This offering is one of only 306 1970 Pontiac GTO Judges built with the 400-cid, 370-hp Ram Air IV V-8 and a console-mounted, close-ratio Hurst-shifted Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission. The Starlight Black-on-black GTO’s options include bucket seats; Judge-exclusive badging and graphics displayed in the primary color of blue, with yellow-and-red trim; Ram Air induction; power-flow ventilation without air conditioning; correct rear spoiler; dual exhaust with reverse-flow mufflers and chrome tips; chrome valve covers; black textured grille; power disc brakes and steering; remote outside rear view mirror; AM/FM stereo radio and tinted glass.
The car’s chassis was completely disassembled, sandblasted and refinished with new or refurbished parts, including the correct-code JL early-build Rally II wheels with no trim rings as per factory specifications. This rare Judge (one of 3,797 manufactured) is fully documented by the Pontiac Historical Society with correct Ram Air IV carburetor and distributor; its SR block and 614 heads were all rebuilt during the restoration.
For 1970 (the second year for the Judge-optioned LeMans-based GTO), on Ram Air-equipped cars the scoops channeled air via cable-operated flaps into foam-sealed air chambers integrated with the air cleaner cover. Additional changes for the 1970 model year included a turned-metal appliqué at the bottom of the instrument panel and four headlamps encased in a new, flexible Endura front bumper finished in body color. Subtle styling changes on the 1970 models include a redesigned rear spoiler and a blacked-out grille. The Ram Air IV engine utilized round, rather than D-shaped, exhaust ports, a special high-flow exhaust manifold with less restriction, high-compression heads, an aluminum intake manifold with larger intake ports, an exclusive camshaft, valve springs, rocker arms, forged pistons, lighter valves, cross-drilled main bearing journals and special block with stronger webs. The brake system utilized Delco-Moraine hydraulics with vacuum servo – 10.94 x 2.0-inch front disc, 9.5 x 2.0-inch rear drum. The differential was a Salisbury hypoid with limited-slip and a gear ratio of 3.90:1. Front suspension consisted of ball joints, non-parallel control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar and telescopic shock absorbers.