By 1969 the muscle-car era was in full swing and the competition was fierce. Pontiac entered the year with a refreshed GTO. The tweaked styling was clean and handsome, the GTOs innovative Endura body-colour front bumper was still a trend setter. The big GTO news for 1969 was a new eye-grabbing Judge model. With a name inspired by the hit TV show Laugh In, the Judge was originally envisioned as a less-expensive GTO that could directly challenge the budget friendly and hugely popular Plymouth Road Runner. Once development was complete, the Judge had evolved into a high-end GTO with a wild rear spoiler, unique bodyside stripes, and mod-style The Judge emblems. The first 5000 Judges were painted in the models signature Carousel Red hue, but eventually any standard GTO colour could be specified. GTO production totalled 72,287 units in 1969. This included 6725 Judge hardtop coupes and a mere 108 Judge convertibles. Optional rear spoiler and factory-stock Judge decal graphics in four colour schemes Highly detailed 370-horsepower Ram Air IV 400-cubic-inch V-8 engine Ram Air hood with optional hood-mounted tachometer Detailed Rallye II wheels. Choice of stock and Hurst T-handle floor shifters