The Maverick would be the successor to the aging Ford Falcon in 1970, although – like the Mustang – it also had its roots in the company’s first compact. The automobile would sell nearly as well as the original Mustang and eventually beat it going into the seventh decade. This clean ’73 Maverick is said to be numbers-matching and has just 33,000 miles, making it one of the nicer ones you’re likely to find after nearly 50 years. Located in St. George, Utah, this stylish compact is available here on craigslist for $21,500. Another tip brought to us by Pat L.!
For whatever reason, Ford hadn’t kept up with evolving the Falcon and it wouldn’t be able to meet more stringent safety standards that were coming for 1970. So, on the same day in 1969, as the Mustang was introduced in 1964, the Maverick would debut. And it would also be a hot property. Some 579,000 Mavericks were built in its first year, close to the record-setting first year of the Mustang (619,000 copies). And it would eclipse Mustang’s numbers in 1970 which were down to under 200,000 cars. North American Maverick production covered eight years (through 1977) and tallied 2.1 million units in the end, making it one of Ford’s most successful products.
This smart-looking ‘73 has been well cared for. The body looks solid, and we’re told the paint is original, but there is evidence of some grey primer in a couple of places. We’re not told if that’s because there were issues with the paint or if some rust was repaired. The interior is equally nice and fits with the low mileage the seller says documentation exists to support. Its rear seat still wears the see-through plastic seat covers that were popular in those days, but the front bench no longer wears them.
Under the hood should be a 302 cubic inch V8 that looks to have been blinged out, but no talk is made of any mechanical tinkering for speed. The Maverick was a light car, so this engine displacement should propel the Maverick almost as well as a 289 would have done for a Mustang. An automatic transmission rounds out the bill and the next owner can ride around in comfort with factory air conditioning. If you’re okay with a little bit of primer, this could be a nice car to own. But the seller’s asking price is getting close to Mustang territory and these later cars aren’t as collectible.
Nice Maverick. Good example of how a set of attractive wheels and tires further enhances its already sporty styling (even with the “medium sized” 1973 front bumper). I can do without the spinners, but that’s minor. Love the avocado interior. Price seems aggressive since it’s not a Grabber and because it needs some paint work.
Looks good. Had basic 6cyl, auto, no a/c 2dr.
’73 bumpers are one year only. Finding those was nearly impossible even in the early ’80s.
The ask is high for me but it is sharp and low
mileage does mean something here.
my parents bought a 74 maverick lime green and this interior was a great car fun to drive theres was plain no frilles at all 6 cyl auto
I like the spinners on the wheels. This car would be great with a stick and a set of buckets.
I certainly am a fan of the early maverick – i like the V8. However, Jan2022 I took delivery of the new maverick xlt hybrid. I am very happy with my purchase.
Nice car,but overpriced.
A Maverick for $21K……lol.
Seller is gonna be waiting a long time !
Waaaaayy overpriced
Very nice Maverick very hard to find one low original miles and condition of the car price is absolutely right.