Claiming rarity for any classic is risky unless there is documentation to verify it. It also means it is possible to make such claims based on cars fitted with a single factory option that virtually no one wanted. However, such does not appear to be the case with this 1970 Pontiac GTO “The Judge.” These are inherently desirable classics, and the options chosen by the first owner significantly enhance that. The seller claims it could be 1-of-35 built in this form in 1970, making it worth more than a passing glance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this Judge listed here on eBay in New Bern, North Carolina. The seller set their BIN at $87,500, and it appears they are firm on that figure.
Pontiac introduced “The Judge” as an options pack for its GTO range in 1969. It enjoyed immediate appeal, with 6,833 buyers slapping down their cash that year. Sales volumes dropped significantly in 1970, with 3,797 cars leaving the lot amid an overall GTO sales slump. The seller indicates that this 1970 Judge underwent a meticulous restoration approximately ten years ago. The builder adopted a “money is no object” approach, massaging the steel to perfection before applying a coat of the car’s original Baja Gold Metallic paint. The lack of deterioration and visible flaws suggests that this beauty has led a sheltered existence during the past decade. The optional Cordova vinyl top is in as-new condition, and this Pontiac’s desirability increases, courtesy of its iconic Hood Tach. The seller supplies underside shots revealing the cleanest floors you could hope to find, confirming this classic’s rust-free status. The stripes look crisp and clean, the Judge retains its correct rear spoiler, and the car rolls on Rally II wheels without trim rings that formed part of the Judge package.
This GTO is about more than good looks, possessing the power and torque expected of any genuine muscle car. The 400ci Ram Air engine produces 366hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque, as specified in that year’s Sales Brochure. This car also features a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power-assisted front disc brakes. GTO sales may have fallen below those enjoyed by the Chevrolet Chevelle SS big-block models and the Plymouth Road Runner in 1970, but this Judge would hold its own at any Traffic Light Grand Prix. Those seeking an investment-grade classic will welcome the news that this turnkey GTO is numbers-matching. The seller includes the Window Sticker and PHS documentation in the deal.
This GTO’s interior is as impressive as its exterior. Trimmed in Tan, its appearance is almost faultless in the supplied images. There is a slight wrinkle on the passenger-side door trim, but little else is deserving of criticism. The dash and pad are excellent, and the retro-style stereo appears to be the only addition. Many readers are likely still questioning the seller’s rarity claims, which deserve examination. The first owner ordered this classic with air conditioning and power windows. The seller believes that when combined with this car’s paint shade and power steering, this Judge is 1-of-35 built in this form.
I always recommend researching before committing funds to a classic purchase. These cars typically represent a luxury, and it is crucial to get the best example you can afford. That includes rarity factors, such as the claims made about this 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge. Faulting its condition is almost impossible, and if its options combination is as rare as the seller suggests, it is a special example of an inherently desirable vehicle. There is plenty of time remaining on the seller’s listing for potential buyers to undertake their detective work, but are you tempted to don your deer-stalker hat and channel your inner Sherlock Holmes? I wish you luck if you do.
Nice car but is could of, worth 85 grand?
If it’s real, the condition matches what’s pictured and there is documentation to back up the claims.
Steve R
A few years ago, the 69’s were going for 400+ at Mecums. Go figure!
If so, it would have been a convertible or Ram Air IV, not a Ram Air III hardtop like this.
Steve R
Very nice GTO!!
It’s nice, but I’d want to see documentation. The seller recently sold a 1969 “Judge” on eBay that was similarly equipped. It looks nice, but there needs to be documentation and the condition needs to match the description for it to bring the asking price.
Steve R
AGREED STEVE. AND IT IS ONE OF ABOUT 3700 PRODUCED FOR 1970.
You from Middleboro ma
Improper springs tell me corners may have been cut during the restoration. Those repop parts often last year or two before they color fade or what not. I would get it inspected by a fully knowledgeable expert in these cars, especially at this price point.
where’s the PHS docs?? seller is flapping about being documented then show us. it is nice not to see a yellow “judge”. this color looks good but not a fan of the v/top though. i have seen documented judges go for over 100k. this would need a good inspection to determine if it is worth the asking $
Speaking of “flapping” about the documentation, IF you read the description on Ebay it CLEARLY states that the is FULL PHS docs.
Who is “flapping” now?
Back in about 1972 I purchased a ‘70 GTO Judge, white, black bench seat interior, 400 CI Ram Air IV, 4-speed from a small used car dealership in Bolton, MA. The dealer told me the car belonged to his son and that he had gotten so many tickets that he was making him sell it. I was very young at the time and wasn’t making enough money to be driving a car like that so six months later I sold it. One of the coolest cars I’ve owned
Now THAT is a real Pontiac.
Today we try to imagine that all those features were optional and extra cost. Air conditioning and the light Sandalwood cloth interior. Very inviting.
Is it just me, but I always thought when they were new that the rear spoiler looks out of place. But I like the gold paint.GLWTA
All that restoration and they added the clown air cleaner sticker…
They are ALL different, hence all are actually a one of one. VIN number is different on each one, one of one. One of 3,629 made in 1970. Desirable but not that rare.
This is a lovely car, but I’d strongly advise a potential buyer do their due diligence, as there are several aspects that appear not to be factory correct.
As mentioned elsewhere, the engine call out sticker on the air cleaner lid is incorrect. Only ’71-’72 455 HO cars received air cleaner stickers, and they were quite different.
Second, the Judge stripes selected, while attractive, are the wrong color combo. With Granada Gold paint the correct combo is Green/White/YELLOW, not Yellow/Red/BLACK.
Additionally, while it can be difficult to tell in photos, it appears the hood scoop ornaments are painted flat black, while factory correct is more of a semi-gloss look. The “RAM AIR” decals are also a bit too far forward. Yes, I’m being picky, but for this price, it is reasonable to expect such details to be correct. If you’d like to see one in the same colors that was done correctly and to a very high standard, see this which crossed the block at Mecum Kissimmee in 2023: https://www.mecum.com/lots/539478/1970-pontiac-gto-judge/
In the interior, while the seats appear to be Sandalwood, the dash and carpet are Saddle. It’s a bit of mix-and-match, though certainly not unattractive. The seat covers also appear off as well, though again this might just be the pics.
The seller mentions having PHS docs, though they are not shown, and neither is a pic of the body data plate. Both should be carefully scrutinized. No VIN is provided either. Perhaps the seller would provide the info on request to prospective buyers, though it’s a pity documentation isn’t shown along with the other pics in the ad.
Finally, the seller states ” from research this car is an extremely rare judge, with possibly only about 35 made With factory Air conditioning, power windows and power steering that year” but makes no effort to describe said “research.” To my knowledge, no such data is available for 1970, either from PHS, GM, or elsewhere.