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
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