Releasing a special edition of a niche model is a high-risk strategy. However, Pontiac rolled the dice in 1969 when it produced “The Judge” version of its iconic GTO. Buyers eagerly embraced The Judge, and it has become one of the most desirable muscle cars of the era. This first-year example presents superbly following a restoration. It appears to need nothing but a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in New Bern, North Carolina. If the BIN of $82,900 is beyond your means, the seller provides the option to make an offer.
After its 1968 introduction, Pontiac made only minor changes to the Second Generation GTO for 1969. The most obvious was eliminating the front vent windows, although the company also tweaked the grille and taillights. The Judge also appeared in 1969, with the package adding $322 to the GTO’s sticker price and proving a sales success. The seller confirms that this Judge underwent a nut-and-bolt restoration approximately six years ago, and the lack of deterioration affirms that it has led a sheltered life since the work ended. Its Verdoro Green paint holds a tremendous depth of color, and the Black vinyl top looks perfect. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the seller’s comprehensive image gallery confirms that this GTO is rust-free. The car features the correct decals and rear spoiler, and the Rally II wheels without trim rings are an integral feature of the Judge package.
This GTO features a 400ci Ram Air V8, bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. The first owner also selected power-assisted steering and brakes, meaning the driver doesn’t need to flex their muscles to drive this muscle car. Pontiac’s sales literature quotes power and torque figures of 366hp and 445 ft/lbs for the Ram Air, although many people believe that both figures are quite understated. The seller confirms that this 400 features a period-correct engine block, but retains its original cylinder heads, intake, exhaust manifolds, and carburetor. The vehicle runs and drives perfectly, suggesting the buyer could fly in and drive it home.
I suspect the restoration included an interior refresh, as this car’s White vinyl trim looks flawless. There are no stains or evidence of yellowing, and no appreciable wear. The Black carpet and dash provide a striking contrast and are equally impressive. Although Pontiac conceived The Judge as a “stripper” version of the GTO, many buyers splashed additional cash for creature comforts. This car is no exception, featuring air conditioning, a hood tach, a tilt wheel, a console, and a factory radio. Potential buyers preferring documentation will welcome the Window Sticker and the full selection of PHS paperwork.
Although it was outsold by the Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 and the Plymouth Road Runner, 72,287 buyers handed over the cash to drive away in a 1969 Pontiac GTO. The Judge contributed a healthy 6,833 vehicles to that tally, demonstrating that enthusiasts eagerly embraced The Judge. This Judge presents superbly, and although it isn’t cheap, recent successful sales suggest that the BIN is justified. The listing statistics aren’t as impressive as I would typically expect, but it only takes one enthusiast to fall head over heels, and this Pontiac could find a new home. Are you tempted to be that person?
The Judge probably won more often than not 🏁
How nice is this one. Wow!
Who’s old enough to remember Flip Wilson doing “Here comes the judge” on laugh-in?
Yep. I remember. Lol He was funny.
How can we forget? Back in the wild but wonderful Phillis Diller, Ruth Buzzi, Don Rickles, Redd Fox, Tim Conway, Sandy Duncan, Marty Feldman, Phil Silvers, Rich Little, Don Knotts, Dean Martin, Carol Burnett, Buddy Hackett….the list goes on days!
If you ordered this option package on a 3-row wagon, was it called The Jury?
Very nice Judge here and its a manual!
All I can say is…..
Wow!!
Absolutely beautiful!!!
It’s nice to see one that’s not carousel red. Hood needs aligned but I don’t see anything else that needs attention.
Verdoro Green was a hugely popular Pontiac color in the late 60’s, and it’s still one of my favorite automobile finishes. Of course, this may have something to do with I learned to drive on my mother’s Verdoro Green 68 LeMans.
This car is beautiful, and I love it but to me Verdoro Green just seems out of place on a Judge. I know Pontiac eventually offered the Judge in other colors, but to me the GTO Judge was always meant to be Carousel Red.
I agree, although beautiful, the Verdoro green looks out of place on this car. Wonder why the same color and top setup looked so perfect on the Firebirds?
I agree–a Verdoro Green Judge?? I love Verdoro Green-one of my favorite colors–just take off the cartoon stripes and it is perfect!
For that coin, the factory steering wheel would be nice also…
Pretty sure that’s factory.
Fuzzy dice need to go back on mirror.
Love the 68-71 GTO, but that vinyl top and color have to go.
Vinyl top equals rust. Ask me how I know. Sorry. Too much money. Can that stupid Buick air cleaner decal.
I think that steering wheel is from a 68 gto
It’s a Grant #987 Classic Pontiac Wheel, 15″, wood with stainless steel spokes. Nothing like it was offered in any GTO from the factory. I’ll post a link if I can find one.
Here it is on the Grant web site:
https://grantproducts.com/products/987-classic-pontiac-wheel
My brother had not been long back from Vietnam. He decided he wanted to order a new 1969 Chevelle, which he did. Apparently there were some issues at the plant and delays. He being impatient decided to go uptown and buy a new 1969 judge off of the showroom floor. I’m sure he raced that car. I remember he put cut out on it that could be activated from inside. Soon he met or would become his new wife. She did not want to learn a stick shift and was scared of the car. So he traded for a automatic formula firebird. He always regretted that decision.
That plastic top looks out of place on that beautiful Pontiac.
A lovely car, but I also see some red flags.
No VIN, body data plate, or PHS docs are shown, but perhaps they only provide them on request.
While I have no issue with someone taking liberties during restoration(the tacky aftermarket steering wheel and air cleaner sticker, and a black headliner instead of the correct parchment), but if they weren’t concerned with restoring this car back to factory stock, then why add the vinyl top?
Caveat emptor, as always.