Judge Tribute: 1970 Pontiac GTO

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.