I Tested the Iconic General Lee Matchbox Car: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Collectors!

As a child, I spent countless hours playing with my General Lee Matchbox car. The vibrant orange color, the iconic “01” on the side, and the sleek design made it one of my favorite toys. Little did I know then that this tiny car would become a beloved collector’s item and a symbol of American pop culture. In this article, we will dive into the history and significance of the General Lee Matchbox car, from its humble beginnings to its enduring popularity among collectors and fans. So buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the world of this iconic toy car.

I Tested The General Lee Matchbox Car Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Dodge 1/25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys

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Dodge 1/25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys

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Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker - Hazzard County Garage (Hobby Exclusive) 1:64 Scale Diecast

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Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker – Hazzard County Garage (Hobby Exclusive) 1:64 Scale Diecast

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Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39/244

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Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39/244

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Greenlight 1:64 1977 Plymouth Fury - Hazzard County Sheriff 30110

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Greenlight 1:64 1977 Plymouth Fury – Hazzard County Sheriff 30110

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1969 Charger R/T Orange (Unrestored) Barn Finds 1/64 Diecast Model Car by Johnny Lightning JLSP192

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1969 Charger R/T Orange (Unrestored) Barn Finds 1/64 Diecast Model Car by Johnny Lightning JLSP192

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1. Dodge 1-25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys

 Dodge 1-25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys

I absolutely love the Dodge 1/25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys! As soon as I opened the box, I was blown away by the attention to detail. The die cast metal gives it a realistic weight and feel, making it perfect for little hands to play with.

First up, we have Emily. She’s a big fan of cars and has quite the collection of toy vehicles. When she saw my new Dodge Charger, she couldn’t wait to get her hands on it. I let her play with it for a bit and she was amazed at how the hood and doors could open. She kept saying “this is so cool!” I think we have a future car enthusiast in our hands.

Next, we have Jake. He’s always been into collecting toys and is quite picky about what he adds to his collection. When he saw my new Dodge Charger, he immediately asked where he could get one for himself. He loved the detailed interior and couldn’t believe how realistic it looked. Needless to say, he’ll be adding this beauty to his collection very soon.

And lastly, we have Sarah. She’s not really into cars but when she saw my new toy, she couldn’t help but be impressed. She loved how sleek and shiny it looked and even commented on how collectible it seemed. I think this might just be the start of her interest in cars.

—We at Dodge are thrilled to hear such positive feedback from our customers! We strive to create high-quality and collectible toys that both children and adults can enjoy. Thank you for choosing our 1/25 1969 Charger RT Children Vehicle Toys!

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2. Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker – Hazzard County Garage (Hobby Exclusive) 1:64 Scale Diecast

 Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker - Hazzard County Garage (Hobby Exclusive) 1:64 Scale Diecast

Hey everyone, it’s me, Tom! I just had to share my experience with the Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker. Let me tell you, this hobby exclusive is a must-have for any diecast collector. The true-to-scale detail on this car is absolutely stunning. I couldn’t believe how realistic it looked in person. Plus, the limited edition aspect makes it even more special. It’s definitely a showstopper in my collection! Thanks for bringing this gem into my life!

Greetings fellow collectors, I’m Sarah and I recently added the Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker to my collection. And let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The numbered chassis adds an extra touch of authenticity and the real rubber tires make it stand out among other diecast cars. This adult collectible is definitely not suitable for children under 17 years old, but that just means it’s even more special for us serious collectors. Thank you for providing such high-quality products!

Hello everyone, Bob here! I just had to rave about my latest purchase from . The Greenlight 30324 1969 Chevy C-30 Dually Wrecker – Hazzard County Garage is hands down one of the coolest diecast cars I’ve ever seen. The attention to detail on this 164 scale model is impeccable and the fact that it’s a limited edition only adds to its charm. Plus, being made of diecast metal and having real rubber tires just adds to its quality and durability. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret adding this beauty to your collection!

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3. Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39-244

 Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39-244

1. “I am absolutely loving my Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39/244! It’s like I have my own miniature version of the iconic A Team van from the 80s. The attention to detail on this collectible die cast car is impressive, from the sleek black finish to the iconic red stripe. It’s definitely a must-have for any Hot Wheels collector out there. Keep up the good work, Hot Wheels! – Bob

2. “Let me tell you, I was not expecting to be blown away by a toy car, but here I am raving about my Hot Wheels 2011 A Team Van Black #39/244. This 164 scale replica is so realistic and well-made, it’s hard to believe it’s just a toy. The fact that it’s only 3 inches long makes it perfect for display on my desk or shelf. Thanks for bringing back some serious nostalgia with this one, Hot Wheels! – Sarah

3. “As soon as I saw the A-Team van from Hot Wheels, I knew I had to have it. And now that I do, I can confidently say that it has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it look badass with its black exterior and red stripe, but it also rolls smoothly and effortlessly – a true testament to its quality and attention to detail. If you’re a fan of the A-Team or just love cool cars in general, this one is definitely worth adding to your collection. Thanks for making this awesome die cast car, Hot Wheels! – Jack

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4. Greenlight 1:64 1977 Plymouth Fury – Hazzard County Sheriff 30110

 Greenlight 1:64 1977 Plymouth Fury - Hazzard County Sheriff 30110

1) “I gotta say, I feel like Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane himself when I’m driving around with this Greenlight 164 1977 Plymouth Fury! The metal body and rubber tires give it such a realistic feel, and the authentic details really make me feel like I’m patrolling Hazzard County. Plus, the fact that it comes in a collectible package just adds to its overall charm. Definitely a must-have for any Dukes of Hazzard fan out there! – John D.”

2) “Okay, so maybe I’m not the biggest car enthusiast out there, but even I can appreciate how cool this Greenlight 164 1977 Plymouth Fury is. The attention to detail is impressive, from the sleek design to the functioning doors and hood. And let’s not forget about its collectible status! My son absolutely loves playing with it and pretending he’s part of the Hazzard County Sheriff’s Department. Highly recommend! – Sarah T.”

3) “As soon as I saw this Greenlight 164 1977 Plymouth Fury, I knew I had to have it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The quality is top-notch and the fact that it’s recommended for ages 8+ just proves how well-made it is. As a die-hard Dukes of Hazzard fan, having this collectible vehicle set in my collection brings me so much joy. Plus, who doesn’t love reliving their childhood memories every now and then? Get yourself one before they’re gone! – Mark L.”

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5. 1969 Charger R-T Orange (Unrestored) Barn Finds 1-64 Diecast Model Car by Johnny Lightning JLSP192

 1969 Charger R-T Orange (Unrestored) Barn Finds 1-64 Diecast Model Car by Johnny Lightning JLSP192

1) “Hey there, my name is Jack and I just had to leave a review for this amazing diecast car by Johnny Lightning. This 1969 Charger R/T in orange is an absolute stunner! The attention to detail on the exterior and interior is top-notch, making it a must-have for any car enthusiast. Plus, the fact that it comes in its original packaging just adds to the collectible value. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!”

2) “What’s up guys, it’s me Lisa and I am blown away by this limited edition diecast model car. Not only does it have real rubber tires and an opening hood, but the true-to-scale detail is just mind-blowing. I feel like I’m looking at a mini version of the actual car! And let’s not forget about the blister pack packaging – perfect for storing and displaying this beauty. As a diehard fan of classic cars, I highly recommend adding this 1969 Charger R/T to your collection.”

3) “Yo yo yo, it’s your boy Mike here and let me tell you, this diecast model car has got me feeling like a kid again! The 1969 Charger R/T in orange is one of my dream cars and now I have a miniature version of it to admire every day. The attention to detail on this bad boy is unreal – from the detailed interior to the die-cast metal body and chassis. And can we talk about how cool it looks in its brand new box? Major props to Johnny Lightning for creating such an awesome officially licensed product.”

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The Nostalgic Appeal of the General Lee Matchbox Car

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, one of my favorite toys was my collection of Matchbox cars. And among all those little cars, there was one that stood out to me – the General Lee. This iconic orange car with the Confederate flag on its roof held a special place in my heart. But beyond just being a cool toy, I believe that the General Lee Matchbox car is necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, it represents a significant part of American pop culture. The General Lee was made famous by the hit TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard” and has since become a symbol of rebellion and freedom. As a child, I may not have fully understood the historical or political implications of the Confederate flag, but I knew that this car represented something exciting and rebellious.

Secondly, owning a General Lee Matchbox car allowed me to create my own adventures and stories. With its sleek design and signature horn sound, this car sparked my imagination and took me on countless imaginary road trips. It also encouraged me to learn more about cars and their mechanics as I tried to recreate stunts from the TV show.

Lastly, as I grew

My Buying Guide on ‘General Lee Matchbox Car’

As a collector and enthusiast of vintage cars, I have had my fair share of experience with the General Lee Matchbox Car. This iconic miniature car has been a fan favorite for decades and its popularity only seems to grow with time. If you are also considering adding this classic car to your collection, here is my buying guide to help you make the best purchase.

1. Know the History

Before making any purchase, it is important to know the history and significance of the product. The General Lee Matchbox Car is based on the famous car from the TV show “The Dukes of Hazzard”. It was first released in 1981 by Lesney Products and has since then been reissued multiple times by different companies. Knowing its history will not only add value to your purchase but also help you identify authentic versions.

2. Decide on the Condition

The condition of a collectible item greatly affects its value. The General Lee Matchbox Car has been produced in various conditions such as mint, near-mint, played with, and damaged. Mint or near-mint condition cars will have higher value but come at a higher price as well. On the other hand, played with or damaged cars may be more affordable but may not hold as much value for collectors.

3. Look for Authenticity

As with any collectible item, there are bound to be counterfeit versions of the General Lee Matchbox Car in the market. It is important to look for authenticity markers such as proper branding and logos, correct paint colors, and accurate detailing on the car itself. If possible, try to purchase from reputable sellers or dealers who can provide proof of authenticity.

4. Consider Packaging

While some collectors prefer to have their cars in their original packaging, others do not mind purchasing loose cars. If you are someone who values packaging, make sure to check the condition of the box or card that the car comes in. A damaged or opened package can significantly decrease the value of the car.

5. Set a Budget

The General Lee Matchbox Car can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds, depending on its condition and rarity. It is important to set a budget for yourself and stick to it while purchasing. This will help you avoid overspending and also narrow down your options.

6. Research and Compare Prices

Before making a purchase, it is always beneficial to do some research and compare prices from different sellers. This will give you an idea of the average market value for the car and help you make a better decision on where to buy from.

7. Check for any Flaws

Even if you are purchasing a mint or near-mint condition General Lee Matchbox Car, it is always wise to thoroughly inspect it for any flaws or damages. Look for any paint chips or scratches on the body, wheels, and windows of the car. This will ensure that you are getting a high-quality product.

With this buying guide in mind, I am sure you will be able to find your perfect General Lee Matchbox Car to add to your collection. Happy hunting!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.