Original Ram Air: 1970 Pontiac GTO “The Judge”

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This 1970 Pontiac GTO “The Judge” presents superbly. This is unsurprising, as it has just emerged from a rotisserie restoration where every aspect of the vehicle received copious TLC. It retains its numbers-matching Ran Air V8 under the hood, meaning that it has the performance to match its good looks. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Judge listed here on Craigslist in Seattle, Washington. The seller set the price at $89,500 for a classic that needs nothing.

Pontiac introduced “The Judge” to its GTO model range in 1969. It was a calculated risk that paid dividends, with 6,833 buyers handing over the cash to take one home. The Judge made a return appearance in 1970, although the rapidly shrinking muscle car market saw the sales tally drop to 3,797. This 1970 example is stunning, and the paint shade immediately draws me. It seems that many of these cars featured bright colors, but the Code 78 Burgundy chosen by this car’s first owner is subtle and classy. The seller emphasizes its rarity, and it would take some detective work to confirm this claim. However, the vehicle presents superbly, having just emerged following a rotisserie restoration. The depth of color and shine is impressive, with the paint cloaking laser-straight panels with tight and consistent gaps. This classic’s beauty is more than skin deep, because the underside shots reveal floors coated in flawless red oxide, and a frame in crisp, clean Black. The tinted glass is clear, and this Judge rolls on a correct set of Rally II wheels without trim rings.

Lifting the GTO’s hood reveals its numbers-matching 400ci V8. As the Ram Air version, it delivers a factory-quoted 366hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque to the back wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Power-assisted steering and brakes will lighten the driver’s load, so they won’t need a bodybuilder’s physique to maneuver this beauty. This GTO should provide exceptional performance if the driver steps hard on the loud pedal, but the excellent torque delivery means that it should pull strongly from low revs if they don’t want to row the shifter. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, raising the possibility of flying in and driving it home.

Considering this car’s recent history, it is unsurprising that its interior presents in as-new condition. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a pushbutton radio, a remote driver’s mirror, and the iconic hood tach. I suspect the build included a retrim, as there is no evidence of wear or other issues. The woodgrain trim is perfect, and if the Pontiac marque still existed, this Judge would feel right at home on a showroom floor.

I am willing to wager that the seller is a GTO fan. This 1970 GTO Judge isn’t the first we’ve seen from them; another example was featured in this excellent article by Elizabeth Puckett in November 2025. That car featured the ultra-desirable Ram Air IV motor, but it was also considerably more expensive as a result. This Judge presents superbly, providing enough power and performance to satisfy even the most hardened enthusiast. It will draw crowds wherever it goes, and its next journey could be to your garage. Are you tempted?

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Comments

  1. Barzini BarziniMember

    This GTO is also listed in eBay with a more detailed description and a build sheet that verifies the options.

    Like 0

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