This car is a rare find as it was only in 1970 that this body style was produced with this front end. In 1968 the GTO got this body style, but had a different nose with flip up headlight covers. In 1969 "The Judge" - A special edition of the GTO became available, but still had the flip up headlight covers.
in 1970, the GTO Judge was still available, and with a redesigned front
end - this front end. By 1971, the front end and hood and hood scoops were redesigned again, and it marked the final year "The Judge" option would be available.
1968 to 1972 Pontiac GTO front ends
1968 and '69
1970
1971 and '72
One of a kind. One year only.
That makes this 1970 the only year for this body and nose style, and one of the few years "The Judge" option was available!
These cars were beasts, with many regarding the GTO as the first of the true American "muscle cars".
By 1973, these cars were no longer the muscle car beasts they used to be.
What a short window of opportunity for these classic muscle cars.
You can read more on the history of the GTO here:
The First Muscle Car - Pontiac GTO through the years
I have some great stories and pictures to share in the future,
subscribe for updates and get the scoop on things like:
Early pictures
My dad purchased the 1970 GTO in late 1969. Here are a couple of early photos, from July of 1970:
Can you imagine back in the day, having this beauty parked outside? When I think of the other cars that were generally around and on the
street at the time, and I think of my dad driving around in this awesome ride, I can't help but smile.
If you like these photos, you can see more pictures, both old and new in
the photo gallery.
Now you've probably noticed that she was originally blue, which leads us to...
The Eh.. paint job
It apparently didn't take my dad long to realize that this car needed to be black (lol). I don't know exactly what year he had it painted,
but by 1975 it was already painted black and has been so ever since....
More to follow..
the catastrophe!
Wait 'til you hear this one...
the rebirth
Oh yeah!
I'll have more about this story in the future, but for now here's some eye candy (click to enlarge):
the transmission on the belly
And maybe more...
Here's a quick story for you:
the unnecessary gas tank exchange
Somewhere around August of 2010, my dad thought about how the gas tank was 40 yrs old. I'm not sure if this whole thing was
prompted by him having a tough start one time or not, sometimes my dad just did things as a preventative measure.
He purchased a new gas tank and proceeded to change it out all by himself, like he did most projects. One day I noticed him outside at the back
of the garage with a gas tank and asked him about it. He told me it was the old gas tank from the GTO, he had replaced it and was curious about
the old one.
He proceeded to grab a sawzall
and cut it in half (which looked a lot more difficult that you would think). When he looked inside he chuckled and told me to come take a look.
The 40 year old gas tank looked like new! The tank was spotless...
The 40 yr old gas tank looked like new! I snapped a couple of pictures, sorry for the low quality (click to enlarge). Anything you see in the tank is shavings from
the sawing process or things that were blowing around outside. The tank was spotless.
AGAIN: In both of these pictures, the stuff you see in the bottom is a result of the cutting the tank in half, shavings and leaves from outside, not residue in the tank. It was like new! Well at least he didn't have to wonder about it anymore.
"The Judge"
In May of 2018, the 1970 GTO was relocated (and revived) with thanks to my mom. We also replaced "The Judge" decals
on the fenders and the trunk lid thanks to my wife. She ordered them for the car as soon as it was up and running, and they look great. So, The Judge is back in action
following a period of rest. The Judge is looking and running as good as ever!
My father took great care of this car, and kept logs of all maintenance that he did. God willing, I plan to do the same.
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