GMP 1971 Pontiac

In 1971 Pontiac GTO sales, which had been steadily declining since the late sixties, finally crashed. Only 374 Judges were produced including just 17 convertibles, despite having a 455 engine under the hood. Also, this would be the last year for the infamous 455 as the muscle car was falling out of favor due to many government regulations and the price of gasoline. Alas, GTO was in its final year as its own separate model.

Furthermore, GM announced that all future engines would require unleaded gasoline to meet the new government regulations and compression ratios, causing power ratings to plummet. To compensate for these new regulations Pontiac restyled the front end adjusted the axle ratio and carburetor attempting to elevate performance lost by these regulations, all to no avail. Performance and sales were on the decline and nothing could hide or change that.

As a kid growing up in 60's – 70's having driven many of the greatest American muscle cars the Pontiac GTO was always a favorite of mine. I honestly never drove one but I rode in many including a 1971 Judge that was owned by a good friend of mine. As time has passed my memory has become clouded of the many wonderful features of these automobiles. I am grateful to the mints for allowing my memory to be jogged back to the past, where I may recall a favorite time of my youth.

Opening the box that cradled the Black 1971 GTO Judge, a smile covered my face from ear to ear. Upon placing the replica on my desk for review, memories came flooding back, such as sounds, smells and music from the era I remember so well. This is what collecting means to me, capturing a piece of my past for my personal enjoyment.

Utilizing a checklist and reviewing the packaged instructions first, let's begin our review starting with the fit and finish of this fine replica. Starting at the hood and turning the model ever so slowly on our rotating pedestal the first thing I noticed is the glass like finish. There are no gaps to be found anywhere on this model, it is as perfect as it gets. The exterior is loaded with many extras that were a pleasant surprise to me. Such as the door and trunk locks, a see through grille and side marker lights. Decals also abound on the model being correctly placed, such as the Ram Air located on the hood and 455 H.O. on the spoiler. As for the model stance I again feel it is perfect sitting proudly on my desk not looking awkward or out of stance.

Next let's review the chrome trim. This model doesn't sport much chrome but it still should be checked for fit and finish. All window and door trim is perfect along with the wheel opening and rocker panel moldings. Checking the decals for damage and authenticity here again GMP got it all correct, nothing damaged or missing. The decals are applied perfectly making the car look hot with the black body color. The detail applied to the tires and rims are also excellent being perfect to scale. The honeycomb rims are eye catchers in themselves. The hood tachometer is readable and the side mirrors have inserts giving the illusion of mirrors.

Popping the hood reveals one of the most detailed engine compartments to ever cross my desk. If it was in there on the 1:1 then it is in there on this replica. Compressors, hoses, spark plug wires brake lines off the master cylinder, windshield wiper motor on the firewall etc., etc. Very impressive under hood detail one of the best I ever seen.

The interior abounds with detail also. Seat backs fold forward, and are as realistic as they get. There is a key in the ignition, chrome around the pedals just as on the original along with the Judge emblem located on the dash. Door panels are realistic including handles and armrests with the driver side door having the little chrome attachment to adjust the mirror. I fell in love with this models interior.

Opening the trunk you will view a spot on replica of the original with spatter paint on the floor along with a spare tire and jack. Flipping the model over to view the undercarriage you will once again be pleasantly surprised by the detail put forth by GMP on this model. Brake lines, exhaust, shocks etc along with the GMP plate and the number of the individual replica as it correlated to production.

As you can tell by this review I am very excited by this model and rate it 5 stars, which is the highest-ranking JSS Software can give a model. I base the ranking on the fact that you can obtain a first class model at a reasonable price worth every penny of the $119.95 price tag. Put this one on your wish list you won't be disappointed.