July 2015, we heard a lot about Bubba Watson and his new ride called "The General Lee". Why this car is so special that we spoke as much about it?
The two-time Masters Tournament winner bought the car at an auction in 2012 for $110,000. "Lee 1" was the first car built for "The Dukes of Hazzard" TV show. You remember this car now?
At the same time, outside the Capitol of South Carolina we hear the crowd gathered shouted: "Take it Down! Take it down! ..." The Confederate battle flag that has flown at the South Carolina State House for more than 50 years is gone after lawmakers voted to remove it from the grounds of the State Capitol.
Everybody has saw this flag, but how many of us can really tell about its meaning? Wrongly used to decorate your house, your truck or simply thinking "it look american hee haw! It will be perfect behind my cowboy bar" without even knowing what this flag represent, lack of knowledge.
A little bit of american history:
First used in northern Virginia battlefields in 1861, this flag was never officially adopted as the flag of the Confederate States. The 1948 Dixiecrat (white supremacist party) extensively used Confederate battle flag and contributed to the flag's post-World War 2 re-popularization. With all the focus on South Carolina, it's easy to forget that Confederate symbolism still adorns many official state flags in the South (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee). Some groups also use the "southern cross" as one of the symbols associated with their organizations, including groups such as the Ku Klux Klan. You understand now why the Confederate flag is a controversial symbol today.
Bubba, it's your decision, this ride is yours. Some people even said this car is an american piece of history. So why not just covering this controversial flag with adhesive sticker to hide it without damaging it?
Bubba, we received loud and clear your message. You are for the unity of people and here at the redaction of 19NEWS Mag, we support you. Everybody calm down!! Mid july 2015, the pro golfer made a important comment on his Twitter: He’s gonna replace the “Stars and Bars” flag by the “the Star-Spangled Banner”.
Car Specs:
The General Lee is the famous orange 1969 Dodge Charger from The Dukes of Hazzard TV show, known for its iconic jumps, "01" racing number, and Dixie horn.
Engine: Typically a 383 or 440 CID V8, though some had 318 or 426 HEMI engines
Transmission: 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual
Horsepower: Varies by engine, around 290-425 HP
0-60 mph: Approx. 6-7 seconds
Top Speed: Around 130 mph
Exterior: Bright orange (believed to be GM "Hugger Orange" or Chrysler "Hemi Orange")
Features: Confederate flag on the roof, welded-shut doors, push-bar, CB radio, American Racing Vector wheels
How Many Were Used & Destroyed?
Over 300 Dodge Chargers were used for the series
At least 100-150 were destroyed due to the high-impact stunts (mainly jumps)
Most of the jump cars were totaled on impact, while others were repurposed
Only about 17 original TV show cars are known to survive today
The show famously ran through so many Chargers that they started using miniatures for jumps in later seasons. Dodge Chargers from 1968 and 1970 were also modified to look like 1969 models when cars became scarce.