Lil4X

Known as "Lee 1" it was the orange 1969 Dodge Charger around which "The Dukes of Hazzard" was formed in 1978. "Lee 1" was discovered in a Georgia junkyard, still in its orange livery following its destruction landing a stunt jump in the pilot episode. It was the car that was seen in the opening titles and became the show's icon for seasons to come. Over 300 "General Lees" performed in the series, most of which were destroyed in the course of their stunts. It is said that "The Dukes" production company dried up the 69-72 Charger market in Southern California thanks to the heavy toll taken on the stunt cars. Only a few survive, and this original "character" began restoration ten years ago after it was found in that Georgia junkyard.



What many people don't know is that "Lee 1" was supposed to be an old NASCAR stocker, complete with roll cage, welded-shut doors, and all of the safety gear the organization required back in the day. Of course the "stock" cars had long since lost most of their "stock" configuration, but unlike the cars on the Cup circuit now, back in the day, they started life as actual production models.



You may remember this iconic shot of "The General" we all recall from the show. It did not survive the landing that was actually filmed by a "double". Nonetheless, "Lee 1" has a place in the hearts of the fans, as indicated by the sale of a reproduction Gen'l Lee owned by John Schnieder and used in the "Dukes" reunion movie, brought $490K in 2008. Barrett Jackson has indicated the sale of the actual car that cleared the 82-foot jump over the Sheriff's car at an altitude of over 16 feet, may bring over a million dollars when it goes on sale Jan 17 in Scottsdale. Not bad for a restored wreck.