/ 7 May 2007

Famous car sells for $9,9m

The famous Dodge Charger from the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard has sold via an internet auction for an astonishing $9,9-million, according to a page on eBay.

The 1969 car, known in the series as the “General Lee” and the nemesis of Sheriff Roscoe P Coltrane in numerous chase scenes, was sold by actor John Schneider, who played Bo Duke in the long-running show.

It is believed to be the second-highest price for a car sold at auction in history. The most expensive car in history was a 1931 Bugatti sold at auction by Christie’s in 1987 for $11-million.

Schneider’s car had been customised with an 8,3-litre engine capable of generating 725 horsepower, with only 16 000km on the odometer.

The Dodge Charger was one of the most symbolic vehicles of the American “muscle car” era, which ended after the 1973 oil crisis. — AFP