1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod


1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod

This real-deal Judge definitely has the merit to back up its presence thanks to a buff 461 V8. In addition, a tough Tremec 5-speed, and a roster of updated ancillaries that includes names like FiTech, TMI, and Ridler. Without a doubt, this 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod is a sight to behold.

BODYWORK/TRIM

John Z. designed this Carousel Red Ram Air III Judge GTO in sunny California. However, it was a detailed rotisserie restoration that ensured its present appearance is top-notch in virtually every way.

The restorer kicked off a 2-year, ground-up rebuild that involved stripping the body bare and restoring the original Endura nose. As a result, that stripped and solid profile’s correctly re-sealed in glossy PPG 2-stage paint. In addition, this razor-sharp Poncho made its debut as a first-class head-turner that’s fresh, composed, and ready for prime time!

A stainless-trimmed dual-port grille hangs a big “G T O” emblem and T3 headlights over ornate parking lamps. Instantly, you know this is a unique 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod. Moreover, on the top of that grille, sits a black-trimmed Ram Air Hood founds a body-matched tachometer. In addition, it’s in front of the stainless-trimmed glass and centered between a polished antenna and polished driver’s mirror.

At the sides of the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod‘s hood, a bright “G T O” emblem hangs. In addition, brilliant Judge stripes and GTO-themed marker lamps perfectly complement the restomod. Furthermore, stainless wheel frames, stainless rocker guards, and polished door handles finish out the front side.

On the hand, the back of the car has a stainless-trimmed decklid that hangs a correct wing and a fourth “G T O” script. Interestingly, this is over clean taillights, a body-width bumper, and polished exhaust tips.

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod – ENGINE

engine of the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod

Hoist the hood of this 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod and you’ll find a date-correct Pontiac 400 V8. Moreover, the engine’s bored to 461 cubic inches! In addition, functional ram air induction channels wind through a FiTech Go EFI 4 fuel injection.

This throttle body mounts a lightweight Edelbrock intake, which feeds aluminum Edelbrock Performer heads with an Erson 7/4 roller cam. Moreover, a Pertronix Flame-Thrower distributor controls coated Doug’s headers and MSD Super Conductor plug wires.

Opposite that distributor, CVF Racing serpentine components spin modern power steering and modern air conditioning behind a chrome puller fan. In front of that fan, chrome support tops a trusty aluminum radiator. Details like polished breathers, braided fluid lines, Proform valve covers, and a polished expansion tank trim out show worthy aesthetics. And all that prized hardware adds up to roughly 475 horsepower!

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod – DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

underside of the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Restomod

Logging a few miles since the car’s ground-up restoration, this goat’s stripped and restored undercarriage is show worthy. However, the stout block commands a new Tremec TKO600 5-speed. Furthermore, the gearbox drives a rebuilt 10-bolt axle with 3.55 USA Standard gears. And, that drivetrain rides a familiar F41 Sport Suspension, which has been upgraded with BMR lowering springs and aftermarket control arms.

At the corners of that suspension, Signature Big Brake calipers clamp drilled and slotted rotors. A throaty Pypes exhaust system hangs an X-shaped crossover in front of Street Pro mufflers. Polished Ridler 645 wheels spin 225/45ZR18 Sumitomo HTR ZIIIs in front of 275/35ZR20s.

INTERIOR

Swing the doors and you’ll find a clean leather interior. In fact, it feels like the perfect place to spend a warm summer evening. Front and center, orange-stitched TMI bucket seats lead to an orange-stitched, TMI-upholstered rear seat. The 461 has white-faced gauges, air conditioning, and a RetroSound Hermosa head unit with Kicker speakers.

Like-new carpet anchors a chrome Hurst shifter behind stainless-trimmed foot pedals. At the sides of the car, pliable door panels mix manual hardware with orange-trimmed emblems. The driver spins a wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel. And the passenger’s store essentials in a custom-upholstered trunk.

Why do they call the GTO The Judge?

The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car produced between 1964 and 1973. The 1969 GTO was named “The Judge” after a popular skit called “Here Comes the Judge” made famous by Sammy Davis Jr. on the popular comedy television show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.

What engine is in a 1969 GTO?

Front outboard headrests were made standard equipment on all cars built for 1969. The previous economy engine and standard 350 hp 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engine remained, while the 360 hp (270 kW) 400HO was upgraded to the Ram Air III, rated at 366 hp (273 kW) at 5,100 rpm.

How fast can a 1969 Pontiac GTO go?

Most contemporary road tests used the more powerful Tri-Power engine and four-speed. Car Life clocked a GTO so equipped at 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 6.6 seconds, through the standing quarter-mile in 14.8 seconds with a trap speed of 99 mph (158 km/h).

Brook Walsh

For nearly 30 years, I've had a fascination with restomods. I've learned from real-world experience what restomod gear works and what doesn't. This is the site where I share everything I've learned.

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