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.

Originally built at the Fremont Plant, this 1969 Pontiac GTO “Judge” Coupe was shipped to Louis Frahm Pontiac in Downey, California. The odometer shows 5,959 miles. This motorcar is powered by its 400-cid, 366-hp V-8 engine and the optional upgraded GTO Judge four-speed Muncie Manual Transmission ($184.80 option). Another rare feature of this vehicle is the optional hidden headlamps. This 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge is fully documented with PHS papers and a copy of the original GM Build Sheet and Window Sticker.

This Judge was previously the recipient of a full body-off-the-frame restoration. This vehicle was originally assembled and currently retains the “Judge Package” option including: 400-cid, 366-hp V-8 Ram Air III engine, Rally II wheels, ride and handling package, hood ram air inlet including cable controls, black out grille, rear spoiler, Judge Identification Decals and Striping ($337.02 option) and the T-Hurst Shifter.

Other options selected and retained on this vehicle include: 361 Safe-T-Track Differential-HD ($63.19 option), 382 Push Button Radio ($61.09 option), 414 Retractable Headlamps ($52.66 option), 431 Deluxe Seat Belts and Front Shoulder ($12.64 option), 444 Rally Gauge Cluster and Tach ($84.26 option), 472 Console ($55.82 option), 501 Power Steering ($105.32), 554 Soft Ray Glass Windshield ($26.33 option), 631 Floor Mats ($6.85 option), and its original color of TR58 Carousel Red. As a top of the line product, the Judge would carry over options and accessories from other models which are also retained on this example: deluxe steering wheel, dual exhaust, brake pedal trim, recessed windshield wipers, power windows, and courtesy/glovebox/ash tray lamps. Included with this vehicle is a copy of the Original Window Sticker, copy of the Original Build Sheet, Pontiac Historical Society documentation, jack and spare tire.

The condition of this car is nothing short of outstanding and has benefited from thorough restoration. The quality of the Carousel Red paint has been finished to a factory new look and appears exceptionally well being polished to show finish. The Endura plastic nose is excellent in terms of fit and condition, as are the optional hideaway headlight doors. The body panels are straight, overall workmanship and fit has been completed to a very high level. All stainless-steel trim is in excellent condition and damage free, as are all chrome surfaces which shine brightly being restored to showroom standards.