Not for sale - SOLD! A 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge parked in my small town for over two decades was "Not For Sale" until I saw it on Ebay. To my surprise this unobtanium magical red creation built by Pontiac at the pinnacle of the Muscle Car era was up for grabs. I knew the owner because we had developed a friendship over our shared appreciation of Pontiacs. Driving by the Judge made any day better just knowing, that such a rare car might be for sale one day in my hometown of Pinson, Alabama.
History
According to the owner, Les Muntz, a legend surrounding this GTO Judge tells us that a Black Birmingham, Alabama Police Officer ordered the car new. Now you may say what is the big deal? Birmingham's history during the Civil Rights movement was volatile regarding the Birmingham Police, “Bull” Conner, white supremacist, fire hoses, and dogs unleashed on peaceful protestors in Birmingham. In 1963 those images were shown across the globe. A black Birmingham police officer driving a new, bright red 1970 GTO Judge in 1970 was courageous.
We don't know the Judge's original owner's info yet. But we do know that Birmingham's first Black Police Officer, Leroy Stover, served from 1966 until 1998 for the city. It was a difficult time in Birmingham, known as the Magic City, especially for a police officer. I imagine that any officer driving a bright red muscle car would turn heads. Officer Stover likely knew the owner of this GTO Judge if this legend is true. In 1970, I'm sure this 4-speed Judge made an impression at the Police Station and all across the city. The search continues to find out that original owner's name.
Parchment Top, Cardinal Red Paint
Muntz collected documentation and a Pontiac Historical Services record of all the options on his 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge. The car has been repainted and new black vinyl top replaced the original Parchment vinyl roof covering. Muntz thinks this could be a 1-of-1 Cardinal Red 1970 GTO Judge with that red paint color, red interior and parchment color vinyl top option.
Going, going, gone
I'm a longtime fan of this local legend Pontiac and was surprised to see it on Ebay. I had stopped to look at it over the 20-plus years it was stationed in my hometown. I even subtly inquired if he would ever sell. The answer was always, no. Time has a way of changing things. Family needs forced Muntz to make the move to sell the rare Pontiac. A new owner from the Chicago area plans top restore the Judge back to its original condition. (Watch the video at top for more details)
Parchment Top, Cardinal Red Paint
Muntz collected documentation and a Pontiac Historical Services record of all the options on his 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge. The car has been repainted and new black vinyl top replaced the original Parchment vinyl roof covering. Muntz thinks this could be a 1-of-1 Cardinal Red 1970 GTO Judge with that red paint color, red interior and parchment color vinyl top option.
Going, going, gone
I'm a longtime fan of this local legend Pontiac and was surprised to see it on Ebay. I had stopped to look at it over the 20-plus years it was stationed in my hometown. I even subtly inquired if he would ever sell. The answer was always, no. Time has a way of changing things. Family needs forced Muntz to make the move to sell the rare Pontiac. A new owner from the Chicago area plans top restore the Judge back to its original condition. (Watch the video at top for more details)
Drop a comment if know any detail on the original owner or you've got a hometown legend rotting away in plain sight or hidden from view.
Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust
Send us details and we’re on the way!
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com
