Ford's Maverick debuted for the 1970 model year as a compact intended to compete against the likes of Chevy's Nova and the Dodge Dart. It was initially only available as a base two- or four-door sedan, but for the 1971 model year, a sportily-styled version was introduced, known as the Maverick Grabber.
While it came with snarly-looking scoops on the hood and a ducktail spoiler on the decklid, it was all bark and no bite. The scoops were non-functional dummies and the base motor was still the 170 cubic inch pushrod inline six with a one-barrel carb making a bare hundred horsepower.
The base transmission was a three-speed manual. Optional engines for '71 were the 200 and 250 cubic inch sixes, rated at 115 and 145 horsepower, respectively. With the bigger sixes, a buyer could also order a three speed C4 SelectShift automatic.
Late in the model year Ford finally offered a V-8 option for the Maverick, albeit a two-barrel 302 Windsor rated at 210 SAE gross horsepower. Hot Rod magazine tested a 302 Grabber with a three-on-the-tree in April of 1971 and recorded a best quarter mile e.t. of 17.1 seconds at 85mph.
The example in the photos, in Medium Yellow Gold, has lost its original grille and front bumper. Since the grille is where the turn signals were mounted, the current owner has rigged amber lamps in the dummy hood scoop inlets to serve as front turn signals.
This one was photographed in Peru, Indiana in April of 2014 using a Canon EOS Rebel XTi and an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens.
No comments:
Post a Comment