Bermuda Blue 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III Is a Very Expensive Numbers-Matching Gem

Late first-gen models are properly iconic too, let’s just get that out of the way. However, for the sake of this story, we need to discuss the 1970 model year in particular, which resulted in yet another facelift for the GTO.

There were no more hidden headlights available, as all cars got four exposed rounded units and narrower grilles. They also got upgraded suspensions with rear anti-roll bars, stiffer front anti-roll bars, and optional variable-ratio power steering, which reduced the turning radius by roughly 3.5 feet.

Fortunately, Pontiac kept the 400 ci Ram Air III V8 engine for this model year, and it’s that exact engine that resides underneath the hood of this nearly pristine 1970 GTO, finished in Bermuda Blue Metallic.

The exterior is said to have been repainted in 1990, which is a good thing because it looks pretty darn great. Other noteworthy visual traits include the body-color Endura front bumper, chrome rear bumper, Ram Air hood with the integrated tachometer (how cool is that?), driver side mirror, a dual exhaust system with quad tips, plus a set of Rally II 14-inch wheels rocking Firestone Wide Oval tires.

Meanwhile, the WT1 Judge package is responsible for the “airfoil” wing at the back, the black grille inserts, ‘The Judge’ decals and the tricolor stripe kit. The car was also specified with the Y96 Ride and Handling package, as well as heavy-duty springs.

As far as we’re concerned, the interior is equally appealing, especially with those Sandalwood vinyl front bucket seats, featuring fabric inserts – they match the dashboard and door panels. Other goodies include the faux woodgrain trim, lap belts, power steering, a Delco push-button AM radio, heater, special badging on the glovebox, and a three-spoke Formula steering wheel.

Finally, we arrive at the powertrain, which as we mentioned before is a 400 ci Ram Air III V8, factory-rated at 366 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. Everything gets sent to the rear wheels via a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic gearbox with a Safe-T-Track differential. As you can see, the engine block is stamped, and the last eight digits match the VIN.

Best Judge Ever?

Not quite. We’ve seen plenty of GTOs that looked and were a little more appealing, but this particular one does come mighty close to some of its best-ever peers.

Still, it’s no surprise that whoever ends up landing the winning bid for this car, will have to pay a pretty penny. Greatness never comes cheap.