1969 ‘General Lee’ Dodge Charger Up for Auction

Some of you might remember the popular American TV series from the 80s, The Dukes of Hazzard. It followed the adventure of two cousins from the rural area, who were racing around in their modified 1969 Dodge Charger called The General Lee, as a reference to the Confederate general Robert E. Lee.

Well, if you recall what the show was all about, then you recognized the muscle car from the photos. One of the about 325 Dodge Chargers used during the filming will go under the hammer by RM Auctions at Icons of Speed & Style on September 26. The car will go on sale without reserve, but it is expected to fetch between $40,000 and $60,000.

This particular Dodge Charger is reportedly the only General Lee in history (television and film) to do three separate jumps during filming, included a 120-foot jump. The landing however was catastrophic for the General, with major front end and roof damage.

Supporting its authenticity are the signatures of actor John Schneider (Bo Duke) and custom car builder for the stars, George Barris, right on the car’s hood. The paintjob is in the traditional bright orange with a hand painted replica of the Rebel flag on the roof and "01" numbers on the doors.

And since it was specially prepared for filming jump scenes, the engine and transmission were removed, while aftermarket alloy wheels, custom push-bar to protect the grille, and various structural reinforcements were added. Of course, the General has been fitted for the sale with a vintage 6.3-litre V8 engine, the same type that the car left the factory with. Except for the roll bar, the interior is quite like in the show, finished in saddle tan vinyl and even retaining its original AM radio push button.