Ford introduced the Maverick compact five years to the day after the Mustang pony car. Destined to replace the aging Falcon, the Maverick sold in big numbers, too, and also had a sporty flair. But it was purely an econobox that was first advertised at just $1,995. The seller has a 1973 2-door coupe, which used the same body as the rest of the 1970-77 run. It’s been treated to a V8 swap, but that wasn’t done recently, and more work is needed for a daily driver. Located in Bremerton, Washington, this interesting project is available here on craigslist for $3,700. Another great tip from the prolific tipster, “Curvette”!

Because the Maverick was a “cheap wheels” car, you don’t see many as survivors today. A Grabber edition with a 302 cubic inch V8 would have been the one to have. The seller has a Plain Jane ’73 Maverick that originally had an inline-6 and an automatic transmission. The seller says the I-6 was a 240 CI motor, but that would have been a truck engine, so maybe a 200 CI was more likely. Whatever the case, a 302 V8 from 1968 sits under the hood now and was installed using a proper swap kit. Because of its vintage, the engine chosen wasn’t encumbered by the emissions controls that plagued a 1973-era V8. The compression ratio is higher, so the output is also greater.

The goal with the swap may have been to create a lightweight muscle car, as some goodies were added with the exchange. The 302 has a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and HEI ignition. At 169,000 miles, the C4 automatic could be original to the Maverick. The parts are included for a custom dual exhaust system that the buyer can take care of. The column shift linkage is a bit funky, so the seller says converting to a floor shifter would be advised.

Patina is prevalent in the car’s presentation, and the seller replaced the clunky cowcatcher 1973 front bumper with the slim version used in 1970-72. There is a bit of rust, but not bad for its 52 years. While no interior photos are offered, the seller says the front bench seat “desperately” needs replacing. It’s likely the V8 transformation was done some time ago, and the car was used little, if at all, since then. Mavericks don’t have the collector status of Mustangs, but perhaps this one has potential because of the work done thus far.