This 1970 Ford Maverick caught my eye for several reasons. It is a one-owner vehicle with 39,000 original miles on the clock. It presents exceptionally well for a vehicle of this type and age, but it was the plans the owner’s son had for this Maverick that got me thinking about its potential. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Ford listed here on eBay in Wayne, Michigan. The seller set their BIN at $36,995 with the option to make an offer.
Ford released the Maverick in April 1969 as its latest entrant into the Compact market segment. The company positioned it to replace the Falcon in its model range. While the styling was fresh and contemporary, the new model drew heavily on its predecessor’s engineering beneath the surface. This Ford rolled off the line in 1970 and is a one-owner survivor finished in Medium Ivy Green Metallic. Its presentation is impressive for a car with fifty-six years of active service under its belt, although its low odometer reading has undoubtedly helped its cause. The paint shines nicely, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and this Maverick has avoided the rust issues that often plague these vehicles. Throw in immaculate trim, clear glass, and wheels fitted with trim rings and hubcaps, and this Ford looks like a winner.
The positive vibes emanating from this Maverick continue when we focus on its interior. Trimmed in Black, it features a classy combination of cloth and vinyl that looks exceptional. There is no wear or physical damage, suggesting the car has led a pampered life. The dash and pad are excellent, and the front bench seat increases the car’s passenger capacity to a point where it could accommodate six people. It isn’t lavishly equipped, with an AM radio the only factory option.
Okay, we’ve reached the point where this Maverick becomes genuinely interesting. The owner ordered it with the 250ci six-cylinder engine, leaving shifting to a three-speed automatic transmission. They didn’t tick the boxes beside power assistance for the steering or brakes, but the Maverick doesn’t have a reputation for being a difficult beast to drive. The 250 produces an official 145hp and 232 ft/lbs of torque, ensuring that performance would be pretty competent. The owner’s son had big plans for this classic that would have dramatically transformed it. They upgraded the rear end, suspension, and brakes. These items were the first step in bolting a V8 under the hood. The engine of choice was a 347ci stroker, which would have markedly transformed this classic. The buyer could finish the process, or they may choose to leave this Ford as-is.
The BIN figure of $36,995 for this 1970 Ford Maverick is, to be diplomatic, quite optimistic. It is miles above the market average, and while the listing statistics are impressive, I wonder how much of that interest is due to curiosity rather than genuine interest from people considering purchasing this classic. Of course, I could be wrong, and would be happy to be proven so. Do you think the seller will taste success at their price, or will a significant compromise pave the way for this Maverick’s journey to a new home?
No Adam, you are not wrong, and thankfully one of the few writers that actually questions these prices. These dealers sure have chutzpah, don’t they? I’m more curious as to where they come up with these prices, heck, it’s so out of whack, why stop at $37grand? I suppose that Rambler American is similarly priced too. The only thing I can figure, is like fishing. They throw these prices out there, hoping someone will catch the hook by mistake. They probably have no real intention of selling the car anyways.
Enough of that, I’m only commenting on such foolishness, because my late ex-MIL had a green Maverick, 4 door, and I miss her dearly.
It’s a very clean, original looking Maverick. But as the author and Howard pointed out, it has an eye watering price. I can’t get over how at one time this was just considered a grocery getter/ get to work/ basic vehicle, even the manual brakes and steering was not uncommon in 1970. Years ago this was $1000 used car. Granted, there’s not many clean unrusted unbeaten ones left. But I’m not sure there’s going to be a buyer at that price. I like the early normal bumper Mavericks for sure, and I do hope it stays with its original powertrain and gets preserved.
$37k??????? They have a better chance of seeing God. Howard hit the nail on the head. If this was Grabber, I could see in the mid $20’s, but $37 large is a big stretch. These were fast cars with a V-8. Some guy in my old neighborhood, back in the 70’s, got hold of a Boss 302 out of a wrecked mustang and shoved it into his 1971 ‘Grabber’. That car was extremely fast and took a lot people by surprise.
Sorry for your loss Howard. I am with everyone here; this was cheap transportation back in the day and very few people fixed them up. Worked with a guy who took a donor much like this and dropped a hot V8 and 4 speed drivetrain in it. Big weld wheels in rear and skinnies up front. Black lacquer paint job, big dash mounted Sun tach and fire extinguisher strapped on the hump behind the shifter. It was a real eye catcher and would go too. But other than Grabbers, you rarely saw one modified, just round town bangers.
Thanks pal, but it wasn’t really a loss, per se, as I was blessed with her as a mother in law, and grandmother to my kids. She never complained, unlike her son in law,,ahem,,,she worked at Sears, for like 50 years, and was recognized as one of the longest Sears employees, and drove that Maverick everyday, in the worst weather. It had little or no heat, and she would bundle up, a sight to see for sure.
Mavericks had quite a successful drag racing history. Gave the “Grump” many a headache. I think the late great Bob Glidden began with a Maverick.
I can picture her wrapped up driving that car! Survived 3 of those myself and that is a different level of cold up there, but some great people. Ahh yes, Grumpy’s Toys! Had the 72 (MPC) Vega model car. Besides my flamed black 40 Ford, it was one of my favorites. I gave all my collection of around 20, all hand built with custom “Testors” paint to my little brother. I’m sure many others here experienced those builds as well. Was recently at a Hobby Lobby with my wife and had a tremendous flashback—an entire aisle of retro model cars from the 60’s and 70’s. Testor’s paint, brushes and all. It was like a time capsule, and I was able to peel myself out of there without purchasing one. Perhaps if I’m still around in another 10 years or so!
Barrett-Jackson dream on pricing…
Guess I will price mine for outrages prices too!!
I don’t think that’s Ivy Green – maybe Anti-Establish Mint.
Where are the original wheel covers? Those are from a later
model.I like the looks of the original ones,& also thought that
they did a really nice job in the design.
I was wondering the same thing. But the Marti Report says Medium Ivy Green Metallic. I’m thinking Anti-Establish Mint was a bit of a brighter green, if I recall.
Nice Maverick. They had a very sporty design for a (very) basic economy car. Looks good with the hub caps/trim rings, though the original wheel covers look good too. Replacement upholstery? Thankfully, a small-bumper model.
I was wondering about the upholstery too Bob. It doesn’t look like any Maverick I ever saw. But it does look nice.
This is a great looking car, one that has grown on me considerably over the past few years. I never appreciated how good they looked when I was a kid. I just thought they were kind of “meh” cars, basic kind of transportation.
I can’t imagine that this is original upholstery.