Pontiac’s GTO was still one of the industry’s leading muscle cars in 1969, but demand had already peaked. So, to generate more interest in the hot car, Pontiac cooked up The Judge edition, which was flashier than the rest when finished in colors like Carousel Red. This example of The Judge may be sporting its original (but flawed paint), yet the big news is that the performance side has been redone. Located in Laguna Niguel, this “Goat” will not come cheaply as it’s available here on craigslist for $118,000 (insured for $125,000). Once again, Barn Finder T.J. comes through with an interesting tip.
The Judge – which was inspired by a Sammy Davis Jr. bit on TV – was a three-year effort beginning in 1969. Sales numbers would be their best in the first outing at 6,725 coupes and 108 convertibles. That was less than 10% of overall GTO production which had already peaked at nearly 97,000 units back in 1966. When you ordered a Judge that year, it got you a 400 cubic inch V8 with Ram Air induction (366 hp), a 4-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter, a rear spoiler, Judge graphics, and more.
From what we can tell, this GTO is either all numbers-matching or darn close when it comes to accessories like the alternator. The car’s mileage has been verified by PHS at just 52,000. The seller has spent the last two-and-a-half years giving this car an extensive mechanical makeover, so we assume the body and paint are all that remain. Even the interior was stripped for work and then put back together.
The seller says this Pontiac is one of two Las Vegas promotional cars, but we don’t know why that’s supposed to be important. Many of the photos provided are of the mechanical restoration job, including lots of parts. We’re told this Goat has the rarest combination of options, but we don’t know if that’s just bragging or can be verified.
Goodies like those include the Parchment bucket seat interior, tilt steering, factory air conditioning (not installed), power front disc brakes, and an upgraded sound system. So, while the asking price is what it is, further investment will be needed if you want it to look as good as it may run.
Huh, and I thought it was Flip Wilsons, “Here comes da’ Judge”, a takeoff on Dewey “Pigmeat” Markams song. I have a friend in Wisconsin, who restored a Judge just like this, oh, say 20 years ago. The car was his moms and halfway through the restoration, he wanted to give up. Costs spiraled out of control, and he said, as a tribute to his mom, he finished it, but vowed never again.
The highest price paid for a ’69 Judge was $319,000 at auction. Someone clearly wants in on the action. Enjoy it now, in another 20 years, nobody will care about goofy themed automobiles that get single digit gas mileage.
Howard hard to believe they won’t be viewed as that fast either. Those electric cars are rockets. Ive driven 2. Wildly fast acceleration. Still prefer a gas ⛽️ motor myself 😌
Hi Stan, see the sun lately? My son lives in Portland, and on a visit here, he couldn’t believe how blue the sky was. I agree, I’ll stop using gas when they pry the gas handle from my cold hands, or we run out, but I see it beginning already, and it was a heck of a run,,,for some.
Ya, back in the day when we used to drag race down at South County shopping center and when I firewalled my ’71 Monte SS, I could see the gauge literally drop…
& how many good looking TWO door electric cars have you driven? & can you afford the new upcoming electric charger that makes phony v8 noises?
Intense speed costs big money. The base price for a 1969 Pontiac GTO was $3,156. Fair price & affordable.
When I first saw this I thought the asking price was way out there, but after some research I’m so sure. Mecum sold one in Harrisburg in July for $143k. Granted that one was a pristine example but if all this needs is prep and paint I guess it’s not such a bad deal. If you have that kind of money laying around. Not me though.
The one Mecum sold for $143k was matching numbers with only 300 miles on a fully documented restoration.
Butler inspired engine is a long way from Butler built, it could simple mean they bought some parts from them, then had the local machine shop prep the block and heads before assembling it at home.
The seller has a really well optioned car, but still needs to be restored. How much is a good story worth, especially when compared to whatever else is on the market for a similar price.
Steve R
At that price, this car doesn’t move the needle for me. If I want to pay 6 figures for a Goat, I’d buy a ’65 freshly restored one, not a car that looks like it came out of a comic book.
Of course to do this car justice, you’ll have to take the whole car apart again , prep the body and under areas like the hood and trunk , and do the jams to make this car look showroom fresh again