Ford rolled out its new compact, the Maverick, in the Spring of 1969, exactly five years to the day that the Mustang debuted. While its numbers weren’t quite as large, the Maverick sold well at more than two million copies in eight years. It did so well initially, it outsold the Mustang in its launch year due to all the competition the pony car had gained by then. This 1974 Maverick is a Grabber edition, noted for its sporty stripes and other trim upgrades. It appears to have been sitting for years and its drivetrain is long gone. So, this is a project roller that needs a lot of work. Given that these were considered low-cost, disposable automobiles, the question to be answered is the car worth the time and money needed to restore it. Located in Sierra Vista, Arizona, this Ford is available cheaply here on eBay for $1,850.
Like a lot of other economy cars produced between 1973-75, the Maverick benefitted from the shift in consumer demand to cars that sipped rather than swallowed gasoline because of OPEC. From total Ford output of 2.2 million cars in 1974, more than 300,000 cars were Mavericks. And, of those, 23,500 were the Grabber 2-door sport sedan. Grabbers usually came in some of Ford’s wilder colors (like Grabber Blue) and had larger tires, special graphics, a spoiler on the trunk, and a “dual dome” hood on earlier models. It was popular enough to be in the Maverick sales literature from 1970-75.
Though it looks like the sun has well-baked this Maverick, visible rust seems to be at a minimum. We’re told the quarter panels, engine bay, and the trunk and floor pans are clean, though the body has more than its share of dents and dings. The paint may or may not be original, but it doesn’t matter because it’s past its prime, anyway. The interior hasn’t escaped the wrath of time or Mother Nature and is well-used and the headliner is missing.
When new, this Ford had the 302 cubic-inch small-block V8 paired with an automatic transmission. Those were pulled long ago, perhaps serving as donor pieces for another car in better physical condition. We assume if you air up the tires, it will roll on and off a trailer to move to its next home. But what do you do with it when you get it there? Spend $20,000 to restore what might be a $10,000 car when finished or use it for parts? Regardless of what your plan may be, the Arizona title is free and clear.
Seeing as how the tread has separated on the driver’s side tire, onto a trailer is the furthest I’d take them. This could be a candidate for a resto-mod/labor of love. Remember that a lot of Mustang parts could be used to upgrade its’ performance, and tuck the “park bench” bumpers to improve the looks! GLWTA!! :-)
I’m with Moparman, these make good resto-mods; a restoration would be a labor of love. I think Mavericks are the poster child of how the big bumpers ruined what was an attractive, sporty looking car.
I owned a Maverick for too many years, and I am fortunate to have lived to tell the tale. Nearly killed me several times due to its poor weight distribution and tendency to swap ends if you sneeze while driving. Friend of mine lost a leg when he was t-boned in one, because they are beer cans on wheels. They are poorly designed, flimsy deathtraps. These were $500 cars in *decent* condition 25 years ago, and this one is worth whatever paper thin steel goes for at the metal recyclers nowadays. This is a labor of foolishness, not love.
Now tell us how you really feel!
But what don’t you like about it?
The only thing this Grabber will grab, is a lot of money to get it in usable shape.
Will a 390 fit in one of these?
With enough creativity and a big hammer, anything will fit into anything.
Yep, but if you’re going to do it you might as well source a stroker kit and make it a 445. Tubs, tires, and some semblance of brakes and it could be a fun deathtrap.
With enough creativity and a big hammer, anything will fit into anything.
Home movies of it being pushed over a cliff.
These and Vega’s make awesome go karts! Big motors and big rear tires along with a strong frame,hold on
Great candidate for a junkyard SBC/auto combo! Why not? Cheap fun!
one answer:
a friend gave me his 4.1L out of his (put it in my ’70 bronk) and he took the 300/4.9 to in on the strip. Mad Mike’s Mav is in the car mags several times. Duz hi 9s on local strips. Cama 460 if into the drags with one…
No engine is the perfect time to notch the shock towers. Maybe one day the stars will align and I will get one.
What is up with all the Maverick haters I’ve been in several accidents with mine and it came through good essentially it is a Mustang and essentially a Mustang is a falcon it’s all built on the same platform I love my Maverick I’ve had it for 30 years two ex-wives and now a 16 year old course I was 18 when I got it I would love to have this car and put it back together and no it doesn’t take a sack full of money just some equity and a little bit of knowledge