Musclecar advertising and marketing are among the most creative automobile advertising of all time. And, Jim Wangers, Pontiac’s ad man, was arguably the king of clever. He created the GTO “Judge” in 1969 referencing a character made famous by the late-Flip Wilson on NBC’s Laugh-In television show. It was to be a budget musclecar with few frills designed to compete with Plymouth’s Road Runner. Introductory ads cleverly said, “The Judge can be bought.” The $322 option package included flamboyant Carousel Red (Orange) paint, 366-hp Ram Air III 400-cid V-8 with open hood scoops, rear spoiler, blackout grille, Rally II wheels and Pontiac’s famous Endura rubber nose. Print ads continued to play up the humorous theme; “After a few moments of respectful silence, you may turn the page.”

For 1970, GTO’s received new styling and expanded colors became available including Starlight Black over a red vinyl bucket seat-equipped interior like this example. According to accompanying PHS documentation there are only two Ram Air IV Judges to have been documented with this ultimate color combination. To top it off, the original build sheet was also found with this rare car.

This particular car is powered by the optional powerhouse of the Pontiac line, the 400-cid, 370-hp HO Ram Air IV V-8 and Hurst floor-shift four-speed manual transmission; arguably the most desirable combination on any GTO enthusiast’s wish list. It was originally sold new in Gillette, Wyoming and the restoration was executed on a rust-free platform.

Contemporary road tests in Car & Driver reported a 14.60 quarter mile at 99.55-mph, outperforming the big-block 455! Just 3,787 Judges were built of a total 40,149 GTO’s produced for 1970; comparably few with the vaunted Ram Air IV option. It is shared by the vendor that this car does not have its original, from the factory engine; however, it does have a correct Ram Air IV WW block that is dated within two months from the cars build date. Properly equipped with the factory eight-track tape player, hood tach, Rally II wheels, Firestone Wide Oval tires; power steering and brakes - this GTO will certainly be the envy of musclecar lovers wherever it appears.