The grabber package was a trim package applied to Ford’s compact maverick. In 1971 and 1972 there were extra trim and unique hood modifications not available in later years. Here is a 1972 V8 equipped model with such trim. Located in Raymore, Missouri and listed here on eBay, bidding has reached $4,100 with the reserve not met and 4 days remaining at the time of writing.
The 1971 and 1972 Grabber are most desirable of all the Maverick variants. Because the maverick retained the same body throughout its run, a popular conversion is to clone a Grabber making a later version appear as this one. Not all original Grabbers were V8’s though. This appears to be the real deal, body code 62D on the data tag indicates the Grabber package, and engine code F indicates it was born with a 302.
The seller indicates the body is solid and shows multiple pictures to verify the statement, but then somewhat contradicts himself by stating “usual hood rust”. These cars rust underneath the lip due to poor drainage. The fact there is visible rust on the outside may give an indication the entire lip is rusted. Not a deal breaker, but the hood with the unique scoops is what makes the car special. The original could be repaired or a piece from a later hood could be sectioned in. The hood has lost its blackout treatment leading me to believe it had a previous repair. Also, the rear quarter lip may need a small a piece of metal welded in. These cars can have cowl issues similar to early Mustangs. But on a positive note, the hard to find trim including the bumpers appear to be in nice shape.
The interior look good other than the upholstery. The top of the dash appears to be crack free but this could be a cap overlay. The only interior distinction between a Grabber and standard 2 dr. is a sport-lamp switch. These early cars were very utilitarian, not even a glove box!
The engine compartment looks original and should clean up nicely. It has escaped aftermarket modifications and still retains the factory carb. The grabber package was an appearance package rather than a performance package. The engine is said to run and drive but should be evaluated before any assumptions are made.
This is a nice example of an early Maverick Grabber. It is not perfect and some work would have to be done before it could be reliably enjoyed. The aftermarket is starting to pick up for these cars and some reproduction pieces like the Grabber hood have recently become available. Other Grabber trim pieces seem to be in good shape on this car. To create a Grabber clone from a later model, an early donor car is often required for the small bumpers and associated sheet metal. This car, already being a 1972 Grabber, represents an excellent starting point for a really nice summer driver.
Looks like a pretty solid small bumpered, factory V8 Maverick Grabber.
“The real deal” & “Maverick” sharing a sentence; hilarious.
My boy bought one 4 years ago 1500
Granny bought the first one in the Chambersburg PA area in 1970. Bright yellow, 200″ six, auto. $2600 off the showroom floor.
Package shelves under the dash without glove boxes were very common in European cars.
Styling still looks good on these. Post Fed bumpers not so much.
These are a lot more fun for the money then most would expect and are truly useful cars. They were down market from the Mustangs and Cameros of the time but with the V-8 similar in performance. Best they were easy to work on. Accessibility was a lot better than others of the era. This looks to be a very good buy.
Front clip a different shade.
Said hood already repainted.
Previous front end damage ?
The front bumper doesn’t look right either. Pushed up maybe? I remember more of a point in the middle
park them in the drive way and watch them rust and fall apart just like rustangs pintos, and fairlanes! I had a 66 ranchero that all most killed me! at highway speed it broke in half the only thing holding together was the steering shaft the rear of the front sub frame was touching the road! pure junk the last rust bucket ford I will ever own!
Appearance package yes, but Ford had also made the GT an appearance option as well, not guaranteed to have anything special between the fenders. The Mach 1 was a visual experience unless you checked the right boxes. So the Grabber seemed right in line with that way of thinking.
Hot Rod magazine tested a 302 powered Grabber with a three speed manual back then, try with all their might getting into the seventeen’s was gonna be a battle.
But the potential was (is) there for plenty more, used to be hopped up Mavericks around town. A Canadian drag racer, can’t remember his name, ran one back in the very early seventies experimenting with several very potent engines…an odd ball Boss 366 NASCAR prototype and a 427 cammer in the new pro stock class…
Jerry. If yours was that rusty, I have to ask. How long had it been since someone was under there to service it?
Bidding now at $6,600.00. This may be a bit too high, IMO. But, it will be worth what it sells for. But, it is a good car, especially for being 47 years old. Just the kind of car I am looking for. Hopefully, I’ll have the money for one come springtime. Keep ’em comin’! This plus my full size 4wd truck will be a perfect set up for me. I have no complaints about rust, structural damage, etc. My folks had 4 different FMC cars. I’ve had 2. All were good. Of course, we kept them well maintained. I am sure someone is going to get a good car
Here in Mexico where I spend winter’s, Mavericks are collectable, much like Nova’s are in USA. If the bidding is any indication, that may be spreading to our side of the border