The 1969 GTO underwent several design tweaks, including the removal of front door vent windows, subtle changes to the grille and taillights, and shifting the ignition key from the dashboard to the steering column.
Additionally, the rear quarter-panel mounted side marker lamps changed from a red, arrowhead-shaped lens to one resembling the broad GTO badge. Front outboard headrests became standard equipment for all 1969 models.
The top option was the Ram Air IV, boasting 370 hp (375 PS; 276 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 445 lb⋅ft (603 N⋅m) of torque at 3,900 rpm.
It featured high-flow exhaust manifolds, high-flow cylinder heads, a specific high-rise aluminum intake manifold, a larger Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor, a high-lift/long-duration camshaft, and various internal components to handle higher engine speeds and power output. Unlike high-rpm Chevy big-block and Hemi engines, the Ram Air IV used hydraulic lifters.
Introducing “The Judge,” a new model inspired by the “Here Come de Judge” comedy routine from Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In TV show. Initially designed to be a low-cost GTO to compete with the Plymouth Road Runner, The Judge package cost US$332 more than a standard GTO.
It included the Ram Air 400 engine, Rally II wheels without trim rings, a Hurst shifter (with a unique T-shaped handle), wider tires, various decals, and a rear spoiler.
Pontiac claimed the spoiler offered some functional effect at higher speeds, generating a small yet measurable downforce, although it had little value at legal speeds. Initially available only in Carousel Red, other colors were introduced midway through the model year.
The GTO’s sales fell behind both the Chevrolet Chevelle SS396 and the Plymouth Road Runner, but 72,287 units were sold during the 1969 model year, with 6,833 featuring The Judge package.
