This 1971 Pontiac GTO being offered for sale is one of those builds that clearly crossed the line from simple restoration into long-term passion project territory. Listed here on eBay, it’s a real-deal 242-code GTO, backed up by PHS documentation, and it shows just how far the owner was willing to go to create something special. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
According to the seller, the car was originally built on February 3, 1971, equipped from the factory with a 400-cubic-inch engine. In 2011, the GTO underwent a full rotisserie restoration, addressing the body and structure from the ground up. That alone places this car in a different category from the average “fresh paint and polish” muscle car, as a rotisserie job typically means nothing was ignored underneath.
While the car may have started life as a 400, it now packs a far more formidable 455 HO. The block is a 1971 YE-code four-bolt-main unit, topped with HO round-port heads that were ported and flow-tested by Brossard Performance in March of 2003. Internally, the engine received a series of thoughtful upgrades, including .040-over flat-top Speed Pro pistons yielding a stated 9.8:1 compression ratio, a camshaft upgrade, and roller rocker arms. Oil control was addressed with a Milodon 8-liter deep oil pan with baffles, a detail that hints this car was built to be driven hard, not just admired.
Backing the big-block is a Turbo 400 Hydramatic transmission, also rebuilt and upgraded in March of 2003. The transmission features a shift kit, a large pump, a deep pan, and a B&M Tork Master 2400 torque converter. Power is sent out back through a 10-bolt rear with 3.55 gears and a limited-slip differential, a combination that suits the 455’s torque-rich personality well.
Visually, the car makes a strong impression finished in Lime Kiss Green (code 42) with a Jade interior (code 266). A hood-mounted tachometer reinforces the car’s muscle-era attitude, while Rally wheels wrapped in Indy 500 Firehawk tires complete the look. “The Judge” decals have been added for appearance, though the seller is clear about their cosmetic nature.
This GTO has also enjoyed some public recognition, having been featured in Big Block Muscle Cars magazine. It has since been appraised and insured at $68,365 CAD, which also serves as the asking price. The car is currently in storage but is available for viewing and is located in Goderich, Ontario.
For buyers looking for a documented, rotisserie-restored 1971 GTO with serious big-block power and a known build history, this one checks a lot of important boxes.
Personal preference but I’d ditch the Judge decals. It does fine without them
This car was never “The Judge” anyway. Those decals must be an afterthought.
If you nail the throttle on that 455, the car will dislocate your spine. It’s built for performance, but if I had it, it’s so nice I’d drive it like an old man going to the store to buy some cat food. I suspect the buyer will do the same, or worse, squirrel it away while it appreciates.
$68365 Canadian is about $51000 USD which seems reasonable for a car built to this standard. The paint/bodywork and drivetrain build almost adds up to that if wanted to do your own, and then you’d have to find a real GTO to do it to. If you don’t like the stripes they can be peeled off.
Another attack of the clones. Maybe I’m just getting older, but this offends my sensibilities. That shouldn’t be happening if you can still bench press 50% more than your body weight IMO, LOL!!