GTO Judge poised for a comeback

The Trans Am Depot is adding to its lineup of converted classic muscle cars with the 2014 GTO Judge, based on the Chevy Camaro. The company already builds a “Smoky and the Bandit,” Trans Am, Trans Am Hurst Edition and what they call the 6T9 GTO, all made to look vaguely like the originals.

Trans Am Depot only teased the new classic on its website in a video, but it impressively beats a current gen Shelby Mustang in a drag race. We believe the Judge can do it, the Depot's 6T9 Trans Am is rated at 1,100 hp at the rear wheels.

Kevin Morgan, a graphic designer from Canton, Penn., does the designs. In January of 2006 he designed the Concept Trans Am based on the current Camaro. Since then, he's penned both the 6T9 Trans Am and the 6T9 Goat.

The Trans Am Depot was founded by brothers Tod and Scott Warmack and Jim Dowling of Tallahassee, Fla. The three claim to have 30 years of love and appreciation for the Pontiac brand and the Depot is the only company authorized to use the Trans Am moniker, “an honor they hold in the strongest regard.”

The Stage 1 upgrade for the Judge adds a 2300-cc supercharger that boosts power to a little more than 500 hp. The Stage 2 kit moved output up to about 575 hp while the most powerful version makes more than 650 hp with more than 600 lb-ft of torque.

Other upgrades that the Trans Am Depot provides include the bodywork, Eibach springs, honeycomb wheels, new lights all around, Hurst shifters and the decal packages. Inside, buyers get a dash plaque, embroidered console, retro leather seats, refaced gauges and more.

We emailed Trans Am Depot for a price list; we'll update as we hear from them.

By Jake Lingeman