https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-pontiac-gto-77/#comments Very interesting read in the comments on this numbers survivor 44 year owned 4 speed pattern 69 Judge.
Yes survivor, been stored over 40 years about as close to a survivor as they come. The days of that untouched golden gem are all but gone. There's no law for a full blown restoration. Get it running and enjoy it as is. Tens of thousands of dollars for a resto to sit in a museum or someone's garage, no thanks, I'll hang a picture instead. To each his own as they say. Hoarder's that hold parts or ask ridiculous money have all but ruined the hobby. Just enjoy the ride and don't worry about where you park.
A lot of cars over the years have been over restored to the point of not ever being seen in public, let alone driven.
To me this Judge looks like a fifty five year old car that has not been restored. Pretty much, a survivor. Not every car needs a 100k+ resto of which the majority only see the road being driven in and out of a trailer. I know that some have to have shiny and new, that's fine if that's what you prefer, but, there's also a place within our community for cars like this Judge to be completely enjoyed as-is as well.
I agree. The look on people's faces when I say "no" when they ask if I'm planning on painting my car is priceless. I don't have an extra $50K kicking around and would rather not spend 2 years in body shop jail. It presents well enough as it is and I'm not afraid to park it wherever. I sit on the fender; park amongst the common folk; eat my lunch on the radiator top plate - and sometimes the hood; (carefully) set my coffee on the consolette....you know, stuff we all did with cars before they became the desire of people with more money than brains. That Judge would get a tune up, assurance it was road worthy, a good cleaning and let it rip. Life's too damn short for body and paint purgatory. Preservation over restoration any day for me.
That's what I've been doing with this. Everyone loves it in primer, always get the thumbs up and a small crowd at the 7/11 when I go for coffee.
Neither that '69 Camaro nor that Olds are comparable, they are nicer. Those cars are like my '71 Trans Am, no rust through visible anywhere at first view. Here are a couple more detailed photos from that Judge: f
That wasn't the point, we are not comparing cars. That trunk lid is no big deal, I'd drive it and have a blast in a real 4 speed Judge.
You could leave most of it, pick up a few used parts to match. That trunk lid and for sure the trunk floor need attention to save it.
As a '69 GTO owner (my first car) and close follower of these cars, I am not at all shocked by the sell price. I figured it would do at least $50k since there are not many like this still floating around and putting it on BAT got it a ton of exposure. It's still less the the used 1/2 ton pick-up truck my co-worker just bought.
I'm not a huge fan of the 69 rear. I thought the 68 was nicer. I know there was no Judge in 68. My friend John has so many Pontiacs, rare ones too, that I have lost track. RAIV cars too. It would blow you mind. One of my favorite cars is his 71 Judge 455 HO 4 speed. What a blast.
Mine was built same plant as that BAT judge just a month later, similar options. Close to survivor, #matching, I had the motor redone, but never touched the body/paint, has had some touch up done prior to me owning it, my guess in the 80's. Car was in California up until early 90's. It's a driver and I like it that way, has paint chips and some door dings but presents well
Neat car for sure. Great comments & learned something. BAT seller was obviously thrilled w/the result!
