We recently came across legendary drag racer Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick’s 1969 D/Stock Pontiac GTO Judge. Back in 1969, Pontiac let out a few hand-tweaked Ram Air IV 400 cubic inch GTOs to a few lucky drag racers. These engines were rumored to far surpass the stock 370 horsepower rating, and the story has it that Pontiac wanted these Ram Air IV Judges to be raced in stock-class races across the country. Beswick’s car is truly a stripper model, with no options or sound deadener to keep it light. Even the seam sealer was left off this car to keep the weight to a minimum.
In race trim, the Judge was good for mid 12 second quarter mile passes, and the crazy striping and lettering by Dick Skully made this Judge stand out. Today, the Beswick Judge shows very little wear, and the striping and lettering have been restored to their original glory.
Period-correct Firestone Wide-Ovals wrap around the front American Racing mags, and Firestone Drag 500’s look ready to burn up the strip out back. Inside, two vintage Sun gauges flank the Hurst shifter. While it’s not the most famous Beswick race car, this Judge has an interesting history of it’s own.
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