From Jalopnik · Chloe Clougher · · 1m 10s
Pontiac GTO Judge: 1969 Muscle Car Mystery
Pontiac's 1969 GTO Judge trim name came from a TV comedy, not a racing term.
In brief
Pontiac's 1969 GTO Judge trim name came from a TV comedy, not a racing term. Pontiac named its 1969 GTO 'The Judge' after a 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' TV sketch to appeal to younger buyers. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Pontiac GTO Judge Name Origin
Pontiac created the GTO Judge trim in 1969 after rejecting 'E/T' for its racing meaning.
“Here comes the Judge”
1969 GTO Judge Specifications
The 1969 GTO Judge featured a 400 cubic-inch Ram Air III engine with 366 hp and 445 pound-feet of torque.
Judge's Marketing Strategy
Pontiac used the 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' sketch to name the car, poking fun at other automakers' cartoonish names.
1970 GTO Judge Updates
The 1970 GTO Judge added Orbit Orange color and a 455-cubic-inch engine with 360 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque.
1971 GTO Judge Changes
The 1971 GTO Judge switched to a 455 H.O. engine with 335 hp and 480 pound-feet of torque, producing only 374 units.
Modern GTO Judge Values
A 1969 GTO Judge convertible sold for $682,000 in 2010, with current values ranging from $25,000 to six figures.
The headline
Pontiac named its 1969 GTO 'The Judge' after a 'Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In' TV sketch to appeal to younger buyers.
