1970 Ford Maverick

In the past, (although some still practice it), livestock branding was a thing. It involves putting a mark on livestock for easy identification by their owners or to enable others to know who owns which livestock. However, in livestock management terms, a Maverick is an unbranded range animal. This inspired the "Maverick" nameplate on the Ford model. Also, in writing it, Ford adopted a stylized format that resembles a cattle's head, the Longhorn to be precise.

For consignment, a not oft seen and I believe our first one in this house of eye candy's hallowed halls, we give you a 1970 Ford Maverick. This was considered an early muscle car and a response to the more compact cars that were flooding over from Europe and Japan. Our example has a Boss 302 engine, single 4-barrel carb and some snazzy 15-inch Cragar chrome wheels with larger rear rubber. Read on my Motorhead Mavericks.

Exterior
Let's start with a Pinto-esque front end only beefier, have it race rearward on the bottom and a chrome bumper to frame the egg crate grille, a bumped hood, trimmed wheel wells a fastback, small trunk deck, a flat back panel with horizontal rounded corner tail lighting and backup combos, and another finely preserved rear inset chromed bumper with dual exit exhaust just below. Window trimmings are all nicely showing off their chromed bling, and gaps are very consistent. In reference to those Cragar chrome 5 spoke wheels we see 165R15's upfront, and on back 275/60R15's which are just a “smidge” larger! This renegade, (actually Maverick), is all bathed in blue which shows no rust on any exterior surfaces and has a nice shine overall.

Interior
In true blue oval fashion and for the period being the early 70's there is a consistency in the design of all the models from this year that says it's a Ford. Embossed panels in black vinyl house the door actuators, arm rests and window cranks. This car is just a bit larger than the Mustang, so these doors are just a bit more accommodating than the Mustang for those of a larger height and stature. Inside is a full bench in front with a split back. This shows also in black vinyl and has smooth bolsters outside and some faux woven vinyl panels for the inserts to have just a bit of texture when you enter. In the back is a full bench stretching from side to side. The simple yet effective dash design uses 2 deep set round gauges that are within a curved upward and outward dash front. This gives the illusion of the gauges being oval when they are actually round. The remainder of the dash front is black painted solid metal with a single ash tray that hinges down to accept your smoking waste. Below the dash front is an aftermarket AM/FM/8 track player. In the hump in the middle is a Hurst shifter which resides in a sea of black carpeting which is in nice condition with no fades or major staining. Above is a nice tight black stretched vinyl headliner.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is an all buttoned up Boss 302ci V8. This had cast aluminum ribbed valve coverings and a thin new chromed air cleaner. Underneath this cleaner operation is a 4-barrel carburetor and on the back is a Doug Nash 5-speed manual transmission. The rear axle is a Ford 8 inch.

Undercarriage
No rust surface or otherwise, and just a nice slightly dulled coating underneath on the unibody construction and floor pans. Independent coil springs are upfront, and leaf springs with traction bars are on back. Disc brakes for the front, and drums for the rear. Raptor mufflers give this car a very nice sound from the Boss.

Drive-Ability
This Maverick fired right up and led us to the test track where it showed off its prowess and 302 cubes. It accelerated nicely, handled well and had bias free panic stopping as well as solid regular braking. All functions were working and in order.

My first Maverick description in my over 3 year history at Classic Auto Mall and this one is a fine example with a beefed up engine, nice interior, and rust free exterior, all looking much like the original, save for the racy wheels and tires. Why not come on down and have a look at a bit larger than the Mustang, a bit sportier than the Pinto, and snazzier than the Fairlane, this rabble-rouser Maverick is turn key and take off!

VIN DECODE
0X91T391643
0-1970
X-St Thomas Ontario, CA Assy Plant
91-Maverick
T-200ci I6
391643-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.