Iconic car to cast folk back to days of television show

The iconic General Lee leapt onto our screens in the late 1970s and 1980s with a starring role in American television series The Dukes of Hazzard.

Stephen Mead bought his own version of the car - which may well have been used in the show - four years ago.

“We don’t know for sure if it was actually one used in The Dukes of Hazzard but it came from the right area at the right time,” he said. “There were more than 300 of these cars used in the TV series and destroyed or smashed up in filming. When they were filming you could buy these cars for $500.”

The car will be appearing at The Yorkshire Post Motor Show and Classic Car Rally at Castle Howard on Father’s Day.

Mr Mead, of Norton, Malton, North Yorkshire, said: “I had American cars years ago and then my son was getting married and his fiancé asked if I could hire a General Lee for the wedding as a surprise because he was an avid Dukes of Hazzard fan.”

When a search proved fruitless Mr Mead decided to buy one instead, sourcing a 1969 Dodge Charger which had just been imported from California.

And he introduced the car to the show’s legendary Daisy Duke when actress Catherine Bach opened the Motorhome & Caravan Show in Birmingham in 2012.

The biggest launch event of the year returns to the Birmingham NEC from October 11 to 16 (www.mcshow.co.uk).

Mr Mead, 66, said: “Anyone who sees the car knows what it is. A delivery man came to the house and actually kissed the tyre. I don’t know whether or not it was used in filming but it’s great fun to drive and the reaction and pleasure it gives everyone makes me a very happy man.”

The Dodge Charger will join hundreds of classic cars and vintage vehicles at The Yorkshire Post Motor Show and Classic Car Rally on June 19.

Tickets for the event can be bought online by visiting www.castlehoward.co.uk/motorshow. To enter a vehicle please contact Karen Goodridge Cross on 0113 238 8201 or email [email protected].