The all-new 1974 Dodge Monaco (and Plymouth Fury) had the misfortune of being introduced just days before the OPEC oil embargo of 1973 that sent gasoline prices spiraling. As a result, not too many folks bought these new cars except those doing fleet purchases. The big autos would turn up everywhere as police cars and state patrol chase units. This 1975 Monaco would be one of two of the “patrol cars” used by Roscoe P. Coltrane and his legal misfits in the popular TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard. Well worn but still running, the car turns up frequently at themed shows and the like. Now located in Bidwell, Ohio, this piece of TV memorabilia is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $23,100. But the reserve is north of there.
Stripped down but powerful Dodge Monaco’s from the car’s third-generation (1974 to 77) seemed to be in use by law enforcement everywhere from the mid-1970s until well into the 1980s. Most of those would be powered by Chrysler’s 440 cubic-inch Magnum V8 which, at top speed, could do 127 mph chasing down the bad guys. And if you’re a fan of vintage TV shows and movies of the era, they turn up all the time. For example, in the 1980 movie, The Blues Brothers, dozens and dozens of Dodge Monaco’s and Plymouth Fury’s from the mid-1970s were torn up in disguise as Chicago police cars.
As the story goes, this 1975 Dodge Monaco is one of two that were sent to Conyers, Georgia for filming the first five episodes of “The Dukes”, a good ole boys movie that took advantage of the popularity of chase flicks like Smokey and The Bandit. Only the early segments were shot on location after which production shifted to Southern California and Hollywood). The seller says this car and some other artifacts from the show were left behind, but not before this vehicle was featured in a couple of notable chase scenes and jumps.
Where this car was between around 1980 and 2000 is unknown, but it was found in a junkyard in Georgia where it was languishing away. It was purchased by a collector who kept the car until 2018 when the seller and two of his friends bought the car. They left it as they found it and have trotted it out to various car events, where it can move around on its own power, but not much more. The well-beat-up Dodge has been autographed with almost everyone who was associated with the show except for Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse).
This Monaco has a 400 V8 under the hood, although no photographs of that area are provided. The mileage is also unknown, but that hardly matters given the condition and background of the automobile. The successful bidder will not only get the car but several custom-made display boards with stands that show some of the history of the car and photos from the filming in Georgia, plus a letter of authenticity stating this car is exactly as it seems. No matter the venue, this Dodge is going to attract a lot of attention wherever it goes. As Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane would say, “I’m gonna cuff ya an’ stuff ya!”
And cue the Blues Brothers quote in 3….2…1….
That’s getting really old now.
OOOOOOH! I’m in “Hot Pursuit!” – I’m gonna cuff ya an’ stuff ya!
Looks like it had one more recent run in with the duke boys. Confused by the pictures of the car on display and it’s current state. Seller seems very welcome to answer questions to any curious (serious) buyers.
Yep, it certainly looks like Roscoe has driven it.
I understand the dukes car original to the show worth something , but over 26.000$ for this with a 400, and looks like junk, I do not think so.
Your right 26,000 ? someone has big dreams
Just another example of people who have more money than brains.
To rich for my blood for what it is, be interesting to watch and see if they hit the reserve and what it sells for
26k for a piece of junk from a lousy TV show.
Lousy? Curious as to what you call great.
This is a must have for any Mopar collector!!
Stuff it between your Hemi Cuda and 6 Pack Demon.
There is pristine patrol equipped Monaco that is often at shows in Mid Western Ontario. It is green and white. I have talked to the owner at shows.
I dont knowvifvtjis car should be kept as is or restored. Maybe if you got a medium Denver Pyle might sign his name on this pile.
I have seen some cars here with interesting histories. Roy Clark’s Cadillac, and even Mr. Dressup’s TR3 on kijiji.
What’s that door with the 71 on it in the lead photo supposed to be from?
The door is probably from Lee #1 which ended up painted with the 71 on the door. Apparently chopped up for souveniers
Yep. Lee #1 was the first of the original 3 built for the show and the car seen at the beginning of each episode jumping the dirt pile. It has a chrome rocker panel. In another episode, it was used as a race car (#71) and then left out on a back lot. It was restored a few years ago using lots of new parts I think. Lots of Dukes purists think it should have stayed in it’s race car look, but it was restored as the General. Here’s a good story about it: https://moparconnectionmagazine.com/the-general-rides-again-everything-you-need-to-know-to-build-a-correct-general-lee/
I had a ’74 Fury III coupe I bought for $250 when I was in college in 1982. Once I replaced the starter, the bad idler arm & a rusty driver’s door, it was solid, comfortable and dependable. And HUGE. At 6’2″ and 275 at the time, I could lay down on the power bench seat and stretch almost fully out.
There were plenty of Furies and Monacos in salvage yards in the 80s. Easy & cheap parts pickings; not so now, I’m sure that they were all turned into razor blades by 2000.
I miss that car. They turn up occasionally, but finding any non-drivetrain & brake parts would be a nightmare. I doubt anyone could bring this one back at any price.
What’s on the TOP of these custom-made display boards & the roof of the red charger would attact a lot more attention than this police car – these days in certain areas. I seen a few youtube videos of a guy getting yelled at displaying his gen lee.