1971 Pontiac GTO Judge 455 4-Speed Pilot Car - Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 338

1971 Pontiac GTO Judge 455 4-Speed Pilot Car - Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 338
This great-looking and highly original 1971 Pontiac GTO Judge is known as a Pilot car. It’s believed to be the first ‘71 Judge off the line, and it was used as an evaluation car to confirm assembly procedures and details for the ‘71 Judge program.
And a cool history, the car has indeed. You may recall that the original Judge concept was to sell a low-frills GTO to compete with other bare-bones Muscle Cars like the Plymouth Roadrunner. However, It’s interesting to note that the Judge began to pick up extra equipment over the years, and by ‘71, you could get almost anything you wanted on the Judge. This one is lots of comfort options like power steering and brakes, comfy bucket seats, pushbutton radio with an 8-track, and wood grain dash trim.
The original dealer is noted as Pontiac Motor Division Engineering Development on the invoice, and when you couple that with the low sequence VIN and the early production date, you have further evidence of this car’s place in GTO Judge history.
But this 1971 GTO Judge is not just cool because of the pilot car status. It’s a fully-stocked rockin’ machine featuring all kinds of signature Pontiac goodies, starting with the 455 HO engine. The 455 got the round port Ram Air IV cylinder heads to help it breathe through the aluminum intake manifold, resulting in 335 HP, but also churned up 480 lb-ft of torque as soon as you stabbed the throttle. All that twist worked up the heavy-duty clutch and close-ratio Muncie 4-speed transmission, but the Safe-T-Trac rear end did what it could to put the power to the pavement.
And just because it’s a bit worn, does not mean it’s not a good fit for The Brothers Collection.
We agree with Doug that it is best left alone. As they say, they are only original once, and the original Cardinal Red and Judge striping still look great today. 1971 saw the revised nose design on GTOs, and this one is made from the flexible Endura material. The rear wing adds to the speedy look, as do the color-keyed side sport mirrors. Honeycomb wheels and raised white letter tires complete the look.
This pilot car is not alone in the Brothers Collection, if you flip through our channel list, you’ll find a few others we’ve featured in previous episodes. While you’re there, we invite you to subscribe to the channel! Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you next time on Muscle Car Of The Week!
#GTO #Judge #MuscleCarOfTheWeek
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1971 Pontiac GTO Judge 455 4-Speed Pilot Car - Muscle Car Of The Week Video Episode 338

[@gmoney1592]

That is one fine example of one of the best muscle cars ever made. The journey it made to get to the brothers collection I’m sure was an epic one. We are lucky to have such an original unrestored GTO judge to share with the younger generation

[@flya787]

Not a muscle car read a book muscle car era 64-70

[@quincee3376]

@@flya787 yes it is.

[@sykwookiee]

@@flya787 We know enough not to follow the crowd...the source material sounds like bunk..a muscle car must check certain boxes and they most certainly have built muscle cars after 1970...I was buying and selling these cars in the 80s...if you don't FEEL that some cars aren't in the correct category, write it down...then fold it neatly into a business size envelope...the last step is to put the proper postage and mail that m'rf'r to somebody who gives an actual 💩 about it...🖕and the 🐎 ya' rode in on...have nice day 👍 😀

[@erickort1987]

i always loved the dual snorkle hood scoop on the 71 judge just like on firebird fornula 400 ram air....impressive

[@marcialreyes4779]

What a piece of machine beautiful.

[@marcialreyes4779]

I think if there was a 73 and 74 gto. SD would of been a little bit more collectible and very fast because that platform was light

[@samspade8612]

I would love to drive an original 455 H.O. or SD 455. 90k is impressive for an unrestored musclecar. Most ended up around telephone poles.

[@robertelmo7736]

@5:37 LOL "We do what we need to keep them running" followed by full on launch lol...

[@biggerdaddy2]

Man that 455 was an absolute beast!!!

[@mjmoran3rd]

I really love the 70-72 A body Pontiacs. Pontiac lover since coming home from the hospital.

[@alanwood5857]

I known that this car is largely untouched, but that dent in the front lower valance would drive me crazy!

[@dansmusic5749]

For me, this is one THE iconic muscle cars. A super car in its absolute purest form. Pure Rock-n-Roll. This car in this color with these wheels was and is one of my all-time dream machines. I had the brochure when this car was new. 1971 GTO Judge.

[@doernerrr]

In 84 my dad ordered a new performance Ford, when he took delivery the car had about 50 miles on the odometer. Ford had placed a special sticker on the window that said the car had been used by engineering for evaluation. So in his case the manufacturer made sure the first owner was aware that he had received a pilot car.

[@billthompson5644]

Absolutely Wonderful, good choice.

[@mrgtojudge]

To be clear: yes, the original concept of the Judge was to be a low budget, bare bones muscle car ala Road Runner. The prototype was known as the "E.T.", as in "Elapsed Time". However, from the get go with its introduction in 1969, ALMOST any optional equipment available on the regular GTO was available on the Judge...

[@justinsanders2705]

Great video I have always had a passion for the Pontiacs. It was a sad day when GM said no more. I miss the trans am most of all but the gto is always at the top of my muscle car list.

[@sdushdiu]

There were indeed some classy car designs during the 60s and early70s - but bare none, Pontiac owned the space as a brand. And of course the Ford GT40 owns everything!

[@rickintexas1584]

Wow, what a gorgeous car. I had a 72 Buick Skylark with the same body style and paint as the Judge. It only had a 350 V8. I added a Holly 780 double pumper, Melling cam, Hooker Headers, and Cherry Bomb glass packs. But the bottle of N2O made it scream like a bat out of hell. That was a great car.

[@waynesnyder4906]

Such a cool car 🙂. I had a 1971 GTO with the 400 cid motor. Power to spare. Super fast car, I miss it. Great video!

[@thefettfan3994]

Happy 2020 wishes to all at MCotW!!!!!!!

[@MuscleCarOfTheWeek]

Thanks! And to you as well!

[@marcialreyes4779]

@@MuscleCarOfTheWeek thanks for all of muscle car education. All the episodes are interesting. Always like to learn more about muscle car. History. Thanks for keeping the dream alive. One day I will buy a. Trans am or a GTO.

[@msparr01]

My first car was a 1971 Lemans Sport. It looked identical to this car except White, no rear spoiler and, of course, no "The Judge". Mine had a 350 2bl. I learned how to drive in that car. Good times!

[@toomanyhobbies2011]

"This place is full of used cars", a classic comment!

[@markw6265]

Bought a 71 Lemans conv 350 / auto w/ console for $400 in the 80's.....lol Owner even threw in a ram air hood as part of the deal if I wanted to convert it to a gto. Cool car.

[@tomhorst7614]

A friend of mine bought one once, that was a sporty looking car.

[@TheFokker03]

everything about this car,screams muscle! I love mustangs,but GTO Judges come a close second.

[@DannyMostarac-zn6wd]

Super sweet GTO

[@scottsteeves]

That bit of wear just means that it was driven as it should have been. Not a trailer queen.

[@GMCOldsRichmond]

This channel is great, it helps me teach my kids about the old school Muscle cars. Its sad they were not around when dad had his old Muscle Cars. Pictures don't do these beautiful works of art justice.

[@cali2468]

This car is beautiful. I didn't know Pontiac made a Judge in 1971.

[@jeremythompson9122]

My favorite GTO is probably a 69 Ram Air IV but still an awesome ride. 1972 was pretty much the last hurrah for the GTO. 1973-74 GTO's could've been awesome too if Pontiac would've offered the 455SD as a GTO engine option...especially the 1974 compact GTO because it was 500 lbs lighter than a 74 Trans Am

[@deandee8082]

what a looker, Delorean was on the right track for sure

[@chickencrapoperator]

Kevin, from a Pontiac enthusiast, thank you!

[@michaelclarke9488]

Thank you for saying Safe-T-Track. 😄

[@jswan9658]

Agreed, I like it just the way it is !

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I wouldn't want to see it any other way....pure class.!!!

[@johnconnors5123]

It must have mattered not being restored as you sold this car . And new owner did nut and bolt restoration . Brothers have one of the best collections of muscle cars . Would love to tour it someday.

[@rickintexas1584]

I'm so glad these videos are in HD. I watched it on a big screen on my computer. I almost watched it on my phone, that would have been a travesty!

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

Original only once - still looks great! Nothing wrong with a nice Muncie whine either!

[@chocodiledundee1]

In Australia 🇦🇺 back on the 70’s the designer in Australia GM-H was American he made this Monaro LE ( limited edition) that had those honey combs wheels gold shame and the 4 headlights with colour coded bumpers and red velour interior with pretty much exactly the same steering wheel....I guess it was heavily based on this GTO

[@JesusLovesYouPerfectly]

that is a Beautiful car :-)

[@braddietzmusic2429]

Really great and improved production values and photography. Cars really brought to life in video. Kevin, great job as always relaying the important and researched details without rambling and without seeming pedantic. Great balance. Great work in 2019. I look forward to more great content in 2020. Very best wishes for the new year.

[@mrgtojudge]

Also, would love to see the PHS invoice on this car...

[@hgpiiihgp]

Oops, I just asked about that too. Let's see if we get a response!

[@tonystoakley5816]

Thanks Kevin Fantastic to see this great car one of the brothers wish we could see more of them and the stories behind the cars that we all love ..Happy New Year keep up the great work

[@PETERLINNAH]

Great car and great video! Thanks for that, Kevin and Doug!

[@randybiby9757]

Beautiful car.

[@MikeBMW]

Always great videos, Kevin, thank you! :)

[@shock-eh3849]

They should get the original ram air air cleaner for it....unless it was supposed to be that way given it's early production status.

[@tonynoname455]

Back in 1983 my cousin had the opportunity to purchase a 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge in absolutely Beautiful Unrestored all Original Condition for the sum of $1200.00 It was an original owner car in Orbital Orange w/ the beautiful purple stripes, black interior, equipped with a 455 Ram Air, 4 speed Muncie, manual steering, manual disc brake, 12 bolts type C rear end w/ 4.11 gears, w/that awesome rear deck spoiler. He was only fifteen years of age and needed his Father's approval in order to purchase the car. My Uncle and Dad both took the car for a test drive, then the verdict was in. Both my Uncle and Dad in fear of my cousins safety, decided that the car was just too powerful for a first car. The Owner of the Judge knew and could easily see that my cousin really wanted the car, so he told my Uncle that he would accept $1000.00 for the car. My Uncle gracefully declined the offer, because he knew in his heart that the car was just way too powerful for an inexperienced driver. I must have heard him tell this story over a thousand times.

[@rosenb37]

Tony NoName45 Lots of stats on that car suggest it wasn’t stock, or you’re simply mistaken.

[@MidiPunk]

My fave body style of any car ever.

[@LS1007]

Nice find but I like the hood on the previous models better. Thanks for sharing it and have a Happy Muscle Car New Year! 🥳👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@hoss1947]

Great video on a great Judge.

[@mickeymighty1866]

I love this show

[@hikethisplanet1017]

I had a 71 Judge. I sold it in Winnipeg Manitoba around 1976 I think. I also believe I sold it to the dealership called Stadium Ford. It was Copper coloured. If anyone knows any of the history of that Judge, please leave a comment on here. Would really love to find out what happened to the car. It was the biggest mistake in my life selling that car. I believe there was only 357 made that year.

[@dogsense3773]

I'm 66 and live in north California,I volunteer one day a week in a restoration shop,and worked on a 70 GTO 455 copper colored but no judge,nice car but don't know if it's a color change,and never seen this color before! Thanks

[@levinausley288]

If every car was 100% restored then no car would be unique

[@MrTommyboy68]

I wish you would have showed the "invoice" as it shows a wealth of information such as dealer cost and Retail prices.

[@kingerikthegreatest.ofall.7860]

Beautiful!

[@jimh2061]

I didnt know the 455 had those ram air 4 heads? Those ram air 4 motors were bad ass.

[@rosenb37]

The 455 HO. The other 455 didn't.

[@bgh70]

Sounds like it's got a M22.

[@alexandercurtis4427]

Good ol Rock Crusher

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

you'll know when it's running if it's whining away..

[@nicholasmaher9175]

That cotter pin securing the throttle cable to the carb linkage looks kind of new and shiny, and needs a little more twist in it . . .

[@bryanclark4348]

I have the other 71 judge expedition blue car #15

[@bigthunder2860]

I owned a 1970 GTO 455 HO i liked it very much i did a lot of work to it all for performance isky 500 eradicate cam trip duces carters had the valves polished and ported duel springs mallery ignition hooker header 390 pos rear end with zoom gears it went now stopping was another story

[@joequillun7790]

Hey! That things got a 12 bolt under it. I thought Pontiac only did that in 1970? Of course the 455 "needs" a 12 bolt behind it. Nice car. Love the wear. Hate the judge stripes and ridiculous wing. Thanks for posting it.

[@lennartpettersson9159]

In those days you just put in some TRW L2394F high compression pistons, the '68-'70 Ram Air II/IV camshaft and Hooker round port headers for 430+hp and a brutal 530+lb.ft torque. I also like Pontiacs Ram Air 400ci engines, bracket raced my '70 400 Ram Air III Judge with slight modification but original cast exhaust manifolds and 4,33 it ran mid 12 sec.

[@justingillen4352]

I can’t believe they restored this car. It needed left alone. What a shame.

[@quincee3376]

Cool vid . No Tach on the hood for this one.?

[@guyletourneau6167]

Cudos to pontiac for the 71 nose. Its probably s love it hate it thing. But i like how it gave it more of a sports car look

[@turbotempest4095]

Aren't pilot cars supposed to be destroyed? very cool. BTW a judge can never be just a used car ;)

[@GoodbyeKamala2024]

I had a buddy that had a blue one, it kicked the 💩out of some supposedly badder muscle cars. Blowed their minds.

[@yavin99]

Its a shame the front has some damage but still an awesome car.

[@tillman002000]

That needs to be fixed along with that rusty exhaust

[@dogsense3773]

It's old enough to have damage!

[@hgpiiihgp]

I would like confirmation on the pilot car claim. Got the PHS for it?

[@rolandjenkins7515]

Looks like original leaves behind the grill too.

[@markwegner6100]

Great video! Is Doug one of the mysterious, "Brothers"?

[@Scalihoo]

Yup & Jonathan Higgins was really Robin Masters

[@63MacGuy]

What was the difference between the HO and the SD?

[@the70oojudge]

What are the last 6 numbers on it , that makes is a Pilot car?

[@tillman002000]

She needs some love. Maybe not a full off frame, but at least get that nose area back to original and handle that rusting under carriage and exhaust.

[@Stormbringer505]

Just for the heck of it I googled this car found one on eBay for 130 thousand dollars.

[@scooterp7009]

What were the bids at?

[@Stormbringer505]

@@scooterp7009 I went back and looked doesn't show as 43 watchers and comes out of st George Utah . Color is a light blue nice car to much money.

[@rickj6048]

The car was owned by a drunk driver at some point. Check out the steering column paint chipped away from stabbing the key at the ignition at 2:15.

[@ronaldmoore8131]

That front valance really needs to be replaced or restored. Minor stuff like key ring scuffs on the steering column leave as is = original.

[@danhoyland142]

What sizes are those wide ovals?

[@clinkerclint]

I know this is an older video but maybe some of you can help me out. I hear a lot of gear noise in this car. It sounds a lot like what an M22 sounds like but as far as I know, Pontiac never put it in M22 Rock Crusher behind any of its Motors. Anyone have any input?

[@audieconrad8995]

M-21?...

[@clinkerclint]

@@audieconrad8995 that's what I think it is.

[@j.d.b.pennamesonofharraant3367]

Dodgeniac GTO X (Not for sale) Use for Notes with Dodge Hybrid

[@Darryl6636]

Fucking awesome Kev

[@jimmybanta4520]

Who is the 1 duesh nozzle to not like this video

[@rickintexas1584]

There are now 7 dislikes. Unbelievable. How can someone not like that car?

[@drippinglass]

James Banta What’s a dues nozzle?

[@kennymay9036]

sounds like a M22 is lurking in there

[@alexandercurtis4427]

Thing needs the lower valence fixed. Other than that, it looks brand new

[@sornord]

Did the early cars still have high compression?

[@barcrrt850]

No. In the 8's to 1. Still decent torque though.

[@philliplopez8745]

Don't dare to restore it . It is a " snapshot " in time .

[@peteh.5236]

Bought mine in 1991. Still have it and loving it. Not bad for $5500. Eh?

[@anthonygonzalez5840]

90,000 mile car drive better than a 100 point resto? Lol

[@Rouge_7]

I enjoy their muscle cars that are not Ford, MOPAR, Chevy. The "off breeds" do well for me.

[@ScarlettFire341]

Pontiac claims that the 71 GTO 455 HO was the quickest GTO ever produced ... but then again who really knows it (LOL) BUT this one ain't no dog -- www.hemmings.com/blog/article/1971-72-pontiac-gto/

[@Johnnycdrums]

Didn't the Buick 455 make more horsepower?

[@ScarlettFire341]

the manufacturers published HP & Torque numbers are all Nonsense / Fudged for many different reasons

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

71 was the only unique year.. olds had the same thing with the 442 it's what I call the snouts...you look at the flat Enduro grill of a 70 GTO you look at the 72 but you look at the 71 you see the snout

[@rosenb37]

1971-72 look the same aside of the grille, for the most part.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@rosenb37 yes they definitely do other than that snout.. it's nice to see by the time 72 came around both Pontiac and Oldsmobile got the nose jobs lol

[@rosenb37]

@@truckerkevthepaidtourist Again, the snout for 1971-72 are the same. It's the 1970 that has the unique one.

[@JACKERS861]

meowwwwww 🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@davidprince1138]

*drool*

[@j.d.b.pennamesonofharraant3367]

Do it

[@GrooveDuude]

Needs no restoration. Just cleaning and driving.

[@martinmartin5904]

If you repair the front lower , put an entire front nose of 1969 instead . That looks much better than the ugly '71 one , even the 1970 front nose is more beautiful than the 1971. I don't mind about low VIN & pilot stuff .

[@dukeman7595]

"Pile of Judge"? I don't care for your innuendo in the least Mr.!!

[@martycarter3306]

It would be better if it was a 68 or 69 and 70....71 and up to me was not a gto...

[@flya787]

Not an HO not oval port heads open chamber heads low compression junk

[@chutoparadinni5474]

HO round port 455! STFU!!

[@ScarlettFire341]

For both years, 71 & 72, there were a pair of 455 engine options: the L75, with D-shaped exhaust ports matched to the same exhaust manifolds as the L78, and the LS5 H.O., which featured round exhaust ports and matching exhaust manifolds for better flow. While the L75 455 was equipped with the same cast-iron intake manifold as the L78 400, the LS5 455 H.O. breathed through an aluminum dual-plane intake manifold that used a cast-iron crossover. www.hemmings.com/blog/article/1971-72-pontiac-gto/

[@flya787]

@@ScarlettFire341 u left out the horsepower rating because 71 not a muscle car 71 junk open chamber heads

[@flya787]

@@ScarlettFire341 i have a set of d port heads if u need them ram air one 68cc

[@captainbuttnuggets4786]

Love it👍🏼

[@Lucille69caddy]

BadASS!

[@GrooveDuude]

Needs no restoration. Just cleaning and driving.