Continuing our review of some of the most beloved cars of all time, we will need to climb in through the window of the General Lee as we take a ride with The Dukes of Hazzard.
Brandon’s Pick: The General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard
When it comes to classic cars, Brandon, has a special place in his heart for a few memorable hot rods. Sure, he also loves the 1955 Chevy from “American Graffiti,” but since we’ve already delved into that classic in Part 3 of our series, we’re shifting our gears to explore another one of Brandon’s all-time favorites: the 1969 Dodge Charger, famously known as the General Lee, from the hit CBS television series, The Dukes of Hazzard. This iconic car, sporting a Confederate flag motif on that bright Hemi orange paint job, played a vital role in the adventures of Bo and Luke Duke as they zoomed around Hazzard County.
What Makes the General Lee Such a Memorable Car?
The answer to this question is a combination of nostalgia and love of automobiles. First and foremost, The Dukes of Hazzard is a TV show that invokes a deep sense of nostalgia among its viewers. As the memorable theme song suggests, it revolved around the lives of a couple of “good old boys, never meaning no harm.” They were just trying to make their way through life, even if it occasionally involved outsmarting Sheriff Rosco Coltrane and Deputy Enos Strate, the local law enforcement. The General Lee, with its eye-catching design and irresistible charisma, became as much a character as Bo or Luke themselves. The show’s family-friendly appeal meant that it was something the whole family could enjoy together, and typically ended with the Duke boys sharing their escapades with their Uncle Jesse and Cousin Daisy.
Secondly, the General Lee is awesome in its own right. Its unconventional color and flag theme make it instantly recognizable. The large “01” painted on the doors, which were welded shut, signaled to viewers that this car meant business – it was a road-ready race car. The distinctive look of the General Lee made it a favorite with young kids, and the sight of it tearing through Hazzard County’s dirt roads or soaring through the air in gravity-defying jumps was pure adrenaline for fans. In fact, in the opening credits of the show, the Charger is shown making an incredible jump. During filming previous jumps, the car was too front-heavy, so several hundred pounds of cement were put in the trunk to add reinforcement. Understandably, this was hard on the car. And since the show was known for such jumps and car chases, we can understand why an estimated 200-300 cars were destroyed in the years of filming, unintentionally causing a shortage of 1969 Chargers.
What Kind of Car Was the General Lee?
What made this car’s performance so remarkable was a powerhouse of an engine. The 1969 Dodge Charger, which served as the base for the General Lee, was equipped with a choice of V8 engines. Which engine the car had was never mentioned outright in the show, but many of the engine shots featured the 383.
The most famous of these was the 383 cubic-inch Magnum V8, delivering a healthy dose of horsepower and torque. This engine gave the General Lee the muscle it needed to outrun the authorities, perform incredible stunts, and power through the backroads of Hazzard County. Most of the Chargers used in filming featuring a 383 were designated as “close up cars” and were kept in condition that those used for chase or jump scenes, as mentioned by Patrick Rall in this Dodge forum.
One of the standout features of the General Lee was the sound of the exhaust, which was music to the ears of viewers. That deep rumble of the V8 engine as it roared to life only added to the car’s allure and served as a precursor to the action that would follow. Its rear-wheel-drive setup and sturdy suspension made it aptly suited for the high-speed jumps and daring maneuvers that became the trademark of the series.
The 1969 Dodge Charger – An Enduring Classic
The combination of a powerful engine, performance capabilities, and striking appearance created an automotive icon that continues to capture the imaginations of car enthusiasts and fans of classic television to this day. The General Lee is not just a car; it’s a symbol of rebellion, adventure, and good old-fashioned fun. Speaking of fun, the sound of the General Lee’s distinctive horn playing “Dixie” was clarion call to adventure for young and old alike.
In essence, the General Lee isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of nostalgia, family entertainment, and pure, heart-pounding excitement. It’s a testament to the enduring charm of classic television and the continuing love for legendary movie (and TV) cars. So, whether you’re a fan of the show or simply appreciate iconic cars, the General Lee is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart.
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Image by Tima Miroshnichenko.