1969 GTO Judge Clone – OPGI Customer Spotlight

This week, we’re featuring this iconic 1969 GTO, a stunning vehicle that has been cherished by Jesse Highum and his family for decades. This classic car embodies the rich history of American muscle and showcases impressive horsepower, making it a true standout on the road and at car shows.

A Car with a Story: From Father to Son

Jesse’s connection to this 1969 GTO runs deep—it’s more than just a car; it’s a family legacy. His father purchased the GTO Judge Clone in ’72. The 1969 GTO has seen its fair share of garage time, having been stored away from 1984 until 1998, when it received a fresh repaint. In 2004, the engine was swapped for a Butler Performance 461 crate engine, a 390 posi rear end, and a Turbo 400 with a shift kit, giving this classic 1969 GTO some serious performance upgrades.

For over 20 years, the GTO Judge Clone has remained in the family, although it hasn’t seen much road time—just 1,400 miles since the engine swap. In fact, it sat idle for three years until Jesse bought the 1969 GTO from his father about a month ago. Now, it’s back on the road.

A New Chapter Begins

Jesse’s been working on “the little things” to get the 1969 GTO fully road-ready, and he’s already added a few hundred miles in just the last month, hitting up car shows and joining a local car club. Though it’s not perfect yet, Jesse loves how this classic 1969 GTO captures attention wherever it goes. “It turns heads,” he says proudly, and we have no doubt!

Looking Ahead

The journey of restoring and perfecting a classic 1969 GTO is always rewarding, especially when it carries family memories like Jesse’s GTO Judge Clone. We can’t wait to see what’s next for him and this beautiful ride.

Stay tuned as Jesse plans to share even more of this 1969 GTO’s history, including some old photos and more stories from its earlier days!

Got a Story to Share?

We love hearing from our OPGI customers. Have a classic car with a story to tell? Reach out to us a socialmedia@opgi.com —we’d love to feature your ride next!