1968 - 1972 Pontiac GTO

A major restyle and the introduction of some exciting new options, such as the "Judge" are high points for the GTO in these years.

1968 Pontiac GTO

A fresh new body style was born of the GTO this year. For the first time an industry leading Endura molded front bumper was introduced. This allowed the car to look "bumper-less" while maintaining the safety needs of a standard bumper. Also available for the first time on the GTO were hideaway headlights. The styling was so successful that the 1968 Pontiac GTO was named the Motor Trend Car of the Year.

The motor offerings remained essentially the same this year as compared to the 1967 model. were available this year. The exception was a new Ram Air II which incorporated some newly redesigned heads.

Models:
Coupe, hardtop, convertible

1969 Pontiac GTO

The 1969 Pontiac GTO received minor exterior and interior changes but remained very similar to the previous year. New this year was a slightly honeycomb style grill, new taillights, deletion of the 1/4 vent windows, more chrome trim, and a two-tiered dash (wood on bottom).

Introduced this year were a couple of new 400cid options including Ram Air III and a very powerful Ram Air IV.

Perhaps the largest high point for the GTO this year was the addition of a new model - the Judge. This car included some very bold graphics, a rear spoiler, blacked out grill, real hood scoops, and rally wheels. Pontiac sold approx. 6800 Judge's in this first model year. Only 108 were convertibles.

Models:
Coupe, hardtop, convertible, Judge (hardtop/convertible)

1970 Pontiac GTO

The 1970 Pontiac GTO received a styling overhaul this year. A wraparound Endura bumper now encased 4 headlamps and a new grill. The body lines were altered to contain creases and new tail panel was designed. Also, introduced late in the year was the 455cid motor. Production numbers were steadily falling for the GTO.

However, there were a couple of well needed updates and new ideas used on the 1970 GTO. Under the body the suspension was redesigned to produce better handling. Also, a little used option was available to provide vacuum actuated exhaust "cut-outs" called the W73 option. Also, Pontiac offered a special Ram Air V motor with newly designed round head ports, aluminum intake, Holley carb, 4 main cap block, and a solid cam. You could not have the motor installed by the factory but could do so at any dealership.

Late year production Judge's now used the 455cid motor.

Models:
Coupe, hardtop, convertible, Judge (hardtop/convertible).Total production was 40,000 cars.

1971 Pontiac GTO

The 1971 Pontiac GTO saw some significant changes. The powertrain offerings were limited this year and overall horsepower was down compared to previous years. This was also the final year the GTO being a separate car of its own. In future years it would become an optional package.

On the exterior the cars had larger grill openings and round front parking lamps. Dual larger hood scoops opened near the leading edge of the hood. Production numbers would fall by nearly 70% this year signaling a near end for the once mighty Pontiac.

Models:
Coupe, hardtop, convertible, Judge (hardtop/convertible).Total production was 10,000 cars.

1972 Pontiac GTO

The 1972 Pontiac GTO was visually nearly identical to the 1971 model year. However, gone were the Judge package and instead was a huge drop in power. Also, the GTO was now an optional equipment package for base Le Mans coupes and hardtops. From the exterior the cars essentially remained the same.

Models:
Coupe, hardtop. Total production was approx. 6,000 cars.

Recommended Links:

• GTO Club of America
• Pontiac GTO pictures
• 1964-1967 Pontiac GTO History

Extra

• Pontiac Specs Home