1969 Pontiac GTO "The Judge"

Do you know the feeling of gripping the wheel of a car that you know has power and speed potential? Imagine the thrill of driving a vehicle that turns heads without even caring because all that matters when you're driving is enjoying every second and every kilometre without ever taking your eyes off your goal: to go further and faster.

This is exactly the experience you can expect when you climb in the father of muscle cars: The Pontiac GTO "The Judge".

We wanted to open the doors of our garage at Okaze (and also somewhat those of our heart) by having you discover one of our favorite cars: the 1969 Pontiac GTO "The Judge". 

Here is an overview of the history of this iconic vehicle in the muscle car era , its characteristics and what it means to us.

History of the Pontiac GTO

Option on Pontiac LeMans

 One of the important details of this vehicle's history is that before it was even a model in itself, the Pontiac GTO first appeared as an option on Pontiac LeMans. The idea was born in 1963 out of the Pontiac team's desire to interpret, rather creatively, the new rules prohibiting the installation of large displacement engines in middle class vehicles by saying, "Why not equip a small, light vehicle with a powerful engine?" It didn't take long for this idea to reveal its enormous potential.

GTO: A Bold Name

 When it came time to name the new model, the Pontiac team hit it hard by giving it the three letters GTO(Gran Turismo Omologato) in reference to the famous Ferrari 250 GTO which, at the time, dominated Grand Touring races with its unequalled performance.

Immediate popularity

 The first Pontiac LeMans GTO was finally produced in 1964, and at that time the plan was to produce about 5,000 of them. It was probably the perfect socio-economic context that made it an almost instant success. 

Post-war children who dreamed of emancipation and freedom found that ideal in a production car that was affordable, but powerful enough to race. 

Demand was so great that Pontiac produced over 30,000 GTOs that year. It was the first muscle car to achieve this popularity, earning it its current title of "father of muscle cars."

 The chracteristics of the GTO

 Power

 What makes the Judge stand out? Its many components that create power and generate acceleration.

• Its displacement engine is 400 cubic inches;
• Its Ram Air technology: The two air hatches on the hood which, when manually activated, give you that extra boost of air to accelerate a few seconds of faster to catch up with your opponent on the track perhaps; 
• Its approximate HP(Horsepower) is 370 (it must be said that in the years since its release, most car manufacturers claimed a lower HP number than the reality to lower drivers' expectations create a pleasant surprise and greater satisfaction); 
• Its ability to complete a quarter mile in 14 seconds.

 Design

 The famous Judge is recognizable by its distinct design elements and numerous emblems.

• Its tachometer (RPM dial) on the hood that evokes the need to keep your eyes on the road during acceleration to follow its guideline without deviating from your path;
• Its transmission with a T-shaped Hurst gear arm;
• Its wheels are unique to the model;
• Its symbolic color representing the Judge: The Caroussel Red which is, in fact, orange and which leaves an impression on everyone.

 The acquisition of a 1969 Pontiac GTO "The Judge" 

 The restoration of a muscle car such as the Judge is the project of a lifetime. The former owner of our vehicle took no less than 20 years to reach perfection and complete their project. 

 At the end of a project of this magnitude, the car becomes the embodiment of all those years of work. That's probably why this owner never dared to drive the car when they decided to put it up for sale. 

 Shortly after the last swipe of the rag, the Okaze team jumped at the chance to acquire their very first muscle car.

Our 1969 Pontiac GTO "The Judge" is today the symbol of our passion for cars and what they represent: the pure pleasure of driving, the ability to free your mind and seize the day.

You want to have the OKAZE experience too? Contact us now or view our online inventory.