The musclecar craze of the 1960s started with the Pontiac GTO. “Hold the clutch down tight, rev it up to go, you’re about to do business with my mighty GTO….There’s no match ‘cause none can catch my GTO,” are just a few of the words sung by Jan and Dean on the Drag City album for the song, “My Mighty GTO.” What started as an option package on the Tempest, went on to shape an entire generation of high performance machines. Today, the letters GTO command much respect. From the original Tri-power ’64 to the ultra-rare ’71 Judge convertible, the GTO nameplate will increase the heart rate of any true enthusiast.
The Judge, as the highest-level performance GTO, is revered as the ultimate musclecar from Pontiac. By 1969, cars like the Hemi Road Runner, SS 396 Chevelle, 390 SC/Rambler, 428 CJ Mustang, and even Pontiac’s own Firebird were stealing GTO sales. Pontiac responded with a high-profile car to stop the decline. With a name inspired by the hit TV show “Laugh In,” the Judge was the ultimate GTO. Bright paint, hot graphics, a 60-inch wide rear spoiler, and Ram Air engine made the Judge hard to beat. The ’69 Judge was an instant advertising and marketing success as Pontiac would go on to sell 6,725 Judge Hardtops along with 108 convertibles.
This particular convertible is one of the most significant of the 108, as it is one of 29 with an automatic transmission and the only one in “triple green.” It is fully documented with PHS papers and has been treated to a full body-off-the-frame restoration, down to the T-3 headlamps. The original Ram Air III engine has been retained as well as the original options including, the three-speed automatic transmission, console with shift selector, Posi-traction rear end, 3.55:1 gear ratio, handling package, power disc brakes, electric windows, door edge guards, remote side mirror, bucket seats, tilt steering column, factory radio, factory rear speaker, power top, Rally gauges, Rally II wheels and, of course, the Judge package.
This Limelight Green Judge is in phenomenal shape and like new with a show quality engine bay, trunk, and excellent undercarriage. The paint is straight and beautiful, the interior is beautiful and the top is new. This is truly one of the rarest and most desirable musclecars ever made. This is the only triple green Judge convertible ever made.