This 1973 Maverick is guilty of mixing its metaphors. First, it’s a coupe with the “Luxury Decor Option,” which included a fancy set of paint-matched wheel covers, a vinyl roof with “halo treatment,” and a more opulent interior. On the other hand, this example has polished Torq-Thrust wheels and underhood accessories that belie its luxury theme. It’s no matter—this looks like a solid Maverick coupe from the era just before the bumpers got too big, and with the optional 302, it’s bound to attract some Blue Oval acolytes. Thanks, as always, to Curvette, who found it here on craigslist in Seattle, Washington, with an asking price of $11,800.
Maverick fans will be happy to know that top-of-the-line 302 sits under the hood of this LDO Maverick; however, it has an Edelbrock air cleaner that I’d immediately discard in the same bin as the red spark plug wires (just my personal taste). The optional 302 two-barrel in the 1973 Maverick produced 140 net horsepower, and in this case, it’s backed by Ford’s trusty C4 automatic. Aside from saying that it “runs and drives excellent,” the seller doesn’t mention any engine upgrades aside from “Edelbrock,” but a stock 302 has plenty of pep for those who don’t measure their driving excitement in quarter-mile times. It looks like this example has power steering but no power brakes.
The interior of the LDO Maverick actually does look fairly luxurious, with cushy bucket seats and upholstery that matches period literature. The seats sent me looking for factory images because they look so modern and well-bolstered, and they apparently recline, a feature that wasn’t common on American cars in the 1970s. The Luxury Decor Option also had woodgrain trim on the dashboard (used sparingly), and “European-type armrests.” The seller says that the interior as a whole is in “mint condition.”
The back seat is certainly not a place where an adult would want to spend much time, but the upholstery looks just as nice back here as it does up front.
Painted in what appears to be “Ivy Glow,” and combined with a tan vinyl top and side moldings, this looks like a pretty neat Maverick. While one might picture an LDO Maverick as a sedan, as might befit a car with luxury pretensions, I’m kind of happy that it was available as a coupe; after all, we see plenty of Grabbers out there. While the pictures aren’t quite clear enough to make a “sight unseen” decision on this car, if it’s as solid as it looks, it will probably make a fan of 1970s Ford compacts very happy.
Nice looking cars the Maverick coupe. Toth that backseat does look like a penalty box.
It was, trust me! Before I got my driver’s license and earned a move up to the left front seat, I spent three (3) years back there with Mom at the wheel! Hers was a four-door was a base model, with shiny, slippery vinyl in place of the more luxurious Naugahyde this one is equipped with! At least we saved the senseless slaughter of a pack of young Naughas, LOL!
The attractively-styled Maverick was a successful economy car in its day, even though it was based on decade-old architecture and powertrains. I find it interesting that Ford was able to trim them out, and find success, with a sporty theme (Grabber), and with a luxury theme (LDO). The Grabbers are more prized today, but this LDO looks pretty good. I too would like to see it with the color-keyed wheel covers.
Thanks Aaron.
You’re welcome!
Plymouth did the same when they released their Valiant Brougham. It had a vinyl roof, color-keyed wheel covers, cushier seats with plush velour, and wood trim in the interior as well, just like this Maverick . Quite a nice upgrade from the normally utilitarian Valiants.
Spent many a “Smoky Night” in a buddy’s red maverick back in the late 70’s
Good Times! ✌🏻😎
‘It’s no matter—this looks like a solid Maverick coupe from the era just before the bumpers got too big…’
Sorry? What’s up with that front bumper that looks like it came off a 1974? If it were the original bumper it would be as close to the body as the rear bumper is. But it’s not. The front bumper is one of those 5-mph-bumpers from later years.
Those bumpers are correct for 73, 1st year of federal regulations. They did get bigger though front and back.
Styling is subjective, but although the ’73s front bumper is definitely bigger than that of earlier cars, it’s not obnoxious like it is on the 1974-77 models. Of course, the rear bumper of those is also huge.
1973 had a larger front bumper on the Maverick and Pinto. Not the big ole park bench that came out in 74 but larger than the 72-70.
Still a nice Maverick although I don’t see myself dropping 12500 for any Maverick but that’s just my opinion.
Per the mandate, in 1973 the rule was 5mph bumpers on the front, 2.5mph bumpers on the back. In 1974 it changed to 5mph bumpers on the front and back. My dad had a 1973 Comet and I had a 1974 Maverick Grabber, the difference was quite noticeable.
My recollection is that the 73 had government mandated 5mph impact bumpers for the front and 2 1/2 mph in the rear. The 74 had 5mph for both.
nice
I thought that all LDO Mavericks got a floor shifter! So how come this one has a column shifter? Thoughts, anyone? At least this one has a proper glove box and three-point seatbelts, instead of the cheesy package shelf and torture devices that impersonated shoulder belts in the older models, LOL!
The lack of power assist for the brakes doesn’t bother me, that is an easy upgrade, along with front disc brakes if there are still drum brakes in front. No air conditioning though. It was a ’70’s econobox, though, so A/C wasn’t a common option back then, but this one looks like it has the dash vents for A/C, even if the bits aren’t there.
I checked the 1973 Maverick brochure. The floor shifter is not listed as a part of the Luxury Decor Option.
Thank you , Sir! Good to know.
I loved the Ford Maverick…but not those battering-ram bumpers, thanks to the Feds. (I always thought these reminded me of the ”Henry J”.)
This CL posting has been deleted by its author. Sold?