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The Dukes of Hazzard became a television favorite after debuting in 1979, combining comedy, adventure, small-town characters, and spectacular car chases. At the center of the action was the famous General Lee, a bright orange 1969 Dodge Charger that became one of television’s most recognizable cars. But creating those unforgettable scenes came with enormous costs, especially when it came to the vehicles used for the stunts.
More than 300 Dodge Chargers were reportedly used during the show’s seven-season run, with many destroyed during filming. The cars were pushed through extreme jumps, some reaching 200 feet or more. Many stunts were completed in a single take because the impact could leave the car badly damaged or completely unusable. As the supply of suitable Chargers became harder and more expensive to maintain, producers turned to re-shelling, mock-ups, recycled footage, and miniature versions for certain scenes.