The Ultimate Guide to the Iconic Dukes of Hazzard Car

Introduction

The Dukes of Hazzard television series captivated audiences worldwide with its thrilling car chases, daring stunts, and lovable characters. At the heart of the show's action and excitement was the General Lee, a modified 1969 Dodge Charger that became an iconic symbol of American pop culture.

History of the General Lee

The General Lee was a modified 1969 Dodge Charger R/T with a 440 cubic inch V8 engine. The car was named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee and featured a distinctive orange paint job with a large "01" painted on the doors.

The car was owned by Bo and Luke Duke, two moonshine smugglers who used it to evade the corrupt law enforcement officers of Hazzard County. The General Lee became known for its durability and speed, as it was able to endure countless high-speed chases and jumps.

Modifications and Features

The General Lee underwent several modifications to enhance its performance and durability. These modifications included:

• Engine: Upgraded to a 440 cubic inch V8 with a Holley 750 carburetor, providing an estimated 525 horsepower.
• Transmission: Three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with an 18-inch Hurst "pistol grip" floor shifter.
• Suspension: Modified suspension with heavier springs and shocks, providing increased stability and handling.
• Brakes: Disc brakes in the front and rear, significantly improving stopping power.
• Tires: Wide, performance-oriented tires providing excellent grip and handling.

Stunts and Durability

The General Lee was renowned for its ability to perform daring stunts and endure countless collisions and jumps. The car's sturdy construction and modified suspension allowed it to withstand repeated impacts without sustaining major damage.

Some of the most famous stunts performed with the General Lee include:

• Jumps: The car could jump over obstacles, including fences, trees, and even other vehicles.
• Chase scenes: The General Lee engaged in high-speed chases with law enforcement, often navigating through narrow roads and tight turns.
• Crashes: The car was involved in numerous collisions, often resulting in spectacular rolls and flips.

Legacy and Impact

The General Lee became an iconic symbol of the Dukes of Hazzard television series and American pop culture. The car's distinctive orange paint job, Confederate battle flag, and powerful engine made it an instantly recognizable and beloved vehicle.

The General Lee has influenced numerous car enthusiasts and popular culture in general:

• Car culture: The car inspired a generation of car enthusiasts to embrace muscle cars and modified vehicles.
• Music: The General Lee's distinctive horn has been featured in numerous songs and soundtracks.
• Merchandise: The General Lee has generated countless merchandise items, including model cars, clothing, and souvenirs.

How to Build a General Lee Replica

If you're a fan of the General Lee and want to build your own replica, here's a step-by-step approach:

1. Acquire a 1969 Dodge Charger: The first step is to find and purchase a 1969 Dodge Charger, preferably a R/T model. This will serve as the base for your replica.
2. Install a 440 Cubic Inch V8 Engine: Replace the original engine with a 440 cubic inch V8, either a stock or aftermarket version.
3. Upgrade the Transmission: Install a three-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission with an 18-inch Hurst "pistol grip" floor shifter.
4. Modify the Suspension: Modify the suspension with heavier springs and shocks to enhance stability and handling.
5. Install Disc Brakes: Upgrade the brakes to disc brakes in the front and rear for improved stopping power.
6. Install Wide Tires: Equip the car with wide, performance-oriented tires to provide excellent grip and handling.
7. Paint the Car Orange: Paint the car a distinctive orange color, such as "Tangerine Metallic" or "Light Metallic Orange."
8. Add the "01" Decals: Paint or apply vinyl decals with the "01" numbers on the doors.
9. Install a Confederate Battle Flag: Decorate the roof with a Confederate battle flag decal.

Why the General Lee Matters

The General Lee matters for several reasons:

• Cultural Icon: The General Lee has become a beloved cultural icon, representing American muscle cars, freedom, and the spirit of adventure.
• Television Legacy: The car played a pivotal role in the Dukes of Hazzard television series, driving the action and excitement of the show.
• Automotive Engineering: The General Lee showcases the ingenuity and craftsmanship of American automotive engineering.
• Community and Camaraderie: The General Lee has inspired a sense of community and camaraderie among car enthusiasts and fans of the television series.

Benefits of Owning a General Lee Replica

Owning a General Lee replica offers several benefits:

• Personal Fulfillment: Building and owning a General Lee replica can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience.
• Investment: A well-built replica can increase in value over time, making it a sound investment.
• Social Status: Owning a General Lee replica can provide instant recognition and a sense of belonging within the car enthusiast community.
• Experiential Value: Driving and showing off your General Lee replica is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.

Pros and Cons of a General Lee Replica

Pros:

• Iconic and recognizable: The General Lee is an instantly recognizable icon of American pop culture.
• Durable and reliable: With proper maintenance, a General Lee replica can provide years of reliable driving pleasure.
• Community and camaraderie: Joining the General Lee replica community can foster camaraderie and shared experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
• Investment potential: Well-restored replicas can appreciate in value over time.

Cons:

• Cost: Building and maintaining a General Lee replica can be expensive, requiring significant financial investment.
• Insurance: Insuring a General Lee replica can be more expensive than standard car insurance policies.
• Fuel consumption: The General Lee's powerful V8 engine can result in increased fuel consumption.
• Legal issues: Some states or jurisdictions may have restrictions on Confederate flag imagery, which could impact the legality of owning or displaying a General Lee replica.

Tables

Table 1: General Lee Specifications

Table 2: Production History of the General Lee

Table 3: Famous Jumps by the General Lee