Vehicle Description
1970 Pontiac GTO The Judge Hardtop
Can you name another car that was named after a television
character? Chevrolet, (Tony), Beretta? Nope. Pontiac, (Hannah),
Montana? Close. Sunbeam Tiger, (Woods)? Monte, (Hall), Carlo? The
truth is, the GTO "Judge" is the only car named for a fictional TV
character, this one played by Sammy Davis Jr. but announced by Flip
Wilson when he repeated, "Here comes da Judge, here comes da
Judge". The pop culture reference was popular with young people, so
the GTO was enhanced with "mod" decals in bright colors to attract
that segment of the market.
For consignment, a 1970 Pontiac GTO The Judge hardtop, often
referred to as simply a GTO Judge. This car has Pontiac Historical
Society documentation and was restored during the period between
1999 and 2012 as evidenced by receipts that will accompany the car.
3,787 hardtop Judges were built for 1970, while a total of 40,149
GTO's were built in the same year.
Exterior
Now in two stage paint, Granada Gold adorns our car and has tinges
of bronze and green undertones, which is likely why Pontiac
selected green and yellow graphics for the decals that include
Judge stripes along the fender side and cartoonish "The Judge"
graphics on the front quarter panels and decklid. Coming straight
at you, it's pure GTO with black tipped Ram Air nostrils and
optional hood mounted tach, easily one of the most iconic exterior
features from the muscle car era. The big rear wing is impressive
as well and looks like it was borrowed from a Cessna, mounted over
a chrome bumper with integrated taillights and twin splitter
exhaust tips spitting fumed and singing tunes out back. 14-inch
Rally II wheels carry 225/70R14 tires and wear the PMD branded
center caps. Metalwork included the bumpers, trim, rocker panel,
and hardware is in great condition and so is the paint with some
imperfections we note. Long scratches exist on the lower body, a
few paint bubbles in a curved section of the body, some wavy paint,
and a rough edge on the decal at the driver's door gap.
Interior
The Sandalwood interior starts with a beautifully designed and
sculpted door panel with chrome trim, a slanted stitch insert and
gold carpeted lower. The front bucket seats consist of vinyl
construction, a plastic shell, and a fitted headrest and appear in
excellent condition. Same goes for the rear bench and its three
sets of brown seat belts and matching sidewall decor. The hard
molded plastic steering wheel is rimmed in texturized brown with a
plastic PMD center cap and three metal spokes. Warm faux wood
applique surrounds the gauge cluster inside the sandalwood
dashboard and surround three gauges over a turned metal band below.
An AM radio and vent controls take up the middle section and the
entire dash looks factory fresh including the passenger's side
where a sandalwood glove box wears the coveted Judge badge. A very
simple center console consists of a gaping abyss that houses the
T-handle Hurst shifter and an armrest bin cover, showing a bit of
wear with scratches, just about the only thing in the interior that
distracts from the near mint condition. Gold loop carpet is the
ideal choice for this car while the perforated sandalwood headliner
and adherent shoulder harnesses are in great condition. A gray mat
covers most of the trunk which is otherwise clean and contains a
spare tire and jack.
Drivetrain
A date and stamping code correct but not original 400 cubic inch
L74 Ram Air III V8 is show ready under the hood and is rated at a
ground pounding 366 horsepower and fed by a correct Rochester
Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor. The numbers matching Muncie M20
4-speed manual backs the engine up and sends power to a non
original 10-bolt axle with 3.55 gears and correct Saf-T-Track.
Power disc brakes up front control the speed and are backed by
power drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
The clean underside is highlighted by the dual exhaust which
includes a pair of stainless steel mufflers before snaking its way
around the axle and out the back. There are sporadic spots of
surface rust but very little, and no signs of leaks. Satin black
paint covers most of the underside and presents cleanly. The
suspension includes coil springs on the independent front and a 4
link with coil springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
A press of the right pedal primes the Quadrajet and we release the
Kraken, in this case a classic Gran Turismo Omologato, onto our
test loop where it performs well, sounds great, and provides a
comfortable and capable driving experience. On the downside, we
note the horn, wipers, and reverse lights don't work. The heater
blower only works at medium speed, so pack a coat.
It's pretty clear now that judges can be crooked and corrupt. Well,
there's nothing crooked or corrupt about this Judge. It's the pot
of gold waiting at the end of the muscle car rainbow and if you
happen to be in the market for a true GTO Judge, not even Judy
would find you guilty for buying this one. Case closed. Court
dismissed.
242370R112512
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
0-1970
R-Arlington, TX Assy Plant
112512-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 24237-1970 GTO 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY BT02443-Arlington Body #
TR 257-Sandalwood Vinyl
PNT 58 58-Granda Gold
09D-4th Week September
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
