Vehicle Description
For the 1969 model year, Pontiac released the highest-performing
production version of its venerable 400. Called the Ram Air IV, it
was designed for operation up to 6,500 RPM. The Ram Air IV was
essentially an update of the round-port 1968-� Ram Air II and
featured new larger intake ports, a new aluminum two-plane
high-rise intake manifold with removable heat crossover, and new
1.65:1 rockers, which increased valve lift to .516-inch. Combined
with the round-port cast-iron headers, the new Ram Air IV was rated
at 370 HP at 5,500 RPM with 445 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 RPM with
10.75:1 compression and a specially calibrated Rochester Quadrajet
4-barrel carburetor. Actual horsepower for the GTO was closer to
450 HP, though it was downplayed for insurance and race-class
qualification. The Ram Air IV had a much higher power band than
other 400s, making it a great drag-strip performer. Available with
either a Muncie 4-speed or Turbo 400 automatic, it came with
standard 3.90 gearing, with ultra-steep 4.33s optional. Due to
these restrictions, production was quite limited, but stellar
examples like this machine still exist today.
This 1969 Ram Air IV GTO Judge is one of only 549 Judges produced
with the Ram Air IV engine and 4-speed transmission, an extremely
desirable combination among serious collectors. To add to its
rarity, this example is one of only 210 ordered with the 4.33 rear
axle ratio. According to the PHS documentation, it was sold new at
Bud Meadows in Seattle, Washington, and it was factory ordered in
the highly desirable Carousel Red (Code TT) complemented by a Code
58 Black vinyl bucket seat interior. Other options include the 4.33
rear axle ratio, Safe-T-Track Positraction, covered headlamps, a
pushbutton radio, gauges, a console and the coveted Judge
package.
The history of this very rare Pontiac collectible comes documented
with PHS documentation. For a Pontiac connoisseur looking for the
best, it doesn't get any better than a Ram Air IV, Carousel Red,
4-speed, covered headlamp, GTO Judge.
Highlights:
Rare Carousel Red Ram AIr IV GTO Judge
1 of only 210 GTO Judges produced with the Ram Air IV engine,
4-speed and 4.33 rear axle ratio
Ram Air IV 400/370 HP V-8 engine
Factory Code TT Carousel Red paint color
Muncie M21 4-speed manual transmission
Covered headlights
10 bolt 4.33 Safe-T-Track rear axle
Factory code 58 Black vinyl interior
14" Rally II wheels with Firestone Wide Oval tires
PHS documentation
