A classic American musclecar, the GTO Judge is well-remembered from the past. The Tempest, on which the GTO was based, enjoyed a redesign that set apart the performance versions with unique creased lines over the wheel wells. This vehicle has been well-documented though its life and especially through until its careful restoration. This vehicle is a beautiful representation of what a Pontiac GTO Judge should look like.

This Judge was shipped to Piehler Pontiac in Rochester, New York where it started on its journey. From there it was purchased and well-cared-for by its first owner. It was eventually sold to its current owner who made the decision to do a full frame-off restoration to give the car a “fresh look.” The car was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. The frame was also stripped and all chassis components were replaced or refinished as needed in the proper factory specs. The entire drivetrain was rebuilt during the process. The body of the vehicle was painted in the correct code 45 Palisade Green color.

The engine is reported as being original to the car and was completely rebuilt; the block was honed and new pistons, rings and bearings were installed. The engine was painted to period correct silver-blue color. After the rebuild, the large 400-cid Ram Air III V-8 is like new. This powerful engine is able to create 366-hp and it is sent through a smooth automatic transmission.

The interior was completely redone in the correct materials and a green-tone that handsomely complements the exterior color. It is further reported that this car is equipped with a completely new wiring harness. This beautifully restored Pontiac GTO Judge is said to be “100-percent factory correct,” right down to the correct original-style Firestone tires.

This GTO came loaded with options from the factory. These extensive options include: The Judge Option, 400-cid, 348-hp 4BBL Ram Air III engine, 400 Turbo Hydramatic transmission, G70X14 wheels, AM/FM radio, rear speakers, outside remote mirror, electric clock, hood-mounted tachometer, center console, power steering, power disc brakes and the ride handle package. The owner reports that the GTO retains its original drivetrain, down to the original spark plugs.

The GTO Judge is accompanied by PHS documentation, and the owner believes the car would show in a winning manner. Reliable records indicate that there were 40,149 GTO’s and Judges built in 1970. Of those, only 3,629 Judge hardtops came off the line, with only 168 Judge convertibles. The balance shows 32,727 GTO hardtops and 3,615 GTO convertibles. By being one of this 168 Judge convertible count; it is easy to note the rarity of the car, and it is a fine testament to what old musclecars truly offered to the buying public during that special time.