The Maverick became Ford’s third compact success story of the 1960s. First, there was the Falcon. Then there was the Mustang. And finally, the Maverick, all turning in big sales numbers for the company. So, when sister division Mercury needed a compact in 1971, they adopted the Maverick, switching out the front clip and taillights. This sweet Comet example from 1974 has a 302 cubic inch V8 with a few adjustments. It presents quite well yet may need a little work, though those details aren’t outlined. Located in West Berlin, New Jersey, this survivor from the OPEC oil embargo era is available here on craigslist for $13,500. A thumbs up to Jack M. for the tip.
Both the Maverick and Comet benefited in 1974 from the shift to smaller cars thanks to a jolt in gasoline prices (to a whopping 50 cents!) that also affected supply. Both cars turned in some great sales numbers, 300,000 Mavericks and 125,000 Comets. And that’s even with the enormous front and rear bumpers that both cars were fitted with to accommodate increasing Federal crash mandates. These cowcatchers were in lieu of a complete rework of both ends of the cars. They could almost double as picnic tables!
We’re told this Comet has been garage-kept for more than 20 years and the seller looks to be a collector. The odometer reads 25,000 miles, which suggests a gently used car over the past 50 years (or one that was restored some time ago). It has a 302 cubic inch V8 with an automatic transmission that has had a B&M Ratchet Shifter added. The car is said to run well, and new parts and/or service include the radiator, the fuel delivery system, brakes, and some power steering work.
The photos depict what seems to be a rust-free car treated with kid gloves. The seller says it’s a “very nostalgic car that does not need much work to take it to the next level” but doesn’t tell us what he/she thinks is still required. But the car can be driven as-is and could be one of the nicer Maverick/Comets survivors still out there. The seller is open to trades.
Alright, I’ll start this oft-said and nearly worn out theme but those (parking bench) bumpers are absurd.
They really are crazy. Even AMC did a better job with their battering ram bumpers.
However the shined-up tires and non-functional hood scoop on this car make it worth all the money. :)