A Sharp Looking 1969 Pontiac GTO

Creating the Pontiac GTO

The meaning of the letters GTO reportedly stand for  “Gran Turismo Omologato“. What this phrase denotes is that the car is eligible to be entered in races like the LeMans and stock car races. The tern used refers to the car’s approval for such events. This translation leaves little doubt that the Pontiac GTO was created with racing and power in mind. Some call the Pontiac GTO the first muscle car.

Surprisingly, the Pontiac GTO was the idea of a GM advertising agency executive and John DeLorean, one time Pontiac chief engineer and later an automaker himself. It’s said that DeLorean came up with the GTO designation based on the Ferrari 250 GTO which didn’t sit too well at the time with GT Class followers. Nevertheless, Pontiac went forward with the vehicle during a period of auto making where powerful cars meant increased sales.

Characteristics of the 1969 GTO

Built on a unitary steel chassis, the 1969 Pontiac GTO had small design changes from the previous year. Changes were new grille inserts, a new rear bumper and the elimination of the small triangle vent windows. The car came with a list of attractive standard options including bucket seats, a Hurst floor mounted shifter for a 3 speed transmission and special exterior trim.

Two new engines were offered in 1969, the Ram Air III and Ram Air IV. The difference between these two engines was a Carter or Rochester carburetor.

The front seats got adjustable head rests and the dashboard was completely padded in 1969 to be in compliance with federal safety regulations. The 1969 GTO taillights were also moved above the back bumper.

The Judge

One thing that sets the 1969 Pontiac GTO’s apart from other model years is that this was the year that “The Judge” model was unveiled. The Judge GTO was built through 1971. The first difference with The Judge model was it’s 366-horsepower Ram Air III 400 V-8 engine. The 1969 GTO buyer could also opt for a 370-horse Ram Air IV 400. The car’s name was taken from Rowan and Martin’s hit television show, “Laugh In.” The car was decked out quite well with a rear spoiler, decals and stripes, and Rally II wheels. In addition to The Judge, Pontiac offered the 1969 GTO in a hardtop and convertible body style. Today, the higher priced 1969 GTO collector car is The Judge Convertible model.

Interestingly enough, during the 1960’s automakers didn’t really advertise the top speed of their cars. Not that the information wasn’t there. It was there for the asking. With the horsepower races going on during the 60’s, a car with an very high advertised top speed would mean that the insurance companies would raise prices. If a top speed was advertised at well over 100 MPH you could expect a premium increase. Some of the GTO top speeds could reach 130 MPH. Most 1969 Judges were Carousel Red.

The Judge was Pontiacs highest performing GTO muscle car model and had heavy duty parts from front to back. Many will tell you that The Judge GTO was the ultimate GTO.

The Judge hardtops, the same as with regular GTO models, could be built on either the standard frame, which received new semi-gloss black paint for 455 cid equipped cars, or the convertible’s stiffer boxed rail frame.

1969 Production Totals and Models

In addition to The Judge, Pontiac offered the 1969 GTO in a hardtop and convertible body style. Today, the higher priced 1969 GTO collector car is The Judge Convertible model.

1969 Potiac GTO production totaled 6,825 of The Judge models, most being l you thatt/uploadu: 400 and convertibsed.

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