The Confederate/Rebel Flag was the center of a controversy in the United States last week. At Diecast Motorsports, the only interest we have in this controversy is its impact on the diecast world. We have seen cars that have not sold in years, pick up and start selling like hot cakes–namely anything with the Confederate Flag or an interpretation of it. Many companies have produced the Dukes of Hazzard car, the “General Lee” which is a Custom ’69 Dodge Charger. Warner Bros. owns the rights to that car and have said any further releases will no longer feature the signature flag on its roof. This caused collectors and non-collectors alike to start paying high-dollar for some versions of this car that have sat around for years. Hot Wheels has the Dixie Challenger that wore the flag on its roof in 1981 and 2008 and this “knock-off” of the Dukes of Hazzard ’69 Charger that was produced for the 2006 Treasure Hunt Series.

While the Dixie Challengers have sat around on secondary market sites, this ’69 Dodge Charger shown below has been selling well long before this most recent controversy over the flag. When this car first hit the pegs in the summer of 2006, it was not more rarer than any of the other 2006 Treasure Hunts. It sold online and at local shows in the $10-$15 range which is what your average Treasure Hunt sold for at the time. Over the years, the demand for this car exceeded the supply which we can only attribute to the fact that Hot Wheels never made the “General Lee” so this car acts as a place holder in a lot of collectors TV & Movie car collections. This is in addition to the fact that it was a Treasure Hunt and was not readily available on the peghooks of your local retailer. PLUS, its a very well-executed car with a clean paint job, opening hood and Real Riders tires.

If you had this car in the package before the controversy started, you could expect to bring in around $40 if you chose to sell it. Whereas now, after the week of controversy, prices have been averaging $60.

So the already-in-demand Treasure Hunt ’69 Dodger Charger is on the uptick again. You are lucky if you already have one. If you don’t and wish to obtain one, be prepared to empty those pockets as this one no longer comes cheap.

RELEASE DETAILS: Orange Enamel Body (metal), Clear Windows. Beige Interior. Chrome Deep-Dish Real Riders (CDDRR). Chrome Base (plastic). Made in Thailand. Released in 2006 as part of the Treasure Hunts Series. Toy# J3287