On Tuesday, August 27, guests at Culver’s on Highway 248, Branson, were greeted by a fun sight as they approached the front door: a 1969 General Lee replica Dodge Charger. While guests visiting Branson were surprised to see it, many area residents had purposely planned to stop by Culver’s for lunch that day to admire the General and take a photo, as they were familiar with the car’s story.
After the Charger was totaled during an unauthorized drive by teen drivers over a year ago, owner Nathan Kissee and his mom, Priscilla, faced a long road of insurance discussions as well as doubts about whether the car could be saved. Tuesday’s homecoming reception was the result of community support, both around Branson and by former “Dukes” cast members and friends, plenty of prayers, and months of hard work by Geoff McBride of Showtime Restorations in Cherryville, North Carolina, who delivered the car back to its excited owner on August 24. Many of the authentic “Dukes” signature items were able to be reincorporated into the repaired vehicle, and the original signed hood will become a special décor item.
Nathan, a popular Culver’s employee, kept busy with his regular work cleaning tables and greeting customers, but he enjoyed an occasional break for a photo with the car or to honk the “Dixie” horn. There were even General Lee balloon creations on hand, thanks to Karen and Janna and their Twisted Sisters balloon art.
Nathan considers the car both a business and a way to bring joy to “Dukes of Hazzard” enthusiasts and other car lovers as he takes it to special events and shows. The story was featured “in process” in the August, 2024, MoPar Collectors Guide magazine, with a follow-up story planned for an upcoming issue. “Yee-Haw!”
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