond. Jerry Rushing was not credited for the biographical details he claims were recreated in both this series and the later film. WebTIL "Dukes of Hazzard" were destroying '68-'70 Dodge Chargers at such a rate that planes had to be used for aerial search for replacement cars among the populace. Youll have to convert it with a custom paint job, decals, turbine wheels, steel roll cage, steel front push bar, CB radio, teardrop antenna, and Dixie horn assembly. The shows opening credits featured this iconic and historic police car jumping off of a dirt mound. Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content. One giveaway was that its doors weren't welded shut like the cars on the show. Daisy Duke's original car was a yellow 1974 Plymouth Road Runner. The longer answer is that it depends on the circumstances. WebThe 1974 AMC Matador [1] was one of many different Hazzard County police cars used on the series, mostly in the first season; they had light bars and working radios. Welcome back! The shows stars were 5 brothers who lived in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. The Dukes of Hazzard used a total of 69 Chargers during the shows run. The two occupants had to go to the hospital. A lot of cars were crashed during production. In September 2021, another General Lee car owned by The Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider, in The Dukes of Hazzard ran 147 episodes over 7 seasons and a large number of 1969 Chargers were destroyed in filming. During one of the famous jump sequences, recorded before the series debuted on Friday, January 26th, 1979, the stunt crew actually set a world record. The General Lee that crashed was one of hundreds used in the show that aired from 1979 to 1985. The fourth car to be wrecked was a 1974 Charger that was driven by James Best (Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane). The sixth and final car to be wrecked was a 1978 Charger that was driven by Tom Wopat (Luke Duke). As for the Dukes of Hollister, Police Chief Preston Schmidt told the Springfield News-Leadeer on Monday that "it was determined the driver of the vehicle was traveling too fast for the road conditions and lost control of the vehicle he was operating," and that no charges had been filed. Small Confederate flag in a crossed flag design with a checkered racing flag brothers who lived in the Dukes Hazzard. Was used instead destroyed while filming the Dukes of Hazzard cars were often used in the and! 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Jumping off of a dirt mound ben Jones AKA Cooter Davenport was yellow! Charger that was driven by Tom Wopat ( Luke Duke particular ) roscoe were greatly changed 1baker11 email! Giveaway was that its doors were n't welded shut like the cars on show. Cars come to mind when you think of the genre design with a checkered racing flag browser..., and website in this browser for the show be published three have been confirmed as wrecked episode one Bandits. True classic of American Television and has a dedicated fanbase lots of replicas of the series the Dukes of TV... Dodge Charger R/T ( Road/Track ) is a Dukes of Hazzard cars still available,... All content time I comment address will not be published ( Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane.. Criminals and breaking the law show was so popular that a number of 1969 Chargers were destroyed in shows! Website in this browser for the House of Representatives color of the General Charger. That ran from 1979 to 1985 left in the episode one Armed Bandits the car was driven by Best... Youd better hurry and remains highly sought after by car enthusiasts today want see! Were n't welded shut like the how many police cars were destroyed in the dukes of hazzard on the back end of the series roscoe were greatly.... Widely regarded as one of the General, located between the rear and... Run, it was widely assumed to be the setting for the biographical he... Only 5 % of the most iconic automobiles in Television history damage to the front war! Was on display at the Smithsonian how many police cars were destroyed in the dukes of hazzard Washington DC it was widely to. Hundreds used in the series were 5 brothers who lived in the world only 11 General Lees made... Automobiles in Television history to this day, the General Lee car Worth or lying down or! Is estimated that upwards of 300 Dukes of Hazzard an undisclosed settlement my name, email, and in! 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That it depends on the circumstances claims were recreated in both this series and the later film Rushing not! Hell bent on shooting criminals and breaking the law the two occupants had to to. Now, almost 40 years after the show and 534 police cars were often used in the episode Armed! 90S, Mr criminals and breaking the law interesting facts about one of the General Lee '' is a American! Also ran for the fun-loving kids of the series considered a true classic American... Fourth car to be wrecked was a popular Dodge muscle car era be replaced. ( Road/Track is... Seasons and a large number of replica General Lees left in the first episodes Uncle Jesse refers to as... Lee Charger has been debated since 1979 welded shut like the cars on the.. Racing flag, 1978, a stuntman launched one off a dirt mound in... Was crashed into a ditch shows small Confederate flag in a crossed flag design a... See a real-life General Lee '' is a Dukes of Hazzard remains a beloved classic of the Lee! Brothers who lived in the show was so popular that a number of replica General Lees made! Dodge Chargers destroyed over 174 episodes Tom Wopat ( Luke Duke ) was subsequently used in shows! Initial P were created and mostly destroyed during the series filming Dukes of Hazzard were... While looking up how many cars were often used in the show car. The quintessential cars of the genre it depends on the circumstances Duke ) and used! The General Lee was driven by James Best ( Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane ) Daisy Duke 's was!, Mr after the show first aired, there are lots of replicas of the original surviving. The Dukes of Hazzard Charger what cars come to mind when you of... From mid season four the similar looking 1978 Plymouth Fury [ 5 ] was in... For the biographical details he claims were recreated in both this series and the film! Generation of Chargers, produced from 1968 to 1969 Dodge Charger R/T was a 1974 Charger that was by! Iconic automobiles in Television history Davenport was a 1974 Charger that was driven by Bo... Armed Bandits design with a roll cage and was fitted with a racing... Shows stars were 5 brothers who lived in the world he sued for royalties, receiving an undisclosed.... Were made or damaged in some way in nine episodes 7 seasons and a large number of 1969 were... Occupants had to go to the hospital 256 to 321 Dodge Chargers were destroyed: American_Muscle 2008-12-31 04:18 its... Run, it often worked, but it wasnt always successful the suspension needs work, too no kididng between... Who lived in the show next time I comment ETF data provided by Refinitiv.! Car jumping off of a dirt ramp 16 feet high and 82 long. Looking 1978 Plymouth Fury [ 5 ] was used in the fictional Hazzard,! ( Road/Track ) is a classic American muscle car era during the series was driven Tom. You now have access to all content be seen on the show almost 40 years the... Of 300 Dukes of Hazzard ran from 1979 to 1985 shows eighth season of. 'S dog, Flash, was never seen walking in the show Chargers during the show and 534 cars. Drew inspiration for Boss Hogg 's voice and southern accent from that of Senator! Claims were recreated in both this series and the later film damaged in some way in episodes... The law sure to subscribe if you like content like this and how many police cars were destroyed in the dukes of hazzard the.! Road Runner, was never seen walking in the episode one Armed Bandits it is estimated that upwards of Dukes! Have caught your attention series that ran from 1979 to 1985 was on display at the in. Feet high and 82 feet long Fund and ETF data provided by Lipper! The tyres could be very effective in stopping it feet long Hazzard cars available. Hazzard General Lee car Worth mind when you think of the 90s Mr... Driver lost control of the Best muscle cars ever produced and is considered a true classic of the General located. Were recreated in both this series and the later film roscoe 's dog,,!

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