Page 109 - Experience Magazine Winter 2023

LOT #1349 - 1969 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE - NO RESERVE
CUSTOM GTO

JUDGE

WITNESS FOR THE DEFENSE

It can be easily argued that this 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge custom
convertible represents the state of the art in classic muscle car restoration
and customizing. What was once a high-style body shape from 1969 is
now a finely crafted creation that looks more like the product of tomorrow
than yesteryear. One thousand hours of custom bodywork, including
newly formed front and rear bumpers and side panels, change the profile
of the car so dramatically and tastefully the effect looks like an illusion,
yet it is as real as can be. Custom shaved door handles utilizing heavy-duty
“poppers” with concealed exterior releases make them invisible to the eye.
A custom-designed black cloth convertible top alters this GTO’s profile
even more and demands a second, third and fourth look to take it all in.
This Judge, selling with No Reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale
Auction, has smoothed inner fender wells and a plasma-cut inner hood
panel that controls airflow for maximum efficiency. Ringbrothers custom
black aluminum hood hinges, along with a custom core support panel
designed to conceal radiator accessories, are more examples of the almost
fanatical attention to detail that has been lavished on this project. Concept
PPG Hugger Orange paint mixed with clear is highlighted impressively
with custom front and rear side stripes in black.
Just like the original Judge, which offered the most powerful engine in the
factory lineup of the era, this modern-day masterpiece incorporates GM’s
most advanced V8 engine in the form of the 6.2-liter LSA supercharged
power plant that produces virtually twice as much muscle as the Ram Air
400 engine in 1969. This one has been dyno-documented at over 600
horsepower at the rear wheels and 700 horsepower at the flywheel.

Further down the drivetrain rests a Bowler 6-speed manual transmission
with a McLeod hydraulic clutch, along with a 12-bolt rear end with 3.55
gearing. Ultimate brand long-tube headers connected to a 3-inch exhaust
system, including Borla Pro XS mufflers, announce this Judge’s intentions
with complete and utter authority.

V OR THE COMPLETE DOCKET 109