Pages

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Not For Sale: 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge SOLD!



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)

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


Red Interior on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Black vinyl roof weathered on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Ram Air 3 400 engine in 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Rear wing sits above trunklin on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Ram Air 3 400 Pontiac engine in 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Twin snorkel Ram Air 3 400 Pontiac engine in 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Endura nose on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Scoops and hood tach on  1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Front bumper on  1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Flat tire on  1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

The Judge glove box emblem on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Steering wheel in on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Weathered black vinyl roof on on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Side stripes on on 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge been parked for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Red 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge outside for 20+ years in Pinson, Alabama in Cardinal Red, black top, 4-speed.

Decal on trunk of weathered red 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge


Do you have a great story, a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!
  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com


1 comment:

Ashley wilson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.