Seems to me that the intent of the pattern cars was to establish a different image for the judge as compared to regular GTO’s. They wanted to cater to a younger more performance image conscious buyer almost like it was a separate model from the GTO.
I suspect they were worried that dealers left to their own habits would dilute the initial impact if they ordered too many judges in calmer colors, with things like vinyl tops, bench seats and other options that blunted the special nature of the car.
It was probably a wise decision as the judge could have been seen as just a GTO with a spoiler option rather than a distinct and differently targeted car.
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My Break Away Squad
1969 Fbird (base OHC, 350, 400HO & Sprint Cvt’s - 400HO & TA ht’s)
1969 Custom S 2dr ht
1969 LeMans (2dr & 4dr ht & Cvt)
1969 LeMans Safari wagon
1969 GTO (2 Cvt, 2 ht & Judge ht)
1969 Cat (3 Cvt’s & a 2dr ht)
1969 Ventura wagon 2 seat
1969 Exec 4dr post
1969 2 Bonnie Cvt's & 2 wagons
1969 Bonnie Brougham (4dr ht & Cvt)
1969 Grand Prix 2 SJ’s
1969 2+2 2dr ht (Canadian)
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