A craigslist listing out of Seattle showcases a car that almost never appears on the open market, an authentic 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge equipped with the coveted Ram Air IV package. According to the seller, this is a real Judge with 54,000 miles and a long life of preservation. The ad calls it a survivor with just one repaint, which is impressive for any fifty-four-year-old muscle car, let alone one optioned at this level. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
The heart of this GTO is the factory Ram Air IV engine paired with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission. Pontiac only built a tiny number of these combinations, and even fewer survive with documentation. The seller states that this car was also ordered with a special GM lightweight option intended for drag racing—another detail that sets it apart from the already rare pool of Judge hardtops. The rear is reportedly fitted with 4.33 gears, a ratio consistent with performance-minded ordering and one that says the original owner had serious intentions at the strip.
The listing also mentions a dealer-installed variable operator exhaust system. That sort of add-on, especially when installed early in the car’s life by a dealership, adds another interesting layer to the Judge’s story. Cars ordered new with racing in mind often received upgrades like this, and the seller notes that it comes with period race history and photos—something collectors always value when it accompanies a significant example.
Despite its performance pedigree, the car is described as being exceptionally solid with original body panels and no rust. Survivor-level GTOs are hard enough to find, but a Ram Air IV Judge retaining its original structure pushes this one into extremely rare territory. The seller also states the car is PHS-documented, which is essential for confirming authenticity and factory equipment. With so many high-dollar GTOs circulating with unclear histories, proper paperwork makes a major difference.
The ad lists the condition as excellent and emphasizes that it is a true Judge with a clean title. The single repaint is the only major deviation noted from how it originally left the factory, and the seller frames the car as a remarkable survivor rather than a restored piece. Collectors often prefer this kind of car—one that shows continuity, authenticity, and an unbroken chain of care.
The asking price is $129,000 OBO, which reflects both the rarity of the Ram Air IV package and the value of a documented Judge with period racing history. These cars were special when new, and time has only increased their desirability.
For anyone seriously hunting a top-tier GTO, this looks like the kind of listing that doesn’t come around often. Pontiac built fast cars, but they didn’t build many like this.
Wow! Absolutely stunning! (IMO) The wheels look bare without the trim rings. GLWTS!! :-)
No link bud
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/medina-1970-pontiac-gto-judge-ram-air-lv/7895462813.html
Heartstopper; if it had a 4 spd it’d get that $$ right now
Here’s the link
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/medina-1970-pontiac-gto-judge-ram-air-lv/7895462813.html
That’s a lot of money, but, that’s a lot of car. Looks very clean. I think there’s something to the “survivors are always green theory.” The only thing that would elevate this Judge further, a four speed. Still though, if I were looking for a rare Pontiac, I certainly would not let the auto dissuade me from inquiring.
Nice but $129k nice? IF I ever go again for another older muscle car, like you said, has to be a 4sp. OR a Tremec 6 or 8sp.
I’ve had one too many, point it straight, hold on to the wheel, FLOOR IT, automatics, Even with the stall speed torque converters either B&M or Fairbanks, shift kits, etc, there seemed no substitute for a clutch. From the ’67 GTX 440, ’69 Firebird 400, ’70 Vette conv 454 LS6-yeah- to 74 T/A SD! Sure, ALL very nice they were, but just something…missing & what some consider as minor in decision making, to me, thats the difference between a sale or pass.
If ONLY those above, had 4sp’s, I’d prob have kept.
All the ‘inbetweens’ had the sticks, ’70 Z-28, ’71 T/A, ’66 GTO trip, ’63 Split, even the ’73 Challenger R/T 340, white on white, black side stripes, was a 3sp stick!
Today there’s only 1 out there I would seriously reconsider buying, as I missed buying back in ‘2k or ’01, once I relocated here to Boise, but back then was an actual ’70 Z-28, dark blue w/Motion white side & center stripe. Fully documented Motion Performance signed by Joel.
I think the guy was like in a panic & needed cash then & there, I was set to give a $1k dep, & 2 days at bank for the equity loan, but I believe was blowing it out as unloading it for quick cash before divorce. He wanted only $12k which I believe would be like $23k or so, today. But after that day, never saw it since.
Google
“ 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air lV – $129,000 (Seattle)”
And the Seattle Craigslist comes up
Nicest out there but its what the market will bear.
Good luck 🍀 with sale ..
I had a 69 GTO Judge with the Ram air 3 and a 4 speed. Never heard of the GM light weight option, what was that? This car is fantastic looking, love the color.
I thought the T-37 was the liteweight model. Talk about a clean car. With the autoloader and the steep gears she’ll be a dandy on the streetlight races. 🏁
Until they light you up and confiscate the car.
T-37 was the replacement of the Tempest. It’s not a specific lightweight model.
It would have been nice if the seller explained what the “light weight” option consisted of. This one has power brakes, radio and what looks like power steering, these all add weight and would be unnecessary for a car destined to see a lot of track time. A friend once had a 1969 Ram Air IV GTO, it also had 4.33’s, but came without a radio but with manual steering and manual drum brakes.
This car also looks like it’s seen a lot of detailing and parts replacement, such as the foam seal for the air cleaner, paint markings and tags on suspension pieces, if not some restoration work. It’s a beautiful car, but needs to be checked out thoroughly and verified before spending anywhere close to $129,000.
By the way, the vacuum operated exhaust at some point was reproduced and available through Ames
Steve R
I thought the humbler adjustable exhaust was only available from the factory & only for a few months – after states complained about it being too loud.
I would think a lightwt version would have narrower plain steel wheels, a bench seat & no radio, no heater, no power steering, no power brakes, no disc brakes, & no delux driver’s door mirror.
Interesting car, phoned my GTO Judge fanatic, he’s sure that sold on Ebay for $115K, couple weeks ago, out of California. And the VOE is an A-market add on. Seller out of Caly is a known GTO collector, so who knows ? Next buyer check it out carefully just the same.
Beautiful car, but survivor doesn’t seem to be the correct term. Maybe it was a survivor before the paint, engine bay detailing and chassis detailing, exhaust, etc?
I agree, survivor means different things to many people, to myself it’s about a factory original car including paint and interior even in weathered condition.
Survivor has been misused so often it doesn’t have any real meaning. Sellers use it for their benefit, to help line their pockets or help something sell quicker, potential buyers often interpret it to reflect what they “want” rather than reality. It goes unchallenged and parroted by far too many, accepted at face value when there is no reason to do so.
Steve R
VOE = vacuum operated exhaust. Very rare option with just over a couple hundred ‘70 GTO’s equipped with it, if I’m not mistaken
An option not available with the Judge package.
An option, not an order. The Judge could have overruled it.
This car is also currently listed on eBay with same asking price.
Now this car is cool! I didn’t know about that exhaust option. If I did, I forgot about it, wouldn’t surprise me.
looks nice but this not a craigslist car. if they are looking for that kind of coin it needs to go 1 of the well-known auctions either mecum or b/j and they will most likely get that price or more if all the docs are in order
Auctions cost sellers a lot of money, Mecum charges between $350 and $1,000 consignment fee, which varies depending if there is a reserve. Sellers also pay 6% of the selling price if there is no reserve, 10% with one. The seller also pays transportation, which will likely be enclosed, plus transportation back if it doesn’t sell, then there are travel expenses if the seller attends which would include air fair, lodging, meals and incidentals. Barret-Jackson charges more for the consignment depending on the day and time you want the car to cross the block, plus 8% of the selling price. It’s not inconceivable to see a $130,000 costing the seller close to $20,000 in fees and expenses, plus their time and inconvenience. It makes sense to try other platforms first.
Steve R
Gorgeous car, but did anyone else hear Sammy Davis Jr from Laugh-In, side shuffling across the stage?
“Tap your toes, jump and shout. here come the judge, let it all hang out. Here come the judge. here come the judge.”
Priceless!!