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1971 Pontiac GTO

Pontiac introduced the GTO in 1964 and it would remain in production until 1974, with approximately 500,000 examples produced during that time period. The GTO, representing Gran Turismo Omologato, was tagged (at least in some circles) as beginning the start of the Muscle Car craze.

The GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer and engine specialist Russell Gee and divisional chief engineer John DeLorean. The vehicle was perfect for Pontiac, as their advertising (Jim Wangers) and marketing approaches were heavily influenced by performance. Pontiac felt that by promoting the big-engine Tempest as a special high-performance model, they could appeal to the youth and the performance community.

The GTO was in violation of GM's policy which limited the A-body intermediate line to a maximum engine displacement of 330 cubic inches. They were able to side-step this rule since the GTO was an option package in 1964 and not standard equipment. Pontiac had found a loophole and they capitalized on their creativity.

The GTO continued to change throughout the years. During its lifespan, it was given several unique features that were incorporated in the later 1960 body designs. These updates included body-color Endura front bumper, designed to absorb impact without permanent deformation at low speeds, and the signature hood scoop was replaced by dual scoops on either side of a prominent hood bulge.

For 1969, Pontiac offered the Judge Option Package as a result of sagging GTO sales, partly due to the Plymouth Roadrunner and other muscle car entries of the late 1960s. The GTO Judge prototype was originally called 'ET' (short for Elapsed Time). John Delorean, while watching the popular TV series of Rowan and Martin 'Laugh-In' saw the funny skit featuring Sammy Davis Jr. dressed as a Justice of the Court. As the Judge entered the room, the bailiff cries 'Here Comes de Judge.' Inspired, Mr. Delorean suggested the name 'The Judge.'

The Judge was produced for three years starting in January of 1969 and running until 1971. During that time period, around 11,000 examples were produced. For 1971, only 357 examples of the Judge hardtop were produced.


by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2012

1971 Pontiac GTO Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1971 GTO
$4,070-$35,600
1971 Pontiac GTO Price Range: $3,450 - $4,070

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Other 1971 Pontiac Models
$2,020 - $3,466
$3,047 - $4,595

GTO

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
87,684
112.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 320.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 335.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 340.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 360.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 366.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 390.00hp
$3,000 - $3,100
72,287
112.00 in.
6 cyl., 250.00 CID., 175.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 399.64 CID., 370.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 375.00hp
8 cyl., 428.00 CID., 390.00hp
$2,831 - $4,210
40,149
112.00 in.
8 cyl., 350.00 CID., 255.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 265.00hp
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 330.00hp
8 cyl., 399.58 CID., 350.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 360.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 366.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 370.00hp
$830 - $3,600
10,532
112.00 in.
8 cyl., 400.00 CID., 300.00hp
8 cyl., 455.00 CID., 325.00hp
8 cyl., 455.66 CID., 335.00hp
$3,450 - $4,070

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