Barrett Jackson to auction the original General Lee, "Lee 1"... [Archive]

ApexOversteer

01-05-2012, 2:11am

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/amazing_odd_interesting_funny_ev_general_lee_070517_ssh_200907232252584482.jpg

This was the General Lee used in the pilot episode of The Dukes Of Hazzard, and subsequently seen at the beginning of every single episode of the show in the iconic final moments of the opening theme, as the General sails over Roscoe's car while the boys let out the ubiquitous rebel yell.

Discovered a decade ago in a Georgia junkyard, where it had sat since that historic leap, Lee 1 has been restored to pre-jump condition and authenticated. I expect to see seven figures bid on this iconic piece of television, automotive and pop culture history.

In my opinion, as an American treasure, it should be in the Smithsonian, alongside the M*A*S*H* tents and Archie Bunker's chair.

theriver

01-05-2012, 2:59am

NCC-1701

01-05-2012, 4:51am

All I know is that I like you know who in those daisy dukes...:D

Superstreet

01-05-2012, 7:25am

twisted frame rails and tweaked quarters and fenders from bottoming out

Didn't they go through some insane amounts of Gen'l Lee's? Back then it was just another car, easily replaced, but now :leaving:

From Wiki:

Since it was built as a race car, the windows were - bar a couple of shots in very early episodes — always open, a rollbar was installed, and the doors were welded shut. Through the history of the show, an estimated 309 (the "LEE 1" website says 321; John Schneider says 329) General Lees were used; twenty-three are still known to exist in various states of repair. A replica was owned by John Schneider (Bo), known as "Bo's General Lee". In 2008 Schneider sold "Bo's General Lee" at the Barrett-Jackson automobile auction for $450,000;Even though that was the starting bid John Schneider sold the General Lee for $9 million dollars. the underside of the hood has the signatures of the cast from the 1997 TV movie. Schneider has also restored over 20 other General Lees to date. The show also used 1968 Chargers (which shared the same sheet metal) by changing the grille and taillight panel to the 1969 style, and removing the round side marker lights. These Chargers performed many record-breaking jumps throughout the show, almost all of them resulting in a completely destroyed car.

Iron Chef

01-05-2012, 8:44am

twisted frame rails and tweaked quarters and fenders from bottoming out

Didn't they go through some insane amounts of Gen'l Lee's? Back then it was just another car, easily replaced, but now :leaving:

There was a company in Southern California that built General Lee's for the show. They'd go through 2-3 cars per day sometimes. As stated above, the doors were welded shut and several hundred pounds of lead placed in the trunk to keep the rear of the car level during jump sequences.

And yes...back then it was just a Charger. Funny...on the Dodge Charger forum I frequent, some douchebag usually starts a thread about once a month about converting his car to a General Lee.

Those of us on the site who don't post in a stained T-Shirt are all :rolleyes:

Kerrmudgeon

01-05-2012, 10:14am

Schneider has also restored over 20 other General Lees to date.

So, I guess that's what he's been doing for a living? Not a bad gig if your acting career tanks!:lolsmile:

NB2K

01-05-2012, 10:19am

So this like the 119th "genuine, first, number 1" General Lee?

ApexOversteer

01-05-2012, 10:59am

There was a company in Southern California that built General Lee's for the show. They'd go through 2-3 cars per day sometimes. As stated above, the doors were welded shut and several hundred pounds of lead placed in the trunk to keep the rear of the car level during jump sequences.

And yes...back then it was just a Charger. Funny...on the Dodge Charger forum I frequent, some douchebag usually starts a thread about once a month about converting his car to a General Lee.

Those of us on the site who don't post in a stained T-Shirt are all :rolleyes:

Yes, this is the Dukes Of Hazzard fans' version of building up a Darth Vader costume for a Star Wars fan, or having a replica helmet and jersey of their favorite player for a football fan, or a recreation of an iconic guitar paint-job for an Eddie Van Halen fan. Dukes Of Hazzard fans just have to work harder and spend more money to have theirs. Still, they do it, because fans of things like to have the objects they associate with that fandom.

BADRACR1

01-05-2012, 7:25pm

1966 Batmobile for me.http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc247/badracr/70664_Front_3-4.jpg

C5Nate

01-05-2012, 7:40pm

1966 Batmobile for me.http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc247/badracr/70664_Front_3-4.jpg

Got $150K sitting around?

Branson Auto Museum - Branson, Missouri (http://www.bransonmuseum.com/detail.cfm?stock=C5450)

themonk

01-06-2012, 12:13am

Bandit > The General Lee

73sbVert

01-06-2012, 1:00am

Bandit > The General Lee

Truth!

:cert:

Scissors

01-06-2012, 6:01am

Bandit > The General Lee

Many cars are > The General Lee, such as:

The Dude's Gran Torino (actually shows its damage, unlike the General Lee)
Doc Brown's De Lorean
The Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters
Pepe (The Little Mule) from Romancing the Stone (true offroad power)
Mad Max's Pursuit Special

Hell, even the car from The Car (what Bender's were-car form is based on) and the van from Up In Smoke are cooler. :lol:

Iron Chef

01-06-2012, 1:45pm

Why :rolleyes: at a guy who wants to have a General Lee?

It's a Charger thing. :D

ApexOversteer

01-06-2012, 1:49pm

It's a Charger thing. :D

Indeed... Lee 1 > Charger Daytona > Charger 500 > Charger Hemi > Replica General Lee is how my dream '69 Charger collection would go...

nhlgopens

01-06-2012, 1:53pm

1966 Batmobile for me.http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc247/badracr/70664_Front_3-4.jpg

I have a friend building a replica of this car... let me see if I can find a pic somewhere. brb. :leaving:

nhlgopens

01-06-2012, 2:06pm

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310716_2426846401167_1551773337_32578841_1481188_n.jpg

Rolled out for a car show...
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/67724_157284224302540_111140348916928_355209_4134003_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/34861_1519669512554_1259030936_31434176_1519332_n.jpg

He's also got the 1989 Batmobile project going...
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/18768_1288899393203_1551773337_30743964_157230_n.jpg

BADRACR1

01-07-2012, 12:43pm

I have a friend building a replica of this car... let me see if I can find a pic somewhere. brb. :leaving:

Friend of mine is doing one too. Called "The Crime Fighter" kit car.

themonk

01-07-2012, 12:57pm

Your opinion.

Which just happens to be the correct one, as per usual.

Allan

01-07-2012, 4:17pm

It's a Charger thing. :D

Can you say Bullitt? :seasix:

themonk

01-07-2012, 4:35pm

Many cars are > The General Lee, such as:

Mad Max's Pursuit Special

Mad Max Interceptor - Edmonton Collector Cars For Sale - Kijiji Edmonton Canada. (http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-Mad-Max-Interceptor-W0QQAdIdZ139445566)

themonk

01-07-2012, 5:02pm

More fail for your frozen Canadian brain. :yesnod:

Ummmmmm, nope.

ApexOversteer

01-07-2012, 5:28pm

Bandit > The General Lee

Your opinion.

Which just happens to be the correct one, as per usual.

More fail for your frozen Canadian brain. :yesnod:

Ummmmmm, nope.

Shut it. You're both wrong.

The Sting Ray from Stingray FTMFW!

Stingray [1980s] TV show Intro - YouTube

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/stingray.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/stingray1.jpg

Scissors

01-09-2012, 5:48am

Tumbler = best Batmobile EVAR!

While awesome, the Batmobile from Michael Keaton's version of the role is the best one.

I think we can all agree that the one from the campy television series was The Suck.

ApexOversteer

01-09-2012, 11:53am

While awesome, the Batmobile from Michael Keaton's version of the role is the best one.

I think we can all agree that the one from the campy television series was The Suck.

I disagree. I love those wild, wacky 1960's show rods and television cars. The Red Baron, The Paddy Wagon, The Tijuana Taxi, The Boot Hill Express, The Munster Coach, Grandpa Munster's Dragula, the Monkee Mobile, Black beauty from The Green Hornet and the Batmobile are fantastic designs. I built all of them as model kits and yeah, I'd love a crack behind the wheel of any one, or all, of them.

Scissors

01-10-2012, 5:48am

I disagree. I love those wild, wacky 1960's show rods and television cars. The Red Baron, The Paddy Wagon, The Tijuana Taxi, The Boot Hill Express, The Munster Coach, Grandpa Munster's Dragula, the Monkee Mobile, Black beauty from The Green Hornet and the Batmobile are fantastic designs. I built all of them as model kits and yeah, I'd love a crack behind the wheel of any one, or all, of them.

Some of those are great. I just didn't find the Batmobile to be one of them.

Burro (He/Haw)

01-10-2012, 6:46am

Nash Bridges 'Cuda or Vanishing Point Challenger for me in the Mopar department.

BADRACR1

01-10-2012, 9:34pm

While awesome, the Batmobile from Michael Keaton's version of the role is the best one.

I think we can all agree that the one from the campy television series was The Suck.

Profile check. 35 years old. 'Splains it.

Most people like the cars from their childhood. I prefer the '66. It was actually a real car that could be driven on the street.

BADRACR1

01-10-2012, 9:35pm

Nash Bridges 'Cuda or Vanishing Point Challenger for me in the Mopar department.

:iagree:

NEVRL8T

01-24-2012, 3:58pm

I expect to see seven figures bid on this iconic piece

Way off the mark

Yee-haw! Bubba Watson buys ?The Dukes of Hazzard? car | Devil Ball Golf - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/golf-devil-ball-golf/yee-haw-bubba-watson-buys-dukes-hazzard-car-161745523.html)

Watson was at the famed Barrett-Jackson automobile auction this past weekend, and picked up that gem there, which he called his "dream car," for $110,000.

RedLS1GTO

01-24-2012, 4:16pm

Hopefully Bubba drives it to the tournaments. How awesome would it be to roll up at Augusta, hit the Dixie horn, climb out the window, grab your bag out of the trunk... then Tee off at the Masters.

NEVRL8T

01-24-2012, 4:19pm

Hopefully Bubba drives it to the tournaments. How awesome would it be to roll up at Augusta, hit the Dixie horn, climb out the window, grab your bag out of the trunk... then Tee off at the Masters.

Happy Gilmore!

PLRX

01-24-2012, 4:35pm

I was at BJ on Friday and I didnt see the General Lee there. I may missed it, Im sure I walked thru every tent.

There was a Cloned Michael Keaton batmobile at the Russo and Steele Auction on Saturday.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/plrx/Corvette%20Runs/Scottsdale2012/RussoSteel/RussoSteel70.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/plrx/Corvette%20Runs/Scottsdale2012/RussoSteel/RussoSteel71.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/plrx/Corvette%20Runs/Scottsdale2012/RussoSteel/RussoSteel72.jpg

vetteman9368

01-24-2012, 5:03pm

i have no doubt I will see Bubba running around the Pensacola area in that car

Stangkiller

01-24-2012, 5:29pm

SnowDale

01-24-2012, 6:17pm

i have no doubt I will see Bubba running around the Pensacola area in that car

I just saw the PGA tour press conference, and Bubba said that the car needs a lot of work, but will be at Phoenix for next week's tournament. :seasix:

ApexOversteer

01-24-2012, 6:35pm

Way off the mark

Yee-haw! Bubba Watson buys ?The Dukes of Hazzard? car | Devil Ball Golf - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/golf-devil-ball-golf/yee-haw-bubba-watson-buys-dukes-hazzard-car-161745523.html)

Welcome to three days ago. The rest of us watched it live.

I still maintain that something is wrong with this sale. Wrong room, wrong auction, something fishy about the car.

I keep hearing how "rough" that car was. The restoration was to "pre-jump condition" not "new", "show", or "concours". I understand that might put people off, expecting perfection, but that wasn't the point of this restoration. Certainly doesn't explain the price.

I could have swallowed $250K hammer on it. I could have justified that with the economy and the condition of the car. But $110K? Noph Uckinway. Something was up here.

I don't know why the price was so low, but it was very low. Looking at just '69 Chargers, $110,000 is below clone hemi money, or Daytona recreation money. Looking at movie cars, you'll pay more for a really good Eleanor clone.

This is a television icon, one of the most famous cars on the planet, and I don't believe for a second it is only worth $110K.

Burro (He/Haw)

01-24-2012, 6:37pm

This is a television icon, one of the most famous cars on the planet, and I don't believe for a second it is only worth $110K.
So says the market though. A POS is still a POS, and it sounds like this was.

NB2K

01-24-2012, 6:38pm

Welcome to three days ago. The rest of us watched it live.

I still maintain that something is wrong with this sale. Wrong room, wrong auction, something fishy about the car.

I keep hearing how "rough" that car was. The restoration was to "pre-jump condition" not "new", "show", or "concours". I understand that might put people off, expecting perfection, but that wasn't the point of this restoration. Certainly doesn't explain the price.

I could have swallowed $250K hammer on it. I could have justified that with the economy and the condition of the car. But $110K? Noph Uckinway. Something was up here.

I don't know why the price was so low, but it was very low. Looking at just '69 Chargers, $110,000 is below clone hemi money, or Daytona recreation money. Looking at movie cars, you'll pay more for a really good Eleanor clone.

This is a television icon, one of the most famous cars on the planet, and I don't believe for a second it is only worth $110K.

Probably b/c there ain't no "gen-u-wine Number 1 General Lee"

stingraymyway

01-24-2012, 9:30pm

I'm surprised some of the first General Lee's didn't therefore to the stars of the show.

stingraymyway

01-24-2012, 9:35pm

Shut it. You're both wrong.

The Sting Ray from Stingray FTMFW!

Stingray [1980s] TV show Intro - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtAj51MHHVw)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/stingray.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/ApexOversteer/stingray1.jpg

One of my favorite '80's shows. Too bad it didn't air long.