Based on industry records and the Dodge Charger Registry, an estimated 17 to 19 original 1969 Dodge Chargers used as the "General Lee" in The Dukes of Hazzard television series are known to have survived. This is a remarkably small fraction of the more than 250 cars reportedly destroyed during the show's production for its famed stunt jumps. The surviving vehicles were part of a lot sold by Warner Bros. in 1991 and now reside in the hands of private collectors or museums, with their condition and authenticity varying widely.
The most authoritative count comes from the Dodge Charger Registry, a community dedicated to tracking and authenticating these iconic vehicles. Their extensive research, which cross-references vehicle identification numbers (VINs) with production records and known histories, consistently points to 17 confirmed original cars. Some experts may cite a slightly higher figure of up to 19 when including a few disputed or partially original chassis. The central fact remains: fewer than 20 of the over 250 screen-used Chargers exist today in original form.
The survivorship and value of these cars are heavily influenced by their on-screen history and provenance. The most famous is "LEE 1," the first car used in the series pilot. After being restored, it was famously purchased by professional golfer Bubba Watson, who later made headlines for having its iconic Confederate flag roof decal removed. Another significant survivor is the largely unrestored, screen-used car on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, which serves as a rare example of a "time capsule" vehicle.
The table below summarizes the key data points regarding the General Lee's production and survival rate:
| Metric | Data | Notes |
|---|
| Total Cars Built for Show | 300+ | Primarily 1969 Dodge Chargers, with some 1968 and 1970 models. |
| Cars Destroyed During Filming | 250-300 | Destroyed primarily in the high-impact stunt jumps. |
| Confirmed Original Survivors | 17 | According to the Dodge Charger Registry's VIN-based authentication. |
| Estimated Survivor Range | 17-19 | Acknowledges a small number of disputed or partial cars. |
| Key Disposition | Warner Bros. 1991 Sale | Most known survivors came from this single auction lot. |
Current ownership is exclusively private. Beyond the Volo Museum's display, other cars have appeared at venues like the Hollywood Stars Car Museum. However, their market status is defined by private sales. According to market data from Hagerty, verified, well-documented original General Lee cars have commanded prices well into the high six-figures at private auction, with values heavily dependent on documented screen use and restoration quality. The market recognizes that these are not merely old cars but authentic Hollywood props with a finite, verifiable supply.
