1-of-50? 1969 Pontiac GTO “The Judge”
Words like “legend” and “iconic” are bandied around the classic scene with such monotonous regularity that some enthusiasts cannot help but become irritated by their use. That is understandable, but it is sometimes unavoidable. They are ideal for describing vehicles like this 1969 Pontiac GTO The Judge. Its presentation is above-average, and its original owner ordered it with some desirable options. Its only immediate need is a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Friendswood, Texas. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $49,900, although that figure is below the reserve.
Although initially conceived as a “stripper” option for the GTO, ticking the “The Judge” box on the Order Form added $337.00 to the sticker price of this GTO. Therefore, it was less a stripper than a carefully considered collection of components at a competitive price. Cosmetically, it brought a rear spoiler, various decals, a black-out grille, and Rally II wheels without trim rings. This car adds retractable headlamp covers and chrome exhaust tips to the mix, while I also note the wheels now sport trim rings. That last item doesn’t rate a mention on the original Window Sticker, suggesting a later addition. The original owner ordered the car in Carousel Red, but that was the only shade Pontiac offered on early cars, so it may not have been their choice. The seller states the car underwent a repaint in the 1990s, and although it isn’t perfect, it is presentable. Rust appears limited to some pinholes in the trunk pan and a bubble on the driver’s side lower fender. The retractable headlamp covers are inoperative, but the trim and tinted glass looks excellent. Returning this car to a pristine state is possible, although retaining it as a tidy driver is a valid choice.
Lifting this Pontiac’s hood reveals the 400ci Ram Air V8 that sends 366hp to the Safe-T-Track rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. The Window Sticker confirms that the original owner equipped the GTO with power steering and power front disc brakes. This was a potent package, with The Judge capable of blitzing the ¼ mile in 13.8 seconds. That figure looks pretty decent by modern standards, but it allowed the GTO to command respect in 1969. Purists will be disappointed to learn this classic isn’t numbers-matching. The 400 started life in a 1970 Grand Prix, receiving a rebuild a few years ago that included a Ram Air IV camshaft. The Judge runs and drives but has had little recent use. The seller suggests treating the vehicle to a thorough inspection and any remedial work before hitting the road, and that sounds like wise advice to me. Nothing sours the relationship between a classic and its owner like bypassing that process and having the first driving experience brought to a shuddering halt by an unnecessary and preventable mechanical failure. If the owner is lucky, they may face a delayed journey. If they are unlucky, that first trip could prove pretty expensive.
One original and unrestored aspect of this GTO is its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in White vinyl, and although it isn’t perfect, the condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The driver’s seatcover is slightly stretched, and some remaining vinyl pieces appear slightly discolored. However, there are no rips or signs of abuse. The dash and pad are excellent, as is the carpet. The interior options combination leads the seller to raise their rarity claims. This car features air conditioning, and they state their research suggests that only around fifty examples of the ’69 Judge included a four-speed manual/air-con combination. That would require further investigation, but if it is accurate, it will impact desirability. The A/C system is incomplete, meaning the winning bidder faces additional work ensuring everything functions correctly. The Window Sticker confirms this car rolled off the line with a console, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM radio, and a stereo tape player. The console is intact, but the original radio and tape player made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player.
Okay, do I get a pat on the back now? I’ve managed to complete this entire article without once referring to this 1969 GTO Judge or the GTO range in general as iconic or legendary. This classic is desirable, and if the seller’s claims are verifiable, it is rare. Values continue climbing at an impressive rate, suggesting the right car at the right price could be a sound investment. The sticking point for some could be the loss of its original engine, but it is sometimes hard to gauge the impact during an auction. Any Judge will generate excitement when it hits the market, and this car is no exception. It has attracted forty-seven bids with significant time left in the auction. However, this may only scratch the surface because I won’t be surprised if the bid price tops $65,000 before the hammer falls. Do you agree?
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Comments
Beautiful car, but personally would prefer the 68 Cougar in the background 😀
Very nice Pontiac. I had a 69 GTO that was a rotted out mess. I used to live minutes from Teefy Pontiac where this car was bought new near the Philadelphia city line.
You deserve a pat on the back just for presenting these cars on a daily basis. If you believe it’s legendary, feel free to say so. I’ll never dog you for anything you print. This car could be built entirely out of after market parts and I would still think it is legendary just for being built to factory spec.
Wrong color, wrong motor . . . Not 1 of 50, anymore . . .
Newsflash. Not all GTO Judges were orange (“Carousel Red” in Pontiac terms). This car is painted in “Matador Red,” which was a regular production paint color for all 1969 GTOs – including the Judge. You’re welcome to research this yourself for more information.
Newsflash. The author calls it “Carousel Red,” so JohnD’s comment is understandable. Maybe hold the attitude next time. Nobody needs it.
You are exactly right matador red I had a 68 and a 69 today. I have had a total of four GTO’s the one I have now I will give it to my grandson. He has to prove some things to me first because it’s push it over 600 hp, I love the GTO‘s
You are so correct ,the color leans more to the orange side instead of red. Just doesn’t look right.
In the ebay ad, it states the color as just red. I don’t see any Carousel anywhere. It all depends upon the cowl tag data and the PHS lining up.
Yep now not numbers matching so now its a daily driver to me 😁. But the average joe on the street won’t question authenticity…..
The average Joe won’t shell out his reserve price, either.
Going by US household net worth, “the average Joe” has a total net worth of some $125,000 (median figure, meaning half have less). So of course “the average Joe” isn’t going to buy this car.
Here comes the Judge …here comes the 👩⚖️
Drop and give me 55 large 😉
I love these goats 🐐
This is the same color as my old Judge. Mine had black interior with a bench seat with fold down armrest. It was a 4 speed with A/C also.
Love the sound of the Pontiac Rochester 4v yawning open at wide open throttle … had a pal with a ’69 GTO and another in my HS grad class with a Firebird 400/4 speed with hood tach. Late 70’s. Music, that spreadbore sound – after their rebuilds and no more sputtering.
Mixed bag here. GLWTS….
I had put a Holley 800 double pumper spreadbore replacement on mine and it really woke it up. We had changed jets and worked on metering rods and did about everything Hot Rod mag said to do and they showed some improvement, but when I put that Holley on it really turned it up a notch or two.
No doubt about ,I used to borrow my sister’s 1969 GTO convertible ,green if course and they had a sound of there own,although a very pleasant sound
Simple comment to this one…..I wouldn’t touch (or bid) on this car with a ten foot pole…..way, way, too many changes from original……to bring this back to it’s factory correctness (and rarity) would cost tens of thousands of hard earned dollars to perform……buyer beware, and save your cash for a much better car…….
At $52,600 now and reserve not met. It’s a great looking car but someone is willing to pay more for it than I would. That missing a/c compressor is a problem for me, as well as the rust in the trunk floor and front fender. The headlight doors don’t work and you wouldn’t know if the interior part of the a/c is good until you got a compressor and all of the brackets, bolts, pullies, and belts, and tested it. The repaint is showing it’s age, but taking everything into consideration, it could be one-of-one, according to the ad. I didn’t realize that this model GTO was this much in demand, but good luck to the seller and the future buyer.
I remember when the Judge came out I thought it was a low-rent end of run model. No more 389s. Am I wrong?
66 was the last 389.
Want it, can’t afford it.
Hey folks, I agree with John D It’s far from a 1 of 50. Me personally it’s only worth half of what the current bid period!!! Shout outs to John DeLorean rest in Pontiac Peace
If you ticked the Judge option the rear mounted antennae was not available because it would hit the spoiler when opening the trunk…
I suspect the money it would take to make this car concours is greater than the difference between the current bid and the market value it would have once complete, so let’s just call it a nice driver. Given that it is Matador Red and not Carousel Red(aka Hugger Orange to you Chevy folks) may save the buyer some of the inevitable “is it real” questions.
Two personal pet peeves. First, if you are going to provide the VIN in the listing and then also paperwork, don’t have the VIN obscured on the paperwork. Does the VIN on that paperwork even match the VIN provided? And does the VIN provided or the paperwork match the car? I suggest sellers provide paperwork with the VIN showing and then also a good shot of the body data plate and a video showing the VIN tag on the car and then pulling back in one continuous shot to show the car.
Second, please stop putting stickers on the air cleaner cover. Pontiac never did that on the GTO except for the 1971-72 455 HO cars.