Welcome to the ultimate guide to The Dukes of Hazzard cars! The iconic TV series, which aired from 1979 to 1985, featured some of the most memorable cars in television history. From the classic orange Dodge Charger, better known as the General Lee, to the flashy Cadillac driven by Boss Hogg, the show had it all. If you’re a fan of the show or just a car enthusiast, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the history, design, and specifications of these legendary cars, and where they are now.
The Dukes of Hazzard was an American action-comedy TV series that featured the adventures of the Duke family, who were constantly getting into trouble with the corrupt authorities of Hazzard County. However, what really captured the hearts of fans around the world were the stunning cars that the Duke brothers, Bo and Luke, used to outrun the police.
In this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the iconic General Lee, the car that has become synonymous with the show, and also explore the other memorable cars that featured throughout the series. So, buckle up and get ready to take a trip down memory lane with us!
If you’re a fan of classic cars, or just looking for some nostalgia, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about The Dukes of Hazzard cars.
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General Overview of The Dukes of Hazzard Cars
When it comes to iconic TV shows from the 80s, few can match the enduring popularity of The Dukes of Hazzard. The show’s main characters, cousins Bo and Luke Duke, were inseparable from their trusty muscle cars as they took on corrupt officials and fought for justice in Hazzard County. But what were those cars, and how did they become such an integral part of the show’s identity?
The answer lies in the history of American muscle cars, a tradition that the creators of The Dukes of Hazzard drew on heavily. From the powerful engines to the sleek designs, every detail of the show’s cars was designed to capture the spirit of American muscle culture.
Of course, the most famous car from the show is the General Lee, a 1969 Dodge Charger that became an icon of American pop culture. But the General Lee was just one of many cars that appeared on the show over its six-year run.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of The Dukes of Hazzard or just curious about the show’s enduring appeal, this guide will provide an in-depth look at the history, design, and impact of the show’s cars.
From the General Lee to the lesser-known models, we’ll explore everything you need to know about The Dukes of Hazzard cars, including the design and specifications of each vehicle, the role they played in the show’s storylines, and where these iconic cars are today.
So buckle up and get ready to take a ride down memory lane as we explore the world of The Dukes of Hazzard cars and discover why these vehicles remain so beloved by fans of all ages.
The Role of Cars in The Dukes of Hazzard
Without a doubt, the cars in The Dukes of Hazzard played a major role in the success of the show. The cars were not just used for transportation, but they were also central to many of the show’s iconic action sequences. The high-speed chases, jumps, and stunts are what made the show so exciting to watch.
One of the most recognizable cars in the show was the General Lee, which was based on a 1969 Dodge Charger. The car was named after General Robert E. Lee and featured a distinctive orange paint job with a Confederate flag on the roof. The General Lee was not just a car, it was a character in the show.
In addition to the General Lee, there were many other memorable cars featured in the show. One of them was the Black Tilly, which was a 1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille that was driven by Boss Hogg. The car was black and featured large steer horns on the front grille.
Another memorable car was the Coyote X, which was driven by Bo and Luke Duke’s cousin, Coy Duke. The Coyote X was a modified 1980 Jeep CJ-7 that featured a roll cage and a large engine mounted on the hood.
The cars in The Dukes of Hazzard were not just props, they were part of the show’s mythology. The cars were beloved by fans and helped to make the show a cultural phenomenon that still resonates with audiences today.
History and Evolution of The Dukes of Hazzard Cars
The Dukes of Hazzard premiered in 1979 and quickly became a hit with its thrilling car chases and stunts. The show’s creators knew that cars would play a vital role in the series, and they carefully selected the vehicles that would feature in the show.
In the early seasons, the cars used in The Dukes of Hazzard were mainly older model cars that could be found in rural areas of the South. However, as the show gained popularity, the vehicles used became more customized and powerful.
One of the most significant changes to the show’s cars came with the introduction of the General Lee. The 1969 Dodge Charger became an iconic symbol of the series and was featured in almost every episode.
As the show progressed, the cars used in The Dukes of Hazzard became more sophisticated, with high-performance engines and specialized modifications to enable the impressive stunts performed in the show.
Even after the show ended in 1985, the popularity of The Dukes of Hazzard and its cars continued to grow, leading to several movie adaptations and spin-offs over the years.
The Origins of The Dukes of Hazzard Cars
The Dukes of Hazzard, an American action-comedy television series, aired from 1979 to 198The show revolved around the adventures of two cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, who lived in the fictional Hazzard County, Georgia. Cars played a vital role in the show, and the iconic orange 1969 Dodge Charger, known as the General Lee, became an integral part of American pop culture.
The creators of the show, Gy Waldron and Jerry Rushing, were inspired by Rushing’s experiences as a moonshiner. The moonshine runners of the 1970s often used fast cars to outrun the law, and this formed the basis for the Dukes of Hazzard.
The cars used in the show were all American-made vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s. The producers of the show wanted to use older cars that looked like they had been modified to run fast. This gave the show a nostalgic feel and appealed to audiences who were fond of muscle cars from the past.
The Iconic General Lee: Design and Specifications
The General Lee is undoubtedly the most famous car from The Dukes of Hazzard. It was a 1969 Dodge Charger that was modified to become a car that people would always remember. The car was painted bright orange with a Confederate flag on the roof and the number “01” on the doors.
One of the most unique features of the General Lee was the horn, which played the first 12 notes of the song “Dixie.” The car also had a powerful V8 engine, which allowed it to perform some incredible stunts.
The car was modified by a team of experts that included legendary Hollywood car builder George Barris. The team installed a roll cage, reinforced the chassis, and added other safety features to make sure that the actors could perform their own stunts safely.
Despite its fame, only a few original General Lees exist today. The cars that were used during filming were often destroyed or badly damaged, and most of them were scrapped after the show ended.
The Story Behind the Name “General Lee”
The General Lee is arguably one of the most recognizable cars in television history, and its name carries a lot of weight. However, the story behind how the car got its name is a bit surprising.
Contrary to popular belief, the car was not named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee, but rather after General Leland “Lee” Iacocca, who was the head of Chrysler at the time the show was being developed.
The car’s creator, George Barris, had originally planned to name the car after the gray ghost, a Civil War-era steam locomotive that had played a prominent role in many of the show’s scripts. However, Iacocca suggested that they name the car after him instead.
The decision was made, and the General Lee was born. The car’s iconic name has since become synonymous with the show and has helped to solidify its place in pop culture history.
Despite some controversy surrounding the car’s name and its association with the Confederacy, many fans of the show still hold a deep affection for the General Lee and all of the memories it represents.
The Unique Design of the General Lee
The General Lee is an iconic car that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world, thanks in part to its unique design. One of the most striking features of the General Lee is its signature orange color, which was chosen to make the car stand out on camera.
Another unique aspect of the General Lee’s design is its custom paint job, which features the Confederate flag on the roof of the car. While the flag has become a controversial symbol in recent years, it remains an important part of the General Lee’s history and identity.
The General Lee also features a number of other design elements that make it stand out, including its signature “01” number on the doors, the red racing stripes along the sides, and the distinctive “horns” on the hood of the car.
Despite its unique design, the General Lee was actually based on a real car – the 1969 Dodge Charger. However, the car used in the show was heavily modified and customized to fit the needs of the production team, including the addition of a roll cage, racing seats, and other safety features.
Other Memorable Cars from The Dukes of Hazzard
The Dixie Jeep: The Dixie Jeep was a 1980 CJ-7 Jeep used in several episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard. It was painted in the same color scheme as the General Lee and had a Dixie horn installed.
The Black Charger: The Black Charger was a 1969 Dodge Charger used in several episodes. It was painted black and had a matte finish. It was often used as a getaway car.
Cooter’s Tow Truck: Cooter’s tow truck was a 1975 Chevrolet C-20 pickup truck used by Cooter Davenport. It had the words “Cooter’s Garage – Repairs, Towing” painted on the side.
Rosco’s Police Car: Rosco’s police car was a 1977 Plymouth Fury used by Rosco P. Coltrane. It was painted in the same color scheme as the Hazzard County Sheriff’s Department cars.
Daisy’s Plymouth Road Runner: Daisy Duke’s 1971 Plymouth Road Runner was a bright yellow muscle car with a black stripe on the hood. It was used in several episodes, and Daisy was often seen driving it around Hazzard County.
If you’re a fan of The Dukes of Hazzard, you’ll know that the General Lee wasn’t the only iconic car on the show. These memorable vehicles played important roles in many episodes and helped make the show the classic that it is today.
The Plymouth Road Runner
The Plymouth Road Runner was a powerful muscle car featured in The Dukes of Hazzard. Its iconic design and loud engine made it a fan favorite.
The Road Runner’s appearance was modified for the show, with a signature blue paint job and a large “Road Runner” decal on the hood.
In the series, the Road Runner was driven by Rosco P. Coltrane, the bumbling sheriff of Hazzard County. Despite its impressive speed and power, Rosco’s driving skills often resulted in the car being damaged or destroyed.
The Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is a legendary car that has appeared in many films and TV shows over the years, but it is perhaps best known for its role in The Dukes of Hazzard. The Charger is a classic American muscle car that was produced by Dodge from 1966 to 1978, and again from 2005 to 202
In the show, the Charger is the vehicle driven by Bo and Luke Duke, and it is the primary car featured in the series. The Charger was modified extensively for the show, with a number of performance enhancements made to give it the speed and agility needed for the stunts that were performed on the show.
One of the most distinctive features of the Charger is its long, sloping hood, which houses a powerful engine. The Charger’s engine is a V8, which provides plenty of horsepower and torque for high-speed driving. The car’s body is also designed to be aerodynamic, with a sleek, low-slung profile that helps it cut through the air with minimal resistance.
The Jeep CJ-7
Introduction: While the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner are the most famous vehicles from The Dukes of Hazzard, the Jeep CJ-7 also played a prominent role in the show.
Features: The CJ-7 was a rugged off-road vehicle with a small body and a short wheelbase. It was equipped with a 3-speed manual transmission and a 4.2-liter straight-six engine, which produced 110 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Uses in the Show: The Jeep CJ-7 was primarily used by the Duke family for off-road adventures, and it was frequently seen driving through rivers, over hills, and through muddy terrain.
Design: The CJ-7 had a distinctive design that featured a roll bar, a fold-down windshield, and removable doors. It also had a low center of gravity, which made it ideal for off-road driving.
Legacy: The Jeep CJ-7 has become a classic off-road vehicle and remains popular among off-road enthusiasts. Its appearance in The Dukes of Hazzard helped to solidify its reputation as a rugged and versatile vehicle.
Where Are The Dukes of Hazzard Cars Now?
Decades after the show’s finale, many fans are still wondering where the iconic Dukes of Hazzard cars are today. Unfortunately, most of the cars used on the show were destroyed or damaged during filming, and only a few have survived to this day.
The most famous of these surviving cars is, of course, the General Lee. As one of the most recognizable cars in television history, the General Lee has been the subject of much interest and speculation over the years.
Today, a number of replicas of the General Lee exist, built by fans and collectors who want to preserve the car’s legacy. However, there are only a few original General Lees still in existence, and they are highly coveted by collectors and fans alike.
Other cars from the show, such as the Dixie Jeep and Cletus Hogg’s Cadillac, are also of interest to fans and collectors. Some of these cars have been sold at auction or privately over the years, while others remain hidden away in private collections.
The Fate of the General Lee
Controversy: In recent years, the General Lee has been at the center of controversy due to its Confederate flag paint job, which many people associate with racism and slavery.
Museum: The last remaining General Lee car used in the TV series is on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, USA.
Auctions: Several General Lee cars have been sold at auctions over the years, with prices ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Stunts: The General Lee was involved in numerous stunts during the TV series, and many of the cars used were destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the General Lee so special?
The General Lee is not only a muscle car but also a symbol of Southern pride and rebellion. It is known for its signature orange paint job, 01 numbering, and the Confederate flag on its roof, making it one of the most recognizable cars in television history.
How many General Lees were used during the show?
There were around 300 different General Lees used throughout the show, with some being destroyed or damaged beyond repair during the stunt sequences.
Were there any other memorable cars in The Dukes of Hazzard?
Yes, there were several other memorable cars in The Dukes of Hazzard, including Daisy Duke’s white Jeep CJ-7 and Cooter’s red tow truck. However, none were as famous or as recognizable as the General Lee.
What happened to the General Lee cars after the show ended?
Many of the General Lee cars used in the show were auctioned off or sold to private collectors after the show ended. Some were also destroyed during the making of the show, and others have been preserved in museums and private collections around the world.