1969 Pontiac GTO Judge

©2007出版物国际有限公司The 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge gathered the GTO's hottest muscle car extras into a single $332 option package and slapped on the pop-culture cues. See more muscle car pictures.

The 1969PontiacGTO Judge was evidence that muscle cars could reflect the cultural currents of theirtime.

In most circumstances, a judge commands respect. But society in the 1960s grew increasingly irreverent toward establishment figures, and "Here comes da judge!" quickly went from a sardonic catch phrase on TV's Laugh-In to a staple of the American lexicon.

Advertisement

Muscle Car Image Gallery

In naming the newest GTO incarnation "The Judge," Pontiac seemed to be saying: "This car has authority, but like the Road Runner and its ilk, it doesn't take itself too seriously." Abundantly powerful V-8s secured the first part of the message; op-art graphics and bright primary colors brought home the second.

作为源自inally conceived, The Judge was to be an econo-muscle Goat, maybe a pillared coupe in a single color, with rubber floor mats and only the hottest performance equipment. The Judge that debuted in December 1968 wasn't so severe, being instead a $332 option package for the GTO hardtop or convertible. But it included a host of features that cost far more when ordered individually.

©2007出版物国际有限公司The 366-bhp Ram Air III V-8 was standard on the Judge, but for $390 more, you could move up to this 370-bhp Ram Air IV.

Standard was the 366-bhp Ram Air III evolution of the GTO's 400-cid V-8; an underdash knob now closed its hood scoops in wetweather. Pontiac trimmed a few bucks from the base price by fitting a three-speedmanualwith Hurst T-handle shifter (and by deleting trim rings from the standard Rally II wheels), but all Judges had the regular firm GTOsuspensionand wide-tread Polyglas G70x14s.

©2007出版物国际有限公司尽管它long list of go-fast features, the Judge's cabin was standard GTO except for the logo on the glovebox door.

Another $390 landed the new Ram Air IV with its radicalcamand underrated 370 bhp. Restless at idle, weak below 3000 rpm, this edition of the 400 was a pain to drive on the street and a task to launch at the strip, but it was a weapon in the hands of a skilled driver. A close-ratiofour-speed ($195) orautomatic($227), Posi ($63), front discs ($64),power steering($100), and hood-mounted tach ($63) filled out the well-appointed Judge.

©2007出版物国际有限公司A deck spoiler distinguished the Judge's tail. In front, a blackout grille was standard and hidden headlamps optional.

No somber black robes for this jurist, however. A rear-deck spoiler, blackout grille, and Judge decals

decorated the body, though the cabin was standard GTO except for judge badges. To kill any budget-muscle pretense, every regular GTO option was available, including hidden headlamps. The Judge performed no differently than similarly equipped Goats. It just did it with less reverence.

Return toClassic Muscle Cars图书馆。

Advertisement

For more cool information on muscle cars, check out:

  • Pontiac ignited the classic muscle car era with a stroke ofmarketinggenius. See profiles, photos, and specifications ofPontiac muscle cars.
  • Muscle cars came in many shapes and sizes. Here are features on more than 100muscle cars, including photos and specifications for each model.
  • Muscle cars created their own culture. To learn about it, readHow Muscle Cars Work.

Check out these profiles of muscle cars, which include photos and specifications for each model:

For related car information, see these articles:

Advertisement

  • The engine is what gives a muscle car its flamboyant personality. To learn everything you need to know about car engines, seeHow Car Engines Work.
  • Muscle cars wouldn't have much muscle without horsepower -- but what exactly is horsepower?How Horsepower Worksanswers that question.
  • NASCAR race cars embody the muscle car philosophy of power. ReadHow NASCAR Race Cars Workto find out what makes these charged-up racers go.
  • Are you thinking of buying a 2007 muscle car, or any other car? See Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.

Advertisement

Citation

Advertisement

Loading...