One of… 320!
During the run of this highly successful television series, it is estimated that as many as 320 (perhaps even more) 1968 to 1970 Chargers were catapulted across rivers, over police cars, through construction sites or anywhere else one could imagine a car flying in the air, only to succumb to the rather hard landings. After all, to be sure they would stay horizontal as long as possible while in the air, the producers used lead or sand bags in the trunk as ballast!
One rumor was that towards the end of production, the supply of fresh General Lees had dried out and people who owned even the most derelict examples were able to raise the asking price, as the production company was desperately in need of cars.
A TV show that lasts
The CBS television network originally aired the 145 episodes of Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985. The TV series was inspired by the 1975 film “Moonrunners” starring James Mitchum, the oldest son of actor Robert Mitchum.
But the film never gained the popularity of the television show. So much so that nearly 25 years after the last episode was shot, the Dukes still appear every week on TV screens somewhere on the globe. This is why RM Auctions experts estimate this General Lee could fetch between $40,000 and $60,000 US.
For more information about this car or the Peterson Automotive Museum auction, visit www.rmauctions.com.
photo:Darin Schnabel/RM Auctions
During the run of this highly successful television series, it is estimated that as many as 320 (perhaps even more) 1968 to 1970 Chargers were catapulted across rivers, over police cars, through construction sites or anywhere else one could imagine a car flying in the air, only to succumb to the rather hard landings. After all, to be sure they would stay horizontal as long as possible while in the air, the producers used lead or sand bags in the trunk as ballast!
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| The 4-wheeled star of the show was a 1969 Charger. But cars used in stunts were of the 1968-70 model years. |
One rumor was that towards the end of production, the supply of fresh General Lees had dried out and people who owned even the most derelict examples were able to raise the asking price, as the production company was desperately in need of cars.
A TV show that lasts
The CBS television network originally aired the 145 episodes of Dukes of Hazzard from 1979 to 1985. The TV series was inspired by the 1975 film “Moonrunners” starring James Mitchum, the oldest son of actor Robert Mitchum.
But the film never gained the popularity of the television show. So much so that nearly 25 years after the last episode was shot, the Dukes still appear every week on TV screens somewhere on the globe. This is why RM Auctions experts estimate this General Lee could fetch between $40,000 and $60,000 US.
For more information about this car or the Peterson Automotive Museum auction, visit www.rmauctions.com.
 |
| Under the hood lays a vintage 6.3-litre V8 (383 cid). |
photo:Darin Schnabel/RM Auctions
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