Some of Ford’s ads of the early-70s compared the Maverick to the VW Beetle, even though the Pinto was more in line with the size of the much smaller Beetle. This 1973 Ford Maverick can be found posted here on craigslist in Winder, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, and the seller is asking $6,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Pat L. for the tip!
The federally-mandated bumpers didn’t help matters as far as being about two feet longer than a Beetle, but all U.S. cars had them, at least on the front. In 1974, both front and rear bumpers were required to meet the new 5mph standards. If there’s one thing a person can do with a car from this era to make it look better, is to find earlier bumpers and change them out.
Ford offered well-heeled Maverick owners (was that a thing?) something called the Luxury Decor Option (LDO), which was available on both the two-door and four-door Maverick body style. “Beautiful is the word when it comes to describing the Maverick decked out in the Luxury Decor Option.” – according to a Ford brochure. We recently saw a somewhat similar 1974 Maverick four-door sedan in much nicer condition for only $1,500 more, so either that was a great buy or this one is priced too high. Neither had the LDO goodies, like a vinyl top, color-keyed wheel covers, wide body-moldings, etc.
The interior looks almost like new both front and rear, but it’s the exterior that gets my attention. I didn’t expect to see the exterior looking as rugged as it is after that opening photo. There’s a lot of work to do on the body of this car, and the underside appears to have a fair amount of heavy surface rust. That isn’t too unusual for a car that’s five decades old, but if you look past the new gas tank on the underside photo, you can see what I’m referring to. Also, there is no title.
The engine is Ford’s 250-cu.in. inline-six with 88 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque. The seller says that it starts and “lot drives”, but it needs a new carburetor, a tune-up, and there’s an exhaust leak. There are many new parts, however, but would any of you pay $6,000 cash for this four-door, six-cylinder automatic Maverick in its current condition?
It’s too bad that any 1973 or newer Maverick precipitates the discussion of the big bumpers. It is probably the car for which the styling was most damaged by the execution of this federal mandate.
Speaking of damage, I too was reeled in by the first photo. But after one reviews the verbiage and other photos, this one needs both mechanical and body work. The interior does look good.
Good job Scotty.
With a ’73 I’d be more inclined to tuck the existing bumper in closer to the body than put on early ones. It’s in ’74 that Ford broke out the railroad ties.
It’s funny…this 50-year-old car can be fixed up and actually be used as an economical daily driver for around $7K. Imagine in 1973 fixing up a 1923 car and trying to use that daily.
That is a fantastic point. I knew a guy years ago, in the 70s that fixed up an old early 30s Plymouth and drive it to high school. That was extremely rare at that time. Last i talked to him it was still in his Moms barn.
In 50 years imagine trying to get a current vehicle to run properly, since there are so many unique body control modules, sensors, etc. & most are made by small companies who will not be around that long, or will no longer make such parts probably after 10 years.
Good points, but none of that will matter if you can’t get fuel. The chances that gasoline will be readily available in 50 years seems pretty slim.
Yup, it will be like those old end of the world movies. you will still be able to get a 59 Cadillac to move but a 2019 will be right where the zombie apocalypse left it. Sol, make sure you charge the batteries, start peddling…lol
I literally laughed out loud at that analogy ! Humor must have an element of truth to be so funny.
Could be a decent collectible that’s easily repaired and simple to maintain, but I doubt if they’ll find a buyer at any price, and certainly not at $6000. I’m sure anyone inclined to want it will get bored with it pretty quickly. It also looks like it’s been repainted at some point.
Just because it’s low mileage, people want to charge big bucks. This is a $4k car with the work needed, regardless of the miles.
Better than walking 🚶♀️ 👌
I had a lot of friends that owned Mavericks. From the very stock bare bones trim to the Graber, which wasn’t bad. And the Ford 250 inline 6 was very impressive. I couldn’t believe how well that engine performed. I might be the only guy on the planet that feels this way, I thought the 74 Disneyland bumpers looked good. Ford did a good job of adding them to all their cars. No really, I was 19 in 74, and I liked the look.
I was 26 in 1975 when I bought an early Granada. I too liked the bumpers. They were there to protect the car in accidents.
Drop a v8 in it and do stop light to stop light.
In it’s current condition,not worth more than $2500,especially being a 4dr and a straight six…
i would offer them 4,500 4 the car if it did not need repairs i would pay 6000 offer 4,500 if he was to sell he will take if not there will be offer cars even though it is in great shape
Hell Fred, the chances that human beings will be around in 50 years is pretty slim.