The Pontiac GTO,
considered the first true muscle car, is the most famous muscle car in
high-performance automobile history. Prior to 1964, performance cars were full-size
hardtops and sedans which were slow off the line, but performed well once they got
rolling. Hot Rodders knew you could go even faster if you put those big engines in
smaller, lighter cars. The Pontiac GTO was General Motors factory Hot Rod.
The
GTO evolved to a long hood and short deck and an optional color-keyed Endura bumper
in 1968. The sleek styling also got a boost from the twin hood scoops and hidden
windshield wipers. Hidden head lamps was another option in 1968. The redesigned 1968
GTO also had a smaller 112 inch wheelbase.
The 1969 Pontiac GTO was
basically the same car as the 1968 model. The grille is one noticeable change with
its honeycomb texture. Other noticeable changes included rear taillights, door vent
window eliminated, additional chrome, emblems and marker changes.
However, On December 19,
1968 Pontiac released "The Judge". "The Judge", a phrase from the TV show
"laugh-in", was an option package that included a blacked out grille, functional hood
scoops, Rally II wheels, Judge and Air Ram decals. The standard Judge engine was a
366 HP, RAM Air III with a three-speed manual transmission, Hurst shifter and a
3.55:1 rear axle.
58,126 Hardtops were
made in 1969 and sold for a base price of $3,080. 7,328 convertible model sold at a
base price of $3,553
