A prime indicator of when or if something's reached critical mass is if the New York Times decides to pick up the story. Orange '69 Dodge Chargers have now reached critical mass. While Dr. Jim Sirotnak's General is a 318-powered ex-stuntcar from the show, few actual TV cars remain, leading to the rise of shops that actually specialize in General Lee conversions, like Smith Brothers Restorations in Washington. But for all the love these repro-Lees get from the proletariat, vintage Mopar aficionados still turn up their noses at the customized B-bodies; as North American General Lee Fan Club honcho Travis Bell says, "They absolutely hate us." It's okay, Travis, they hate Steve Strope, too. [Thanks to CTE and Brady for the tip]
Redux of Hazzard: The General Lee Flies Again [New York Times]
Related:
I'll Blow Your Doors off Drivin' My General Lee: Movie Inflates '69 Charger Prices [Internal]