The current 2022 Ford Maverick is a popular compact pickup truck with plenty of high notes, but most modern enthusiasts might not know that the model’s name used to belong to another Ford way back in the '70s. Funnily enough, the original 1970 Ford Maverick wasn’t even a pickup truck - far from it.
It was a compact car originally sold as a two-door coupe, intended to provide enjoyable and comfortable driving dynamics along with sexy looks and prolonged practicality. Ford's objective was to compete against overseas rivals such as the Datsun 510 or 240Z, and the likes of the Toyota Celica, which it was widely marketed as an ‘import killer’.
Well, Ford’s plan worked wonders, and it sold nearly 579,000 Maverick units in 1970 alone, making it one of the most popular releases since the original launch of the Mustang. Let’s get into the details of the original Maverick, Ford’s forgotten wonder car.
Perfect Timing And Perfect Engines Shot The 1970 Maverick To Success
Despite its undeniably muscly looks which seem to take inspiration from the Mustang, the 1970 Ford Maverick wasn’t exactly powerful, but that’s because it wasn’t supposed to be. With simplicity in mind both in terms of drivability and durability, Ford graced the 1970 Maverick with competent and small engines that delivered consistent and reliable cruising power. As the successor to the outdated Ford Falcon, the Maverick was originally launched with the same powertrain options, starting with a 2.8-liter inline-six cylinder engine capable of producing 105 horsepower.
The alternative was a larger 3.3-liter six with a maximum output of 120 horsepower, and transmission options came in the form of a C4 3-speed auto or either a 3-speed or 4-speed manual, sending power to the rear wheels. These base engines weren’t nearly fast as muscle cars from the same era, but they weren’t as demanding either, and when considering the 1970 Maverick’s accessible starting price of $1,995, it was no wonder sales exploded as they did. The Maverick’s reliable and unthirsty engine became even more advantageous when gas prices skyrocketed due to the 1973 oil crisis.
However, Ford also made sure to include some peppy power plants for avid drivers, and halfway through 1970, it introduced the Maverick Grabber, which was a muscle trim with plenty of enhancements including an upgraded 4.1-liter six-cylinder with 155 horsepower and a top-speed of over 100 mph. Lastly, in 1973, the Grabber became available with a 4.9-liter V8 with a maximum output of 210 and 296 pound-feet of torque, allowing the Maverick to run from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, while able to achieve the standing quarter mile in 16.4 seconds. These weren’t ideal muscle car numbers, but they made the Maverick sporty enough for those that sought enticing drivability.
The Ford Maverick Looked Amazing
Even though it wasn’t a muscle car, Ford made sure to take several cues from the Mustang when it came to the Maverick’s styling, which carried over its platform from the Falcon. The Maverick originally came out in a single 2-door coupe configuration, featuring a long front hood with a mild bulge and subtly-flared front quarter-panels with integrated headlights. Its overall body shape almost gives it the look of a miniature Mustang, with a fastback rear and flared fenders, as well as a rear lid spoiler and rectangular headlights. Upon release, one of the main factors that drew in buyers was just how good the 1970 Maverick looked at such a low price. Normally, that degree of styling was almost exclusively reserved for high-performance, high-cost models.
The mid-70s Grabber trim package graced the Maverick with an array of aggressive and functional upgrades, including larger and wider tires, extra vents, a more aggressive exhaust system, and an optional 2-dome hood. Ford also released a 4-door Maverick in 1971, a 1972 Sprint package with styled in honor of the 1972 Olympics, and a Luxury Decor Option trim towards the end of 1972. It vastly elevated the Maverick’s interior quality, providing reclining bucket seats, a vinyl roof, wood-grain trimming, and quality carpeting.
Why The 1970s Maverick Isn’t Remembered
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Despite being immensely successful - especially in its early years, the Maverick isn’t commonly remembered by enthusiasts because of its reduced production run, which spanned from 1970 until 1977.
During that time, Ford sold over 1.5 million Mavericks before replacing it with the new Fairmont, and there’s really not much more to it. The American automaker simply decided to discontinue the Maverick instead of reintroducing a new generation,
Sources: Hemmings, Mecum