10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About the General Lee Car

The General Lee car is one of the most recognizable cars in television history, from the classic TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard”. With its unique orange paint, Confederate flag roof and remarkable horn, it has a rich history and interesting details. Here are 10 fun facts you didn’t know about the General Lee car.

1. Birth of the General Lee

In 1979, The General Lee car made its first appearance in “The Dukes of Hazzard,” a television series. The name was derived from Robert E. Lee, who was a Confederate general during the American Civil War. It became famous for jumping over rivers among other daring stunts.

2. Used Over 300 Cars

More than three hundred Dodge Chargers were involved in various filmings of “The Dukes of Hazzard” as the General Lee car. This was necessary to ensure that there was enough stock to last through numerous jumps and crashes which usually saw a car or two being destroyed in every episode.

Signature Horn Sound

One thing that people always remember about General Lee is its horn which plays the first twelve notes from Dixie song. This particular sound stands out among all other sounds and it is what distinguishes it as some sort of celebrity vehicle on television program.

The color isn't just orange

Though commonly referred to as an orange vehicle, color painted on this car is AMC Big Bad Orange. This shade was specifically chosen so that it would stand out when shown on TV with high-speed chases and stunts that ensured viewers’ attention.

Flag Controversy

Over time, there have been controversies concerning the use of Confederate flag on top of the General Lee car itself. Initially, this emblem symbolized southern region but nowadays people question why does it have to be there at all reflecting changes prevalent within society as a whole.

Jumping Record

The General Lee car’s jumps are legendary. The largest ever jump was made during the shooting of the first episode of the show, when it flew 16 feet into the air and covered 82 feet in distance. That remains unsurpassed by any TV car to this day.

An expensive icon

Owning a piece of television history doesn’t come cheap. At auctions, original General Lee cars have sold for huge amounts of money. For instance, one vehicle that appeared on the show sold for almost $10 million proving how popular and eminent this General Lee car has been over years.

Stunt Drivers’ Nightmare

It was not always fun driving the General Lee Car. It weighed so much that stuntmen found it hard to control while performing their duties. This often saw stunt drivers struggling to handle this enormous weight during high-speed chases, jumps and even complicated moves,

Behind The Paint Job

The paint job on the General Lee car wasn’t as simple as it may seem; it needed multiple coats of paint and clear coat just to produce its highly glossed surface appearance. It was meticulous so that on screen, it would look flawless exhibiting its superstar character.

10. Cultural Impact

The General Lee car has made a name for itself in pop culture. The sportscar has featured in many other TV shows, films and even video games. These features have turned it into an icon of 80’s television and American automotive culture.

The General Lee car, remains to this day, a symbol of American television history because of its unique characteristics and breath-taking stunts. From the world-renowned horn to daredevil jumps, the General Lee car still holds captive audiences and car lovers in awe. Notwithstanding controversies surrounding its past, the legend of the General Lee car stands as evidence of its impact on popular culture.

Note: There is much debate about the cultural significance of The General Lee car which is important when considering its meaning beyond entertainment history.