Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible Ram Air IV

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible Ram Air IV

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Convertible Ram Air IV

Above and beyond the GTO Judge package was the Ram Air IV. It was the most potent engine option available from Pontiac and was occasionally ordered with the Judge. Naturally, any convertible equipped as such is one of the most desirable and collectible Pontiacs around.

In 1969 a range of engines was available with the GTO, but the Judge option came standard with the Ram Air III package. With 366 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, it was more than enough to compete with the BOSS Mustangs and HEMI Mopars. As an upgraded option, owners could have the even more potent Ram Air IV engine which raised output to 370 horsepower and 445 ft lbs of torque.

The Ram Air IV used new cylinder heads, new rockers, a more radical camshaft and an aluminum intake manifold with a Rochester Quadrajet carburetor. Air conditioning was deleted and an automatic or manual transmission could be chosen.

Other standard features of the ’69 Judge included a full width rear spoiler, tri-color body stripes and 14×6-inch Rally II wheels. Additionally, any of the GTO options could be ordered with the Judge package.

Our feature car comes from the collection of Milton Robson who included it as a centerpiece of his muscle car collection. It had almost every desirable feature including a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty Safe-T-Track differential, covered headlights, power steering and power brakes. Delivered new to Rut Johnson, the cost of the car was $5,147.27.

When Milton Robson finally acquired the car, he commissioned a complete restoration by Gilbert Propes in Cornelia, Georgia. Finished in its original color combination of Starlight Black with black interior, this might be the most desirable Pontiac of all time.

In Detail

type Series Production Car
built at USA
engine V8
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain Pushrod Operated OHV, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed Rochester Quadrajet Carburetor
displacement 6555 cc / 400.01 in³
bore 105 mm / 4.13 in
stroke 95.0 mm / 3.74 in
compression 10.75:1
power 275.9 kw / 370 bhp @ 5500 rpm
specific output 56.45 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 232.85 bhp per tonne
torque 603.3 nm / 445 ft lbs @ 3400 rpm
body / frame Steel Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD
front brakes Discs w/Power Assist
rear brakes Discs w/Power Assist
f suspension Double Wishbones
r suspension Live Axle
curb weight 1589 kg / 3500 lbs
transmission 4-Speed Manual
top speed ~201.13 kph / 125 mph
0 – 60 mph ~6.0 seconds
0 – 1/4 mile ~15 seconds