1971 PONTIAC GTO

Similar to the 1970 GTO, the 1971 version came with a redesigned nose. The grille insert, a criss-cross mesh design, extended forward in the grille opening. The hood was new and incorporated two large forward mounted scoops, which were open on all cars. Ram Air decals were used on the side of each scoop on GTOs so equipped. On the side, twin-bar side markers were used on the front of the front fenders. A new addition were body colored side mirrors.

In the interior, the door panels were redesigned and a grained panel, instead of simulated wood was used on the instrument panel. A cassette player was added to the option list. Unchanged were the Rally Cluster options and instrument location on the three-pod panel.

Compression ratios were lowered on all 1971 GTO engines and were also rated by the SAE Net method as well as the previously used Gross method. The standard 400 c.i. V-8 with a 8.2:1 compression ratio was rated at 300hp gross and 255hp net. Two other engines were optional, both displacing 455 cubic inches. The first 455 was rated at 325hp gross and 260hp net and it could be had only with the Turbo Hydramatic automatic. The top engine option was the 455 HO (High Output) rated at 335hp gross, 310hp net which came with a three-speed automatic transmission. The cylinder heads featured round exhaust ports and the intake manifold was cast in aluminum. 455 HO decals were used beneath the GTO decals on the front fenders. Also a large 455 HO decal was used on the air cleaner lid. All engines came with valve covers painted to match the engine color and the air cleaner was painted black.

In addition to the Rally II wheels, a new aluminum Honeycomb wheel was available. It measured 14x7". The Honeycomb wheel was also available in a 15x7" as was a 15x7" version of the steel Rally II wheel.

1971 was the last year for the Judge. Due to poor sales, the Judge option was deleted midway through the model year. The Judge option, while it lasted, was relatively unchanged from 1970 and included the 455 HO engine, functional Ram Air, the rear deck wing spoiler, Judge stripes and decals, three-speed manual transmission with a Hurst "T" shifter and the blacked-out grille. The rear wing was painted to match body color but it could be had in black on white cars. A rare Judge option, RPO 604, had the Judge painted in Cameo white with a flat black rear wing and black side stripes. Fifteen Judges were so equipped. As all 1971 Judges got the 455 HO engine, a 455 HO decal was used on each side of the rear wing. In the interior, an emblem replaced the Judge decal on the glove box door.

1971 was pretty much the end of the line for the GTO as far as high-performance went, although the car would continue on until the 1974 model year. Emission standards emasculated the big V-8s while high insurance rates helped kill the market for performance cars.