Some enthusiasts will look at tribute cars with barely concealed contempt, while others readily accept them. I tend to fall into the second category, although that is only if the owner is candid about what the car truly is. One of the greatest dangers with these vehicles is misrepresentation, which can lead somebody to spend considerably more money than they should on a classic car believing that it’s the real deal. The owner of this 1970 Pontiac leaves potential buyers with no doubts about its authenticity because he states that it is a “Judge” tribute. However, he created it from a sound base because it is a genuine and desirable GTO. It presents superbly, and returning the car to its original appearance would be pretty straightforward if the decals and other additions don’t appeal to prospective buyers. Located in Houston, Texas, the owner has listed his GTO for sale here on eBay. He has set a BIN of $32,000, although there is the option to make an offer.
Externally, this owner has done an excellent job creating the look and feel of a genuine Judge. This classic wears the correct decals, the right Rally II wheels, rear spoiler, and hood. Only when we drill down deeper do we find the more minor details that reveal the truth. He describes its Starlight Black paint as being a 7/10, although any existing flaws are difficult to spot in the supplied photos. It shines as richly as you might expect for any car wearing this shade, and while black paint is also fantastic at revealing panel defects, this car looks as straight as an arrow. There are no significant bumps or bruises and no evidence of visible rust. The owner mentions no problems in his listing, and if the car has spent its life in Texas, it may have remained rust-free throughout its life. The trim is in excellent condition, as is the tinted glass. The first impression this GTO makes is positive enough to have me scouring my bank account to see whether I could become its next owner. Sadly, it looks like that won’t be happening!
When we start examining the mechanical configuration of this Pontiac, things become slightly more confused. The seller uses the word “correct” when describing its engine and transmission, which may mean that this car is numbers-matching. That all seems a bit vague to me, and hopefully, the seller will be willing to answer questions on that subject. The engine bay houses a 400ci V8 backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The driver should find a healthy 350hp available under the right foot, allowing the GTO to storm the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds. I previously mentioned details that reveal the truth about this car, and this photo shows one. If this were a genuine Judge, it should sport the air cleaner that is part of the Ram Air setup. That component is missing, but locating a replacement should be possible if the buyer wants to complete the illusion. The owner says that the Pontiac runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic awaiting a new home.
If a seller wants to command my attention, they only have to use the term “10/10” when describing any aspect of their classic. That will invariably have me scouring any supplied photos in search of faults. The owner of this GTO uses that term to describe its interior, and I have found a flaw. The bright trim pieces on either side of the steering column that house the radio and other minor controls have accumulated chips and scratches. These have exposed the black plastic beneath, and the buyer might want to address this if they strive for that 10/10 score. The Black vinyl looks excellent, as does the carpet and most of the dash. Another giveaway to this classic’s heritage is the shifter. A genuine Judge should have a Hurst with a “T” shaped handle, but this one is different. In keeping with Pontiac’s philosophy surrounding the Judge, the interior isn’t loaded with luxury appointments. The buyer receives an AM radio and a tilt wheel but no power accessories or air conditioning.
While this may not be a 100% faithful Judge tribute, this 1970 Pontiac GTO remains a stunning car. If it were the real deal in its current state, I would expect to see it knocking on the door of a six-figure value. However, given the originality of its drivetrain and overall condition, I feel that the BIN is highly competitive. I’m not surprised that 143 people are watching the listing, and I’ll be even less surprised if one of them hits the button to take this gem home. If I had the money, I’d be tempted.
The upholstery pattern is 1972. That is an overt mistake, in addition to the missing ram air set-up if someone wants to make a “tribute”. The painted rear bumper is another mis-step.
I’ve never seen a Judge in black color.
Did they ever come that way from the factory?
Yes they did come in black my cousin had one in high school in 1977. It was a beast. First time I had ever seen one. We put it through the paces. Camaros-mustangs-corvettes-chavelles-farelanes too.
I also have no issue with tribute/clone cars that are represented as such. I will say that I have increasingly encountered cars that are fraudulently presented as genuine.
Sometimes the car has changed hands several times, and the “truth” has been lost without nefarious intent. Other times, there has been significant effort into creating false originality for profit. Some are obvious fakes, while others have gone to the trouble of re-stamping engines, switching VINs, repro trim-tags etc. Others have even given the cars a phoney back-storey using artificially aged repro window stickers, invoices, warranty cards and build-sheets.
Various online markets contribute regularly by allowing ads for buying and selling VINs with ownership/title where the associated vehicle is long-gone.
My point is you must be very, very careful when buying a “collector” car. Just making sure that it is mechanically and cosmetically fit is not sufficient. You need a genuine make/model specific expert to verify the car before purchase.
There are many such experts commenting here on Barnfinds.
I would get so tired of answering ” no it’s not a real judge” every time I took the car anywhere. I have a 69 Camaro just a base coupe, put it is like this Judge want to be, if you really don’t know the difference it could pass for a Z28 or SS, RS but I would never but on the emblems that state it’s Z28 or SS because I don’t want to always have to explain the fact it not real. I enjoy the look of a z so it’s panted that way just leave off the emblems. Same with this car lose the Judge stickers and enjoy the styling of the of the Judge, but that’s just me.
This 110%!! I swear I think some folks want to use the story of why they created a tribute for a reason to hear themselves talk for the next 30 minutes explaining the backstory and everything in painstaking detail. I like your approach where it’s everything it needs to be, just not the badge.
WOW I am not a GM guy, but that car is nice!!! I bet it would be a very nice car to own!
I don’t know why we started calling cars like this “tributes.” I suppose that if imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then the term is apt, but I think “replica” is a more accurate term. I don’t think creating a replica of a GTO Judge is a big deal, as long as the owner doesn’t misrepresent the car as the real thing. I would be reluctant to sell this car with Judge logos, because I wouldn’t want the next owner to misrepresent what I created.
I know a guy who created a very good replica of a very desirable muscle car. He went so far as to create supporting documentation and have it chemically aged so that it looks original. Shady, shady stuff.
coun·ter·feit
/ˈkoun(t)ərˌfit/
adjective
1.
made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud:
That’s what I call ’em. It is or it ain’t. A “tribute”, “clone” or whatever weasel word is used still means it’s a fake. End of story.
The important part is “…the intention to deceive or defraud.” Since this is offered with full disclosure as a fake I’d call it that but smile when I say it, and wouldn’t use “counterfeit”.
That being said, a true tribute would leverage a never-offered-as-a-goat body style for a one-of-none what might have been. There’s show pics of at least one Carousel Red 4-door hardtop “Judge” floating around the internet and “The Jury” would make a good name for a Judge 8-passenger wagon would it not?
Does that wing on the trunk turn up vertically to act as an air brake?
Are repro parts available to add the ultra rare humbler option? …
https://automotiveamerican.com/2019/07/11/the-humbler-1970-gtos-vacuum-operated-exhaust-was-ahead-of-its-time-mike-bumbeck-hagerty/
Odd that states TODAY could not care less how much noise factory cars such as the modern Shelby Stang, etc. make. & just how awful sounding & loud the subie wrx, older neon srt-4, etc. are.
I’m guessing the Hellcat factry exhaust is pretty damn loud too.
Yet, drag racing was shut down at englishtown, due to noise complaints.
Go figure.