The Dukes of Hazzard is iconic for its car chases and daredevil stunts, with the cars themselves becoming as much a part of the show as Bo, Luke, and Daisy Duke. While the General Lee, their 1969 Dodge Charger, is undoubtedly the most famous Dukes Of Hazzard Car, the series featured a variety of memorable vehicles. This article explores some of these less celebrated, yet equally fascinating cars from the show, proving that the automotive appeal of Hazzard County runs much deeper than just its orange superstar.
Beyond the legendary General Lee, the world of “The Dukes of Hazzard” was populated with a diverse array of vehicles that added richness and character to the fictional Hazzard County. In the episode “Days of Shine and Roses,” we get a glimpse into the automotive tastes beyond the Duke boys, showcasing cars driven by other residents like Uncle Jesse and Boss Hogg.
Uncle Jesse, known for his wisdom and moonshine-making past, also had his fair share of interesting cars. In “High Octane,” his car was known as ‘Sweet Tillie’, a 1971 Ford Custom 500. However, for the moonshine race in “Days of Shine and Roses,” Jesse needed a new ride, receiving a 1967 Mustang from Cooter. This car, quickly named ‘Black Tillie II’, was given a distinctive, albeit somewhat rough, makeover. Painted entirely in matte black, save for a few details, it presented a stark and imposing look. Interestingly, the hubcaps, a detail that might stump even car enthusiasts, were sourced from a 1968 Pontiac Tempest, showcasing the resourceful nature of Hazzard County mechanics.
The closed captions from the episode clearly confirm the car’s name as ‘Black Tillie II’, solidifying its place in the lineage of Uncle Jesse’s vehicles.
Boss Hogg, the ever-scheming county commissioner, was typically seen in his white Cadillac. However, for this moonshine race, he opted for something a bit more sporty: a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro. Similar to ‘Black Tillie II’, Boss Hogg’s Camaro, dubbed ‘Grey Ghost, Jr.’, received a quick and less-than-perfect paint job, this time in gray. This Camaro, like Jesse’s Mustang, was also modified from an existing model, requiring rework on the front and rear to transform it from a 1967 Camaro. The ‘Grey Ghost, Jr.’ was a fittingly underhanded choice for Boss Hogg, a contrast to his usual flamboyant Cadillac.
The name ‘Grey Ghost, Jr.’ is confirmed in screengrabs, and notably, uses the British spelling “Grey,” a detail consistently maintained even on US DVDs, adding a quirky touch to this Hazzard County vehicle.
It’s interesting to note, as with many single-episode vehicles in the series, that more than one of each of these cars likely existed. Subtle differences, particularly noticeable in the Camaro’s rear, suggest the use of multiple vehicles for filming. Furthermore, episodes like ‘Hazzard Connection’ feature similar roughly painted Mustang and Camaro, raising the possibility that these very cars were repainted and reused for different storylines, a testament to the resourceful and sometimes budget-conscious nature of television production. These less prominent cars, while not as famous as the General Lee, contribute significantly to the automotive landscape of The Dukes of Hazzard, offering fans a deeper appreciation for the variety and character of vehicles within the series.