If 1970 was the peak of the original muscle car era, these four offerings from General Motors must be considered some of the best muscle cars ever. All of them were hot performers. All of them looked great. But which one looked the best, inside and out?
In choosing cars for comparison, I found four examples of what I consider each model’s pinnacle: top packages, lively colors (some may disagree with the green 442), and sporty wheels. And no vinyl tops. Although I think a Chevelle SS looks great with a black vinyl top, that is most likely a minority opinion.
In Buick’s case, that was the rare GSX in Saturn Yellow. Only 678 were built, and of those, 491 were Saturn Yellow, and 400 had the Stage 1 engine. With its black and red stripes, spoilers, hood mounted tach, and beautiful Buick rally wheels, it’s Buick’s most complete muscle car of the 1960s and 1970s, and one of its best-looking.
The Chevelle SS with the LS6 454 (this one was originally painted Cranberry Red) is the postage stamp image of the term “muscle car.” If you ask a Chevelle fan what their favorite Chevelle is, odds are 2:1 that they’ll say it’s a 1970 LS6. The four-headlights, the Magnum 500 wheels, “Cowl Induction” hood, and over-the-roof stripes make the SS one of Chevy’s most attractive intermediates.
Like Buick, Oldsmobile is sometimes given short-shrift in muscle car bench racing sessions, but that’s silly. The 1970 4-4-2 W-30 has a twin-scoop hood, menacing red fenderwells, Super Stock II wheels, and over-the-wheelwell stripes.
The GTO is the originator (although that argument is akin to determining who invented rock-and-roll), and it therefore still had that inertia in 1970. Other muscle cars were certainly faster (Pontiac seemed to be caught out by GM’s lifting of the 400-cubic-inch limit for intermediates in 1970), but the GTO looked as good as ever. Pontiac’s statement piece may have been an Orbit Orange “The Judge” Hardtop with Rally II wheels, spoilers front and rear, and a Ram Air hood.
All 1970 GM intermediates had their hard points in common, such as a 112-inch wheelbase. They all had smooth roof-to-quarter-panel transitions (thanks, 1966 Toronado) and a low tail that looked much better on the coupes than it did the sedans, but the GSX’s rear spoiler improved that slight “droopiness” in the tail. The rear quarter windows were squared off at the rear, and the profile is broken up by a character line that bisects the wheelwell, while the stripe package does what stripe packages do—add a little pizazz.
By comparison, the Chevelle is devoid of any stripes (on the sides, at least). There’s no spoiler to “raise the tail” either, but the Chevelle’s quarter window is nearly identical to the Buick’s; in fact, I’d say that that the Chevelle and GSX have the most in common of the four intermediates. However, the bodyside character line is higher on the Chevelle, and the fender and quarter panel “bulges” sit beneath them.
The Oldsmobile comes off as the most unique. Instead of a bodyline, the horizontal stripe divides the upper and lower body. The quarter windows are more rounded, like a boomerang, and who could miss the “flares” on the quarter panels? The fender breaks off into a dipping crease as it enters the door, which reminds me just a bit of a 1968 Dodge Charger, and the rear bumper hugs the quarter panel and forms a point at its farthest extent.
The GTO has the most pronounced wheel arches, and Pontiac’s excellent styling department accentuated them with multicolored stripes on ‘The Judge.” The spoiler is much more pronounced than the GSX’s (and less likely to break someone’s fingers if they’re sitting on the quarter panel at the wrong time), “raising” the rear end visually. One problem with the Endura front bumper on these GTOs is that Pontiac didn’t include one in the rear, so there’s a lack of continuity there. No big deal.
From here, we can see the slightly coved rear window shared by all the A-Body coupes. They’re vaguely reminiscent of a 1967 Mercury Cougar (and thus the Lancia Flaminia). You can see why some people installed “mudflaps” on the rear quarter panels of early ’70s GM products, as they wrap inward severely behind the wheelwell, especially on the GSX. The GSX wore huge G60-15 tires, which help fill out the fairly large wheelwells that all A-Bodies have (at least visually).
While the Buick’s rear quarter has a “break” in the wheelwell, the Chevelle’s higher bodyline means that the wheelwell wraps inward more gently. The rear bumper on SS models was broken up by a black trim piece and bookended by smaller taillights than you’ll find on the GSX.
The 4-4-2 rotates the taillights to a vertical position (it’s the only A-Body to have four of them), and I’ve always liked the way that Oldsmobile handled the exhaust outlets on the 4-4-2. The trunk lid has a more severe slope than the others, as the roof extends in a straighter line from the C-Pillar into the quarter panel.
You can see the reverse curve in the quarter panel of the GTO, which makes it look a little flatter. The rear bumper houses the license plate like the others, but it does not extend to the bottom of the tail as it does on the 4-4-2 and GSX; instead, the quad-tipped exhaust runs through a valance panel.
While I intended this to be a comparison of exterior styling, there’s no reason not to move on to the engine compartments and interiors. All four cars have a Ram Air setup, and the GSX’s Stage 1 455 had chrome valve covers (and air conditioning, on this example). In January 1970, Motor Trend famously reported a 13.38-second quarter-mile time with a Stage 1 GS (at 105 miles per hour), which is one of the quickest times ever recorded from a stock muscle car. Other outlets scored times in the high-13s/low-14s, but even today, the Buick 455 is a consistent performer at the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drags. Not bad for an engine rated at 360 horsepower (and 510 lb.-ft. of torque).
The LS6 454 in the Chevelle, however, holds the rated horsepower crown at 450, and it was no joke: Hot Rod flogged an LS6 to a 13.44-second quarter at 108.17 miles per hour. Car Life only managed a 14.57 at 99.77, but the potential was clearly there. The LS6 had chrome valve covers like the Buick, and I’ve always thought that the big-block Chevy was one of the better-looking muscle car engines, not to mention the fact that it has perhaps the cleanest-looking ram air setup.
The W-30 Oldsmobile wins the engine compartment competition hands-down simply due to the red wheelhouses. The aluminum intake manifold was standard equipment, as was the cold-air setup leading to a special fiberglass hood. In their May 1970 issue, Hot Rod hammered a W-30 down the quarter-mile in 13.98 seconds at 100.78 miles per hour; Car Life’s road test was close: 14.36 at 100.22. Non-power front disc brakes were standard on the W-30, but a power booster was optional with the automatic transmission only (seen here), as the cam on manual-transmission-equipped W-30s was apparently a little too lumpy for Oldsmobile to offer power brakes on stick-shift cars.
Like the Buick and Oldsmobile, the GTO had chromed valve covers, but unlike the others, Pontiac’s hottest engine in 1970 was a 400. This example has the standard (in “The Judge”) 366-horsepower Ram Air III, but the 370-horsepower Ram Air IV was optional (a 360-horsepower 455 in what was basically a “straight out of a Bonneville” tune was optional in regular GTOs). In a Car Life road test, however, the torquey 455 was almost as quick as a Ram Air III: 14.76 at 95.94 vs. 14.60 at 99.55. While the Ram Air 400s were potent, most tests showed that they were a step behind their intramural competitors.
All four cars had interiors that were a little better for purposeful driving than their lower-level stablemates. The GSX had bucket seats, Buick’s beautiful “Rallye” steering wheel, woodgrain accents, and even power windows in the case of this car. Instrumentation was fairly complete, with the tachometer being where it probably doesn’t belong—on the hood.
The GSX was clearly designed to be a range-topper, something people came into the showroom to see but not necessarily buy. (As I mentioned, only 678 were built.) In all, 20,096 GSs were built in 1970, with 2,465 having the Stage 1 engine.
The Chevelle had clear, round gauges, although the buckets and console were optional; otherwise, it looks much like a stock Malibu in here. The SS was popular in 1970, with 62,372 being produced (that number includes both Chevelles and El Caminos). Of those, a surprising 4,475 had the LS6 engine, not bad for a midyear release.
The Olds looks great: round gauges, a “Custom-Sport” steering wheel, woodgraining on the dash, buckets and console. Some won’t like the green, but I do. Oldsmobile sold 19,330 4-4-2s in 1970, with 3,100 being W-30s.
The GTO was always lauded for its sensible gauge layout and attractive interiors. The 1970 model is a little monochromatic for my taste, but the woodgrain dash insert makes up for that to some extent. The gauge package surprisingly included some warning lights rather than gauges. The GTO was still popular in 1970, with Pontiac moving 40,149 of them (3,635 being “The Judge” hardtops).
So which one looks the best? It would be a copout if I didn’t make a choice of my own, and being a diehard BOP guy in addition to a fan of the underdog, I think that (today) I’ll choose the W-30. It’s the most unique, it has a stylish interior, it has red wheelwells, and it looks great in Sherwood Green.
On another day, it might be the GSX. I love Buicks. On the other hand, I think the Chevelle SS is the quintessential muscle car; it looks like a muscle car should. And I’ve always had a thing for Two Lane Blacktop, so we can’t discount the Judge, either. Which one looks the best to you?
Related Reading
Vintage Car Life Road Test: 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 And 400 Ram Air – There IS A Substitute For Cubic Inches (by Aaron S.)
Chevelle SS or Malibu SS? – An Overview of Chevrolet’s Intermediate Super Sport (by Vince C.)
Curbside Classic: 1970 Buick GS Sport Coupe – The Strong, Silent Type (by me)
I’ll agree with you Aaron, Olds it is.
The Chevelle body looked bloated compared to the ’69. The Buick was too bland. The Pontiac might be 2nd best looking but when you factor in the Olds engine the choice is clear.
But I would choose a ’70 Mopar.
I owned a 1970 Olds 442 W30 H/O. I loved it, mine was red with black hood scoops
They’re all winners, but here’s my ranking.
1A. GSX
1B. 442
(1A and 1B alternate based on the day, lighting, and angle.)
2. GTO
3. Chevelle SS
Hands down, the Olds is the best looking and most unique.
I would cast my vote for a non-Judge Pontiac GTO, for its non-chrome nose.
The Olds for me.
Personally, I feel that GM was at its’ height when these four were produced. Having said that, even as a staunch Mopar aficionado, I wouldn’t turn down any of these. Although I tend to favor the Chevrolet (a good friend had one), I also had an acquaintance that owned an identical GSX; just lend all four of them to me for a few weeks, and then maybe I could get back to you with a favorite, LOL!!! 🙂
I always like the 1970 Cutlass Supremes the best….I like the notch back better than the fast back. But for this article: Tie for the Olds and Buick then Chevy then Pontiac. If the GTO was not a Judge I would rate it higher than the Chevy.
There’s really not a bad choice for a GM intermediate coupe from 1970-72. I’d venture to say that it mostly comes down to division preference and how fat someone’s wallet might be.
With that said, the 1970 Cutlass Supreme SX ‘notchback’ (Holiday coupe in Olds-speak) was a wise choice for someone looking for the Oldsmobile PLC version of a Monte Carlo SS454 or Grand Prix SJ. You got the 455 engine in a much more sedate, sleeper car with musclecar performance.
GM hit it out of the park with the 70 A Bodies, and I love them all. Given that, it’d be easier to describe what I DONT like about each..
Buick – Hated the GSX package. Especially the painted headlight bezels. Ruined a super clean styling.
Oldsmobile – Did not like the heaviness of the “S Fastback” rear quarters and C Pillars, And I had one and I loved it, just looked bulky compared to the others. And now that all have them have grown spoilers, the problem is compounded.
Pontiac – Tie: Interior or rear spoiler. Like the Oldsmobile, the rear spoiler is a horribly contrived design that no race car would ever be caught dead with. And the interior designers forgot the Sloan hierarchy and raced to the bottom. The burden of Judge package offset by standard RAIII engine, but that was a close one.
Chevrolet – Stand alone headlights. Pontiac makes it work, Chevrolet went wide of the mark. They should have called the guy who designed the 69 nose.
My favorite is an easy pick: The Buick. In the Non-GSX form, there’s not a bad line on the car. The interior and exterior exude refinement with Cadillac-like detail, and the drivetrain was effortlessly fast. It’s got it all.
Olds, of course I’m biased as I founded the OCA’s Blue & Gray Chapter in 1984 and owned 20 of them. Still it’s unique roofline does it for me, in any color.
As an Olds guy, I have to go with the 442!
We were starting our family back in 70, so when I wanted one, wifey said No! So went with a Supreme. Bought the rear sway bar and installed it myself. Better than nothing!
I feel like the potential was there to make one very attractive car, but unfortunately badge engineering required that the designers focused on distinguishing these cars from one another instead of making an honest and beautiful car.
Close call for me, the Olds or the Chev. However I only stopped to glance on my way to get a 1970 Charger.
LOVE the green Olds interior but I wonder if it could have been ordered witha pale green metallic exterior. The other colors on the ones in this post are too “look at me” for my taste.
Let’s fix the look at me of the Oldsmobile with this color.
I like the Pontiac the least. But the thing that always surprised me about the ’70 A bodies is how Buick and Chevy used the same full roof.
The Pontiac looks the busiest of the four of them. Just too many features going on.
Would you say the rear quarter window glass is the same on them all despite different C pillars?
This is a pretty easy choice for me, the 442. 68-69 I’d tie it with the GTO but for 70 I think they enhanced it enough, especially in the rear styling to solidify it for me.
I still like the GTO as a runner up, but I don’t really like the rear end treatment(then again I don’t love that part of the 68-69s either). The the front end restyle is successful in my eyes. However I really only like it with the Judge graphics to give purpose to those contrived arches added to the sides, as well as the wing to add some mass to the rather dainty looking rear end.
Distant third is the Buick. It’s actually the most dramatic redesign from the 69s, and quite handsome, however it comes at the cost of any identity, frankly I have to double take when I see one because it looks so much like a lowly Chevelle. The GSX package is just too contrived and inappropriate for a Buick. They were following the trend towards bright colors and graphics but who were buying these things from a Buick dealer? Make mine a GS455 stage 1 in brown please, and I might swap positions with the GTO
Fourth is the Chevelle. I straight up think the styling is a downgrade from the 68-69s. The pointed upright grille and big bumper clashes with the slick individual headlight pods, the taillights are generic and are completely lost in the bumper. The huge SS stripes and 454s are load bearing to the styling. Whenever I see a standard 70 Chevelle/Malibu I’m struck by how unstriking the core design really is. It’s no wonder the Monte Carlo took off, that was a much better effort.
I’ve always been partial to the Chevelle’s front, 3/4 and side view profiles. It’s the cleanest design out of the four. Buick was trying to add swoops where they didn’t need to be; the Olds side profile is beautiful but that nose is terrible. The Judge is a swing for the fences, but to my eye is decorated too much. If they’d removed the eyebrows over the wheel arches and found some other tape-stripe design, I might like it more. I think I like the Buick’s rear 3/4 the best of the bunch, minus the spoiler. The integration of the bumper into the decklid, with their traditional W-shaped indent, is stylish and clean. The rear of the 442 is hideous.
As for the interior, most of the GM offerings of this period aren’t to my taste, but I lean toward the Chevelle here as well.
So I guess I’d say the Chevelle with a Buick rear bumper. Maybe with the Oldsmobile wheels?
For me, it’s the Chevelle in a walk. In the summer of 1979 teenage me worked in the body shop of the local Chev Olds emporium, courtesy of my Dad who was the fleet and lease manager. One of the mechanics had a 1970 SS396, silver and black. It was in excellent shape and he was trying to sell it. I wanted that car so bad I could taste it, but when you are making minimum wage (3.65 an hour if I recall) 4200 bucks might as well be a million. For me the ’70 Chevelle SS was always the holy grail.
A few years later I owned a ’68 but it just wasn’t the same. 1970 was very much the pinnacle for all of these cars except perhaps the GTO.
There were a couple of W-30 4-4-2s in our local street scene, an orange one with white stripes that ran neck and neck with my V-8 Vega (13.30s in strip trim at Spokane) sticks out in my memory. The Olds would be my second choice. A local guy who was maybe 30 at the time had a white GSX that showed up at car shows but he never came out at night with it. None of us knew how rare it was then.
A run of the mill GS455 did come out though, and we all learned to take him seriously. It looked like an old mans car but he could be competitive with the A/C running. The only one in the bunch that never lit my fire was the GTO. My buddies older brother had a blue Judge before we were old enough to drive but even he admitted it wasn’t as fast as it looked. No one took GTOs seriously in our circle and maybe that colours my judgement.
I knew these cars when the only people who cared about them were us gearheads, and I’m glad. These cars and others like them were a big part of my youth. We patched them up, modified them, raced them, blew them up, fixed them again and didn’t worry about what we were doing to the collector value. I cringe today when I think of the mayhem we visited on them. By 1990 or so the collectors were taking over and suddenly it was all about correct T-3 headlights and date coded hose clamps. Which is why cars like this are still around for us to enjoy today I guess…
As the owner of the aforementioned ‘66 Toronado, I agree on the choice of the 4-4-2. Its conservative color and tasteful striping make the other three (particularly the Judge and the GSX) look a little “cartoonish” for my taste.
As presented, I’m picking the Oldsmobile. But if the Chevy was painted in the same green, I would have picked it instead.
I graduated from high school in 1970, what a year!
My pick is the Olds, although I’d like a bolder color like bright blue.
My beef with the ’70 models is that GM homogenized the looks of Buick, Chevy, and Pontiac, as viewed in profile. In 1968-69, all 4 models had unique styling touches, most evident in the shapes of their greenhouses, especially the C-pillar and rear quarter window areas.
Agreed. Though these are lightyears more attractive, you could easily recreate this notorious photo using the 70 A-bodies matching colors
I was thinking the same thing. It always kinda bothered me why the those cars were targeted. All of the big 3 had been doing this for a long time prior to the 80s FWDs.
I think they were targeted because you could swap out front and rear endcaps on several of them and no one would have noticed. Looking at the cars in the above article, there’s no doubt as to the identify of each model.
Everybody’s got an opinion on styling, so what the heck, I’ll toss mine out there. I think the Chevelle and the Buick have aged best. I’ll give the Buick extra points for the best recovery from the initial ‘68-69 styling with its “wave”. When these were new, I actually thought the Olds was best … as an 11 year old I just loved the flared wheel arches and the curves in general. This particular example suffers from the horizontal trim strip and wheel arch accents that clutter up a clean design, although I really like the green(exterior only, please).
The Pontiac? Frankly I didn’t like it as a kid and it’s at the bottom of my list, but overall these ‘68-72 A Bodies looked pretty special when launched and have held up well.
I prefer the front end and rear light treatment of the Buick, as well as the interior of the Buick. But deep down when it comes to GM I’m an Olds/Pontiac guy and the sleek silhouette of the 442 and still a great front end make it my choice. I miss Olds, my last one was a ’96 Aurora in teal green with the same color interior, a very ’60s feel to it.
“If you ask a Chevelle fan what their favorite Chevelle is, odds are 2:1 that they’ll say it’s a 1970 LS6.” Unless you’re limiting the vote to 1970 cars I’d have to disagree. The 1966-’67 model (dark blue with Cragars) is the only one that appeals to me.
To be honest, I’d say this for not only the Chevelle, but also the GTO, as well as Buick GS. The only 66-67 A body I’m not keen is the Cutlass/442, but otherwise I prefer that bodystyle to the 68-72s
I would love to have them all but my choice would be an Oldsmobile 442 as I’ve always felt they were the best looking of the 1970 GM muscle cars, then again I love that green color of the car.
Loving the Olds too and that green is striking.
The Buick, for me, I like tuck under on the lower body, nice interior, best steering wheel and its hard to improve on those wheels.
Chevelle next, although I do prefer the earlier models, best engine bay, simple with a touch of chrome with orange and black, and 450 HP. although the steering wheel belongs in a taxi.
Olds next, nice interior, and just an overall handsome body.
Pontiac the least, though a lot of my dislike comes from the stripe package. Bearing in mind I have only seen these cars in pictures and Youtube videos, I find the Pontiac shape can look a bit awkward from some angles
I think the more basic models would look terrific as well, some of the stripes and scoops are a bit much.
I often note common themes between GM USA styling and GM Europe styling for the 50s to the 90s.
But who did the steering wheel first – Chevrolet or Vauxhall (Viva HC)?
I’d like them all, quite literally, though nothing against Chevrolet as such, I prefer the 68-72 BOP cars.
The GTO seems to be sitting low on its suspension to my eyes, which detracts from its looks for some reason. The engine compartment photo is taken from too low an angle to appreciate that great blue metallic engine color of the 66-70 period too. I’d prefer the cleaner uncluttered look without the Judge package, but everything else about the car is all aces for me. The Ram Air 3 is a great all-around powerplant. ( my fave GTO year is 1969 though )
I’d take that W-30 442 with no changes whatever. Inside, outside, top to bottom. Fabulous car. Back in the day a guy that worked with my father had an orange with white stripes 4-speed W-30 442. We’d go with him to National Speedway in NY where he’d drag it. He’d use slicks on plain black wheels carried in the back seat…I don’t know what his ETs were but I remember him running 107 mph in the traps.
Love the GS all the way around. The GSX package might be a little garish but it still looks as cool as all get-out. So sleek and sassy. Got a chance to see one run high 12s on the strip during the Pontiac nationals a few years ago and sounding great as doing it.
My order. Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, then Chevelle.
GSX: The wheels and the body stripe gradually widening and turning up to meet the rear spoiler is perfection. GTO: The painted double accent lines on the fenders just doesn’t fit with the rest of the car. It’s like someone at Pontiac said, “put something gaudy on it.”
W30 442: I like the lower stripe wrapping around the wheel wells and the grill, bumpers and tail lights. But I wish the bulge on the rear haunches weren’t so exaggerated. Makes it look like a frog or toad, especially in this green. Chevelle: Much prefer the ’68 and ’69 over the later years with the flat front.
Make mine a NUGGET GOLD W-30 or W-31!! The most cohesive looking sheet metal woth the flowing fastback. Very nice. Amazing fow a few carefully shaped character lines added MASS to the Olds, yet still looked smooth and flowing. Below is a ’70 W-30 in NUGGET GOLD, co$t a whole $30 EXTRA!! DFO
I really like the whole idea of a W-31 Cutlass…definitely one of the lesser-known small block screamers.
I’ve always liked the Olds better than the others but couldn’t articulate why. You did it for me, Aaron! Thanks!
Glad to help!
Excellent article, Aaron! I’m typically a Chevelle man, but for 1970, I’m tipping my hat to Buick’s GSX – probably the least likely candidate coming from GM’s near-luxury make. There’s just something about it’s look that comes together so purposefully. The spoiler is executed the most tastefully, and even with that screaming yellow paint job, it seems to look the most serious.
I have diecasts of both the ’70 Chevelle SS and Buick GSX, so you know I mean it.
Thanks Joe! I normally would pick the Chevelle myself; I don’t necessarily want one, but I’ve always thought the ’70 was very clean. There’s no denying that the Olds won me over this round though.
I love the nose on the GTO. But it makes the rear bumper look totally out of place. Even if it was painted body color it would make a big difference.
But I love the simple clean body lines of the Chevelle.
I think I’ll vote Buick, with the Chevy a close second. I have never much liked the 70-72 version of the Pontiac and find the Olds as OK but nothing special.
I’d go first with the 4-4-2 for its design character and the SS second for its simplicity. Great article!
Thank you!
Having considered for almost a pint (a measure of volume but also time when you’re looking at classic car stuff online in a pub with good wifi), I’m going Buick, in a bright colour (not necessarily yellow) with a black or suitable stripe. I also retire tomorrow, so make your own additional comments as you please.
As a special options, I’d ask for the LS6 dash – I guess it would bolt in without too many issues.
The arch flares on the Pontiac don’t work for me and the Olds has a bit too much going on, and isn’t a Toronado however much it wants to be one
Congratulations on your retirement, Roger!
The 1968-1972 mid-sized GM cars were great. (O.K., the ’68 Olds and the ’68-’69 Buicks were a bit clunky-looking.) Also, the 4-door sedans and 4-door hardtops looked a bit awkward with their semi-fastback roofline. Any one of the 2-door models, even those modestly equipped with a 327 or 350 cubic inch V-8 and a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission would be a great daily driver and a fun car to take to Coffee and Cars events.
When it comes to the muscle car versions of these cars, my choice would be the 1968 and ’69 GTO. Looking trimmer that the 1970 and later versions, the optional hidden headlights make it the best looking of the mid-sized GM models of this 1968-72 generation, but they were pretty good-looking and all desireable.
That’s funny, Johnster…my favorite of the whole bunch is probably the ’68 Olds. I’d love either a Cutlass or a 4-4-2.
In 1968 or ’69, it would have been an easy choice. The GTO with hidden headlights. I think Pontiac messed up both the front and rear ends for 1970. Ordinarily, the Chevelle is at the bottom of my list, but I really like the 1970 version and the clean, purposeful dashboard with full gauges where they belong. Next is the GSX, based almost entirely on those beautiful Buick chrome road wheels. The 442 is next. It’s fine other than the overwrought rear hips. Last place goes to the GTO, mostly to punish Pontiac for messing up what had been an excellent design. I’ve always considered The Judge to be a garish sticker job. Give me a regular 1968 or ’69 GTO with hidden headlights and the Rally IIs with the proper trim rings.
Or if I have to buy from 1970, a Monte Carlo SS454 would do quite nicely.