- Seller: Ethan E (Contact)
- Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
- Mileage: 67,000 Shown
- Chassis #: TX92T268808
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 200 cui Thriftpower Inline-6
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
The Ford Maverick is often remembered as a simple, affordable compact from the early 1970s, but certain versions are far less common than others. This 1971 Ford Maverick, listed here on Barn Finds in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, represents one of those lesser-seen variations—the first year Ford offered the Maverick as a four-door.
According to the seller, this example is powered by the 3.3-liter (200 cubic-inch) Thriftpower inline-six paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission. The car shows 67,000 miles and comes with a clean title, making it a straightforward starting point for someone interested in getting it back on the road.
The seller shares some useful background on the car’s recent history. It was purchased out of a storage unit with 52,000 miles and then used as a daily driver for roughly a year to a year and a half. During that time, it reportedly served reliably as everyday transportation. The car has not run since the ring gear—located on the torque converter—failed, which the seller describes as the main issue preventing it from being driven today.
Before that failure, the car is said to have run, driven, and stopped as it should, and the seller mentions having videos documenting it in working condition. Based on that experience, they suggest that replacing the ring gear could return the car to regular use.
This Maverick is also equipped with dual bench seats, which adds to its practicality as a four-door model. The seller notes that they have all of the trim for the car, including the front bumper, which is currently removed but included with the sale.
The seller describes the car as “super solid for what it is,” and emphasizes how uncommon these four-door Mavericks have become. They mention that they were not even aware of the model’s existence before purchasing this one, and that surviving examples are increasingly difficult to find, along with parts and information for repairs.
Ultimately, the decision to sell comes down to time and priorities. With a growing family and limited time to complete the needed repairs, the seller is passing the project along.
For someone looking for something a little different from the usual muscle car or truck project, this 1971 Maverick offers a rare body style, a simple drivetrain, and a clear path back to being a usable driver.
I guess my memory is failing me. I had thought that the 4 door was not introduced until the “girder” bumpers were already standard equipment. I sont recall seeing a 4 door with the smaller bumpers before.
I think the take rate for the 4 door increased through the run, spiking in ’72 when the Torino lost the “midsize” plot and became almost as big as an LTD, and again when the gas crunch hit.
I don’t remember a 4-door Maverick in its first years either. Maybe both of us need reservations in the nursing home.
“super solid” …where the rust hasn’t eaten through. And it’s a Wisconsin car where the roads are well-seasoned with salt. This is about the first time where I’ve see the wheels be the most valuable part of the car and even that’s dicey. Thanks, but no thanks.