‘General Lee’ that jumped Somerset fountain sold in auction for over $18K

SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) — Thousands of people crowded downtown Somerset last month as a stunt driver took a car airborne over the city’s downtown fountain for its Somernites Cruise 25th anniversary.

The iconic car was recently sold in a silent auction, helping raise money for a good cause.

The team at Northeast Ohio Dukes, which was the group that staged the live stunt, does shows all over the country, including Canada. After every jump it does, the car is always sold.

Founder and lead stuntman for Northeast Ohio Dukes, Raymond Kohn, said this was the largest amount they’ve received for a jump car. He said his team wanted to do something nice for the victims of May’s tornado, and that’s where a portion of the money will go. It sold for more than $18,000.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said Kohn. It’s up to us, you know, to lend a helping hand. If we can help out in any way, shape, or form, we’re going to do so. I feel really good about being able to help out with the tornado relief fund. I’m glad to be a part of it, honored to be a part of it.”

Kohn said his team is donating $4,000 of the proceeds to the tornado relief fund. Wildcat Auto Sales, which made the winning bid, is matching that amount, so it’s a combination of $8,000 going back to the community.

“People wanted the car before we even jumped it. ‘I want to buy it; I don’t care what kind of shape it is; I want the car.’ I’m like, we didn’t even jump it yet. ‘It doesn’t matter; I want the car,’ said Kohn. “So, we had a swarm of people wanting the car before it even jumped, and then we had probably about 150 people total that were fighting over it, and that’s why it climbed up to $18,500. So, it’s a pretty good feeling. Like I said, it’s a piece of history.”

The car is going back to Somerset, where it’s going to be on display at the new owner’s business. Kohn also adds that he has a feeling he’ll be back in Somerset jumping again.