Pontiac may have disappeared in 2010, but these ultra-rare muscle machines still command jaw-dropping prices at auction. From million-dollar Judges to forgotten drag strip warriors, here are the most coveted Pontiacs that collectors are desperately hunting.
1. 1970 GTO Judge Ram Air IV Convertible – The Million-Dollar Goat
Only 17 examples of the 1970 GTO Judge Convertible featured the legendary 400-cubic-inch Ram Air IV engine pumping out 370 horsepower—and just seven came with an automatic transmission. One pristine Orbit Orange example shattered records at Mecum Kissimmee 2023, selling for $1.1 million.
What Makes It Special: The Ram Air IV outperformed the larger 455 engine, running quarter-miles in the 13-second range versus 14 seconds for standard GTOs.
Current Value: $146,600–$1.1M+ depending on condition and transmission
2. 1963 Pontiac Catalina “Swiss Cheese” – The Drag Strip Legend
Pontiac drilled 120 weight-saving holes into the frame of this factory drag racer, earning it the “Swiss Cheese” nickname, and equipped it with aluminum body panels and a 421-cubic-inch Super Duty V8 rated at 405+ horsepower. Only 14 of these lightweight warriors were built, making them among Pontiac’s rarest performance cars.
Auction Record: One example sold for $335,500
Why It Matters: These proto-supercars dominated NHRA competition and put Pontiac on the performance map.
3. 1969 Firebird Trans Am Convertible – The Eight That Started It All
In 1969, Pontiac produced only 697 Trans Am package Firebirds total—but just eight were convertibles. Each featured the 6.6-liter Ram Air High Output V8, with four getting four-speed manuals and four receiving three-speed automatics.
Collector’s Dream: No two examples were identical, with each sporting different features—one even lacked the iconic Trans Am decals.
Estimated Value: $835,000 (Hagerty #3 condition)
4. 1977 Trans Am Special Edition – Smokey’s Ride
Thanks to Smokey and The Bandit, the late ’70s Trans Am became a cultural icon, with well-preserved Special Edition models fetching up to $134,000. One example with just 14 miles sold for $400,000, while the official movie promo car commanded $550,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale.
Pop Culture Power: The Burt Reynolds connection turned a malaise-era muscle car into a blue-chip collectible.
5. 1973 Trans Am SD-455 – The Last Warrior
With just 252 examples built in 1973 due to emissions certification delays, the Trans Am SD-455 represented the final true muscle car of the golden era. Its specially developed 455 engine officially produced 310 horsepower, far exceeding the standard 455’s output.
Historical Significance: This was Pontiac’s defiant response to the oil crisis before muscle cars nearly vanished entirely.
Rarity Factor: Production increased to around 1,000 in 1974 before the model was discontinued.
6. 1969 GTO Judge Ram Air III Convertible – Triple Black Treasure
Pontiac built just 108 GTO Judge Convertibles in 1969, with 79 featuring the four-speed transmission and Ram Air III engine. One of only three known triple-black examples sold for $313,500 at Mecum Kissimmee, surpassing Hagerty’s high estimate of $258,750.
Investment Potential: Even “Fair” condition examples command nearly $140,000.
7. 1977 Pontiac LeMans Can Am – The Forgotten Muscle Car
The LeMans Can Am featured a modified 400-cubic-inch V8 with Rochester four-barrel carburetor and improved suspension supporting its 4,125-pound frame. Production ended abruptly when the trunk spoiler mold broke, with Pontiac fearing it would cannibalize other model sales.
Sleeper Status: This late-’70s muscle car flies under most collectors’ radars but represents Pontiac’s refusal to surrender.
8. 1962 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty – The Original Speed Demon
Pontiac built just 16 Grand Prix models with Super Duty engines for 1962, making them among the brand’s rarest high-performance offerings. The lightweight construction and dual-quad 421-cubic-inch V8 made these factory drag racers legendary.
Competition Heritage: These cars dominated NHRA racing with quarter-mile times as low as 11.73 seconds.
9. 1969 Pontiac Custom S – The Undervalued Classic
Offered exclusively in 1969, the Custom S came with various V8 configurations, with the top-line setup producing 330 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque from a 350-cubic-inch engine. With 46,886 units produced, it’s not as rare as others but remains undervalued.
Smart Buy: This affordable entry point into classic Pontiacs is poised for value appreciation.
10. 1968 Pontiac Firebird Sprint – The Six-Cylinder Surprise
Pontiac sold just 657 Sprint convertibles in 1968, making it one of the brand’s rarest classics. The Sprint featured a 250-cubic-inch inline-six producing 215 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque.
Unique Appeal: Proof that Pontiac’s engineering excellence extended beyond V8s.
Why These Pontiacs Matter Now
Pontiac met its end due to General Motors’ bankruptcy, making these surviving models even more significant as tributes to an all-American automaker’s greatest hits. With muscle car values climbing and collector interest intensifying, these rare Pontiacs represent both automotive history and sound investments.
Expert Insight: Three “Swiss Cheese” Catalinas have sold at auction in the last decade for nearly $500,000 each, confirming their status as the most collectible Pontiacs ever built.
The Bottom Line
From million-dollar auction headliners to forgotten muscle car sleepers, these 10 rare Pontiacs prove that the brand’s legacy lives on through these mechanical masterpieces. Whether you’re a serious collector or enthusiast dreaming of ownership, understanding these rarities gives you insight into Pontiac’s innovative spirit and performance obsession.
Pro Tip: Values continue rising as muscle car enthusiasts seek alternatives to mainstream Camaros and Mustangs—making rare Pontiacs a smart collecting strategy.
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