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Too Much Power: 1974 Ford Maverick Grabber

Maverick Grabber

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to drive a Dodge Viper GTS around an autocross course. I told the instructor the car had too much power, and wasn’t all that fun to drive – he, of course, looked at me like I was crazy. However, the seller of this 1974 Ford Maverick Grabber here on eBay claims much the same, having removed the 351 Windsor because it was too much power for the chassis (and, it overheated). Now it sports a fresh 289 crate engine with 302 heads and zero miles! What a bummer to get that far into a project and then never take it out for a test drive, at least to give it a proper shakedown before handing it off to someone else. Unfortunately, the C4 transmission needs to be replaced or rebuilt which likely signaled the end of the seller’s commitment to putting this Grabber-edition Maverick back on the road. $5,000 doesn’t seem like a terrible asking for the work done, but these cars aren’t that expensive in fully working order. My feeling is the price will need to come down a bit to better reflect the needs this car has. I would, however, keep the burnt orange paint job!

Comments

    • Avatar Cassidy

      What a nice looking car! Too bad its sold

      Like 0
  1. Avatar JW

    It’s listed on ebay as a Base Maverick which I think it is, no Grabber hood that I see and the Grabbers only came with 302 v8’s not a 351. This would still be a fun project but he needs to be realistic with his price. If the tranny was fine and it was rust free ( Doors ) maybe he could get 5K.

    Like 0
    • Avatar BMcD

      There were more 6 cylinder Grabbers than with V8s. 70 & 73-75 Grabbers had flat hoods, not the twin-scoop version of 71 & 72.

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    • Avatar Cassidy

      he dropped his BIN to $4K

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  2. Avatar Dave at OldSchool

    “too much power” in a Maverick ….Hahahahahahahahahaha …credibility is ZERO.

    Only someone who can’t drive, would say something like that….. ( Vintage racing and Autocross EXCEPTED)

    Like 0
  3. Avatar don

    agree with you dave about the power! but 5k, try more like $2500

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Dan h

    About a month ago one of my clients had his already “to much powered” A/C Cobra Mk3 tuned into a Super Snake by stuffing twin superchargers into it.
    When the car came back,the owner,who had a bad leg and couldn’t push a clutch pedal, wanted me to drive it to his car wash guy for detailing. Was I nervous? Heck yes!! Especially knowing the story of Bill Cosby and his Super Snake. When time came for me to drive it, I soon discovered that it wasn’t all that bad, even at nearly 1000 hp!
    So, back this Mavrick. Too much power?? Uh…no.

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  5. Avatar blindmarc

    No such thing as too much power, just not enough car for it.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Tom

    Who said the 351 was original to car? If that’s what owners claiming it’s BS…

    It’s a real Grabber as proved by the “93” in VIN for ebay listing, also the snorkel hood scoops were only used ’71 & ’72…

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  7. Avatar Peter s.

    How much is a fresh crate 289?? I would have thought the engine was worth the ask price and get the car for free.

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  8. Avatar Don L.

    no maverick ever came stock with a 351 and the Grabber package came with multiple engine choices the 200, the 250 or the 302.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Don L.

    also the 74 did not have the “Grabber Hood” it just said grabber on the hood.

    Like 0

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