While it is quite common to find owners who have transformed more “pedestrian” vehicles into tributes to iconic classics, it is rarer to find someone who began that process with an inherently desirable vehicle. Such is the case with this 1970 Pontiac GTO. It is the real deal, though the seller added the parts needed to turn the Pontiac into a “Judge” clone. They also performed an engine swap and added a leather interior. It is ready for a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The solitary bid of $25,000 is below the reserve.
After a successful introduction in 1969, Pontiac continued to offer “The Judge” package to GTO buyers in 1970. Our featured car is a tribute to that desirable classic, receiving a 2007 repaint in Orbit Orange. That shade was a new addition in that model year, and the seller applied it over this car’s original Palisade Green paint. They added the correct decals and a rear spoiler, while the Rally II wheels have no trim rings. Throw a Hood Tach into the equation, and this GTO makes a positive first impression. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and the decals show no evidence of deterioration or checking. My only concern becomes apparent in the listing’s underside shots. Although there is no evidence of penetrating rust, there is more surface corrosion than I would like to see. The new owner will probably attack this ASAP before the situation worsens. That might explain why the auction action has been subdued. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
Let’s get the bad news for purists out of the way first: This GTO isn’t numbers-matching. It features a 400ci V8 Service Block, with an OEM intake and cylinder heads. The rest of the drivetrain includes a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, a 2.73 Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The V8 features an HEI ignition, a rebuilt carburetor, and a new starter, alternator, battery, and tires. The seller states that they have replaced other small items, ensuring that the Pontiac is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well. Considering the “long” rear-end ratio, this GTO would be right at home cruising effortlessly at 70 on the open road.
Although there is a hole in the dash where the radio should be, I consider the interior one of this GTO’s highlights. The 2007 refurbishment included an interior retrim in Black leather. It still presents superbly, with no wear or other problems. The carpet looks excellent, as do the dash and pad. There aren’t many factory options, but with leather trim, a console, and splashes of woodgrain, life inside this Pontiac would still feel pretty special. Sourcing a correct radio shouldn’t be challenging, and with that item installed, this interior would look fantastic.
This 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Tribute presents nicely, but I’m sure I am not alone in wishing that the seller had performed a faithful restoration in 2007. The corrosion on the underside is a concern and requires attention before it worsens. Perhaps the listing tells the story, because this isn’t the first time the seller has tried to send it to a new home. A previous listing that expired only a few days ago included a BIN price of $45,000. The seller has opted to proceed with the auction this time, and while the Listing View tally is healthy, the Watch List figure is extremely low. Do you think the corrosion is the issue, or do you believe the changes turn potential buyers off? It will be interesting to gauge your feedback.
Seller says it’s a “1970 Pontiac Ram Air GTO”, it must have a stealth Ram Air system.
Vinyl must be the new leather.
Potential buyers need to perform a thorough in person inspection.
Steve R
Why encourage sellers by doing write-ups of these counterfeits?
Lovely looking leMans but that’s all it is.
The 242 on the trim tag shows it’s a real GTO that had a color change and Judge stripping and a rear wing installed.
Steve R
Ah, I should be more thorough. Tribute is my trigger.
That was easy to overlook when the word “tribute” is in the writeup’s description. I’ve made similar mistakes more time than I’d like to admit, but things like that remind you to stay focused.
Steve R
242 VIN means it’s a real GTO, just not a real Judge.
So I’ve been told.
Not for me. The under side definitely tells the story about what’s hiding under the paint and carpeting. I’m willing to bet a lot of body work (hopefully done correctly) and POR epoxy on the floor and trunk pan. You can see some of the orange rust coming through the trunk spatter paint. This is a frame off waiting to happen, not at that price.
Why make a “tribute”.
An original restoration is even better–I do not like this type of tribute which to me seems like a deception.
I know some like the cartoon stripes and huge wing–but the GTO was The Great One without this cheese whiz added!
pretty messy underneath. real GTO why slap all the judge crap on it it’s never going to be 1 no matter how hard you try.
If this car lived in Pennsylvania, it more than likely saw roads in the winter – hence the undercarriage rust. I’d be careful with this one.
You add the “judge crap” for the percentage of the market place that want a judge but cannot afford the “real deal” and does provide an up tick in sale price, for the buyer! There are plenty of tributes in the market place, all shapes and brand. The main point is the seller identified the car for what it is, a tribute car.
In case any are interested, here are a few nuggets from the trim tag.
As the author says, it was originally painted Palisade Green(45), a perfectly lovely metallic light green. The interior was Green(256) as well. The car was built at the Oshawa, Ontario, Canada plant(OS) in the second week(B) of December(12). The accessory line decodes as:
D55 – center console
C08 – Cordova vinyl roof
M40 – THM400 auto. trans.