Ford had back-to-back success stories in the compact car field in the 1960s and 1970s. First was the Mustang, which debuted to much fanfare and big production numbers in 1964/65. Then, five years later, the Maverick arrived to replace the aging Falcon. It also delivered big sales numbers (through 1977). This 1973 Maverick began as a six-cylinder grocery getter but now has a stronger 302 V8 under the hood. But it’s been sitting for several years and is a project awaiting a restart. Located in Bremerton, Washington, this bronze undertaking is available here on craigslist for $2,900.
The initial Maverick was nearly as successful as the Mustang, though the audience was quite different. And both cars had the Falcon to thank because they were based on the 1960 smaller Ford. Mavericks were cheap wheels, advertised at $1,995 when the car was released in April 1969 for the 1970 model year. That got you a 200 cubic inch inline-6 and a “3-on-the-tree,” but no creature comforts like a glovebox door or carpeting.
By 1973, the Maverick had a 250 I-6 and a cowcatcher front bumper thanks to the Federal government. After the seller bought the car a few years ago, he set out to replace that big air pusher with the thin bumper from a 1970 edition. The seller started working on the car, but other projects began to materialize, and then health issues arose, hence the reason for selling the Ford now.
A 1968 version of the 302 sits under the hood without any of the emissions issues the ‘73s had. A kit came with the engine for the conversion, along with a crossmember for the frame to handle the extra weight up front. The V8 has been beefed up, and the car has a C4 automatic transmission. We’re told the car runs and sounds good, but that was five years ago when it was last started. The transmission linkage needs work to align better with the 302. The interior needs work, and the body looks mostly okay, but it’s not rust-free. The seller was planning on turning it into a peppy driver, not a museum-quality restoration. What’s your take? (P.S. Thanks go to “Curvette” for the tip).
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