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).
The price seems pretty reasonable for a Maverick with a V8 installed and what appears to be a straight body. This is something you go to see in person, don’t spend too much time critiquing the ad itself, at some point people often start interpreting flaws they see in too negative of a light. You won’t get perfection, but you shouldn’t expect that for the asking price, if it’s a solid project that starts and runs you will get a car that should be easy to work on where parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Steve R
Great comment Steve R. From Bill D. In Pa
So if the guy wanted a Maverick with a 302 and the earlier bumpers, why didn’t he buy an older one with a 302? I never understand changing a later model to an earlier one when you could just buy what you want in the first place
Perhaps he got a great deal on this one and was willing to compromise. Earlier models and even the later were not easy to locate with the 302. Most were built with the standard 6 cylinder.
Early V-8 Mavericks don’t grow on trees. And unless you want to pay fairly big dollars, this would be the way less expensive route.
Nice project with lots of potential. Would make a good daily driver, with character. But still needs a bit sweat equity to get there. I’m thinking 1,500. would be fair offer.
First thing I’d look into is a 4spd. Love the bench seat, though it needs a complete recover and maybe some new foam.
nothing says non runner project then flat tires and a log for a wheel chock! GLWTA
I like it, and I’m not a big Ford fan! This is a project car, meant to be more of an everyday car, not a Mecum/Barrett-Jackson prize. You will be into it for a few thousand getting some of the parts that are obviously needed, but you get a car, once it is finished, that will be a decent, reliable vehicle. Again, remember it stated “PROJECT”, not Concours. It would be fun for a weekend mechanic with a son to work on together BITD.
Or daughter please.
Interesting
Great project. My best friend had the merc equivalent , comet I think GT with the 302 ,four on the floor, race red with black striping. It looked great and ran the same. Lotta fun.
If it had a 4 speed someone added it. They were never available from the factory with 4 speeds, just a 3-speed manual.
Yes I remember those Ole merc comets with the 302 v8 I think it was called gt. Grabber it could move out very fast with this small block 302 when I worked for the usaf as a aircraft mechanic a couple of our mechanics had those mercs on the airbase in goose Bay Labrador Canada.
When I met my wife in 1982 she was driving a 1972 model, red with black stripes with a 302 and the C4 automatic transmission. Whoever she got it from had put some Crager rims and yellow traction bars on it and she was convinced she had a hot rod. It was a fun little car and she enjoyed it. The 302 is a pretty dependable engine and this looks like it would be a great car for a shade tree mechanic to bring back to life. I’m too old and broke down now for something like this but still have great memories
When I met my wife in 1982 she was driving a 1972 model, red with black stripes with a 302 and the C4 automatic transmission. Whoever she got it from had put some Crager rims and yellow traction bars on it and she was convinced she had a hot rod. It was a fun little car and she enjoyed it. The 302 is a pretty dependable engine and this looks like it would be a great car for a shade tree mechanic to bring back to life. I’m too old and broke down now for something like this but still have great memories
Birth control car of the 70s. Ain’t getting laid driving a Maverick
More room than a Datsun.
I bet u can get laid in a nice maverick before a Datsun.
This is exactly like the first car I ever had when I was 15 years old driving to high school my freshman year and working at a Piggly Wiggly sacking groceries back in 1987-88. I wish I could get my hands on this car and rebuild it to match my first car. It’s even the exact same color and mine came factory with the 302 in it.