For fans of the iconic TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, the orange 1969 Dodge Charger known as “General Lee” is as much a character as Bo and Luke Duke themselves. While many Chargers played the role throughout the series, the very first General Lee, often referred to as “Lee 1,” holds a special place in television history. This is the story of that original car and its fascinating journey.
Lee 1 was specifically built to perform the legendary jump seen in the opening credits of The Dukes of Hazzard. This pivotal stunt was executed by professional stunt driver Craig Baxley on November 11, 1978, at Oxford College in Oxford, Georgia. In front of a captivated crew, including Seany Hall, Lee 1 soared 16 feet in the air, clearing a police cruiser and landing an impressive 82 feet away from the ramp.
However, this breathtaking jump took its toll. Lee 1 sustained damage and was retired from its role as the pristine General Lee. Instead of being scrapped, it was sent back to the body shop to become a donor car. Parts like doors, bumpers, taillights, and the grille were salvaged to maintain other General Lee vehicles used in filming. After being stripped of usable components, Lee 1 was relegated to storage, seemingly ending its time in the spotlight.
But Lee 1’s story doesn’t end there. In a surprising twist, the production team needed a wrecked race car for the episode “Repo Men.” Facing budget constraints, Warner Brothers turned back to Lee 1. The car was pulled from storage and given a dramatic makeover. It was repainted in a greenish-blue hue and intentionally roughed up to portray a battered Richard Petty stock car, showcasing its unexpected versatility.
As filming relocated back to California, Lee 1, along with around fifty other vehicles, was sent to a junkyard near Atlanta. Many of the cars used in the show were unfortunately scrapped in the years following the series’ end. Yet, remarkably, Lee 1 survived. Legend has it that the concrete ballast added to the trunk for the jump prevented the car from being crushed.
In a fortunate turn of events in 2000, “Dukes of Hazzard” enthusiasts, acting on a tip, rediscovered Lee 1 in the junkyard. Alongside it were the first two police cars from the show and other automotive relics. This discovery sparked a restoration project, though it’s noted that many original parts were unfortunately sold off before the restoration was completed. Despite this, Lee 1 was brought back to life and made appearances at promotional events. Ultimately, this piece of television history was sold at a Barrett Jackson auction for $110,000 to professional golfer Bubba Watson.
The story of Lee 1 is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Dukes of Hazzard and the iconic General Lee. From its initial flight to its junkyard survival and eventual restoration, Lee 1’s journey is a unique chapter in automotive and television history, reminding us of the fascinating stories behind the cars that become stars.
