To increase sales, Pontiac introduced “The Judge” performance/trim package on the GTO in 1969. Demand had begun to decline due to a flood of competition. The name was derived from Sammy Davis, Jr.’s comedy bit on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and appeared on the cars for three model years (though 1971). This 1969 GTO is not a real Judge, as the seller repeats that the package was added (but when?). Located in a carport in Clearwater, Florida, this Carousel Red GOAT is available here on eBay for $29,995 OBO.

Pontiac delivered 6,725 Judge sport coupes in 1969. But that did not stop a decline in sales that went from 77,704 coupes in 1968 to 64,851 in 1969. About 10% of all GTOs were produced with RAM Air III or IV. We don’t know when this Poncho became a Judge clone, but the quality of the finish suggests a repaint sooner or later (and the likely time the decals and other stuff were added). The brakes and tires are new, and the hood, tachometer, and rear spoiler have been replaced.

This GTO has the correct RAM Air hardware, but it isn’t hooked up. The hideaway headlights work with new actuators. We’re told the drivetrain is period correct, meaning the 400 cubic inch V8 and/or 4-speed manual transmission have been replaced with just 67,000 miles as the indicated odometer reading. But how well does it run?

If this sounds like a lot of GOAT for the money, here’s the rub. The car received some water damage at some point, and since it’s in Florida, could a hurricane have been the culprit? The seller says minimal work was required for the repaired car to pass a Florida DMV inspection, resulting in a rebuilt title. If I were seriously considering this purchase, I’d want to first get a full rundown on what exactly happened.