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Ford Maverick 1970-1977

April 2011

The Ford Maverick was a compact car manufactured from April 1969-1977 in the United States, Canada, Mexico and from 1973-1979 in Brazil — employing a rear wheel drive platform dating to the original 1960 Falcon. Originally marketed as a 2-door sedan at an initial price of USD$1,995, the Maverick was designed to be inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

The name "maverick" was derived from the word for unbranded range animals, and the car's nameplate was stylized to resemble a longhorned cow skull.

The Maverick's styling featured the long hood, fastback roof and short deck popularized by the Mustang, on a 103 in (2,600 mm) wheelbase — and featured simple and inexpensive to manufacture pop-out rear side windows rather than roll-down windows.

The Maverick was originally conceived and marketed as a subcompact "import fighter", intended to do battle with the Volkswagen Beetle and newer Japanese rivals. The Falcon, Ford's compact offering since 1960, had seen its sales decimated by the introduction of the Mustang in 1964, and despite a redesign in 1966, was unable to meet forthcoming federal motor vehicle standards that would come into effect on January 1, 1970. Consequently, the Falcon was discontinued midway through the 1970 model year, and the Maverick repositioned as Ford's compact entry.

Nearly 579,000 Mavericks were produced in its first year. This rivaled the record-setting first year of Mustang sales (nearly 619,000), and easily outpaced the Mustang's sales of less than 200,000 in 1970.

Maverick 1970

Maverick 1970 Grabber The Maverick, a midyear introduction model for 1969, was back for 1970. It again used a Falcon chassis and 170-cid six-cylinder engine and came only as a two-door sedan. Customer demand was so great for the 1969 version hat Ford officials decide to leave a good thing alone and continued to offer the same car for 1970.

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 170 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.50x2.94 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 105 at 4400 rpm. Carburetor: Holley one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code U.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 120 at 4400 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code T.

Maverick 1971

Maverick 1971 The 1971 Maverick was unchanged from the previous two years, except for the addition of a four-door sedan and a “Grabber” version of the two-door sedan. Also the 302-cid V-8 engine was available for the first time. The “302” proved to be a brisk performer in the small body and the special edition of the two-door sedan, called the “Grabber”, was introduced to further enhance the performance image.

Chassis

Wheelbase: 103 inches. Overall length: 179.4 inches. Tires: 6.45 x 14 (6.50 x 14 on V-8 models)

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 170 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.50x2.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.7:1. Brake hp: 100 at 4200 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code U.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.7:1. Brake hp: 115 at 4000 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code T.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.91 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 145 at 4000 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code L.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.00x3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Brake hp: 210 at 4600 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft two-barrel. Five main bearings. Serial number code F.

Maverick 1972

The Maverick series was unchanged from the 1971 models.

Chassis

Wheelbase: 103 inches. Overall length: 179.4 inches. Tires: (V-8) C78-14 tubeless blackwall; (other models) 6.45 x 14 tubeless blackwall.

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 170 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.50x2.94 inches. Compression ratio: 8.3:1. Net hp: 82 at 4400 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code U.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.91 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Net hp: 98 at 3400 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft one-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code L.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.00x3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.5:1. Brake hp: 140 at 4000 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft two-barrel. Five main bearings. Serial number code F.

Maverick 1973

Maverick 1973 The Maverick series was basically unchanged from the 1972 models. There was, however, a slightly new appearance up front because of the flatter, reinforced bumper.

Chassis

Wheelbase: 103 inches. Overall length: 179.4 inches. Tires: (V-8) C78-14 tubeless blackwall; (other models) 6.45 x 14 tubeless blackwall

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.3:1. Net hp: 84 at 3800 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft single-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code T.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.91 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Net hp: 88 at 3200 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft single-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code L.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.00x3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 135 at 4200 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft two-barrel. Five main bearings. Serial number code F.

Maverick 1974

Maverick 1974 The Maverick had a slight frontal restyling for 1974 as energy-absorbing bumpers were adopted this year. A horizontal slot appeared in the center of the face bar, where the license plate indentation had formerly been positioned. Deluxe models feature side moldings with vinyl inserts; wheel cutout trim moldings and, on cars with vinyl roofs, a Maverick nameplate on the rear roof pillar. On all models, a similar nameplate was carried at the left-hand side of the grill.

Chassis

Wheelbase: (two-door) 103 inches (four-door model) 109.9 inches. Overall length: (two-door model) 187 inches (four-door model) 194 inches. Width: 71 inches. Tires: (two-door model) 6.45 x 14; (four-door model) C78-14; (Grabber) D70-14.

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.3:1. Net hp: 84 at 3800 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft single-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code T.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.91 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Net hp: 91 at 3200 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft single-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code L.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.00x3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 140 at 3800 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft two-barrel. Five main bearings. Serial number code F.

Maverick 1975

Originally scheduled to be replaced by the new Granada, the Maverick’s existence was extended after the energy scare of 1974. The sedans and the sporty Grabber featured refinements to interior and exterior trim; thicker, cut-pile carpeting; a deluxe steering wheel as standard equipment and a 200-cid base six. Ford block lettering was added along the hood lip and the slot in the center of the front bumper was slightly decreased in width. New options included power disc brakes and a deck lid-mounted luggage rack. A catalytic converter was required with the base engine, while the optional 250-cid six or 302-cid V-8 come without this unpopular piece of equipment. Radial tires were also added to the regular equipment list. Buyers were given a choice of blue, black or tan interior combinations (as in the past) or new, light green trim.

Chassis

Wheelbase: (two-door) 103 inches (four-door model) 109.9 inches. Overall length: (two-door model) 187 inches (four-door model) 194 inches. Width: 71 inches. Tires: (Grabber) DR70-14; (other two-door model) BR78-14; (four-door model) CR78-14.

Engines

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.13 inches. Compression ratio: 8.3:1. Net hp: 75 at 3200 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft on-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code T.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 250 cid. Bore and stroke: 3.68x3.91 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Net hp: 72 at 2900 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft on-barrel. Seven main bearings. Serial number code L.

Overhead valve. Cast iron block. Displacement: 302 cid. Bore and stroke: 4.00x3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Brake hp: 129 at 3800 rpm. Carburetor: Motorcraft two-barrel. Five main bearings. Serial number code F.

Maverick 1976

Initially scheduled for disappearance when the new Granada arrived in 1975, Maverick hung on a while longer as concern about the fuel crisis continued. This year’s grilled was forward-slanting horizontal-bar design, split into two sections by a center vertical divider bar. Rectangular park/signal lamps were mounted in the bright argent plastic grille; backup lights integral with the tail lamps. Single round headlamps continued. The front bumper held twin slots, and the hood showed a sculptured bulge. Inside was a new foot-operated parking brake. Front disc brakes were now standard. Base engine was the 200 cu. in. (3-3 liter) inline six whit one-barrel carburetor. Options: 250 cu. in. six with either three-speed manual or automatic transmission. Maverick’s fuel tank had grown from 16 to 19.2 gallons during the 1975 model year. Gas mileage engines was improved by low-ering rear axle ratio to 2.79:1, recalibrating engines and adding back-pressure modulation of the EGR system. The compact, uni-bodied Maverick used a ball-join front suspension with short and long arms. Hotchkiss rear suspensions had longitudinal semi-elliptic (three-leaf) springs. Standard equipment included fully-synchronized three-speed column shift, C78 x 14 bias-ply tires, hubcaps, vent-less windows with curved glass, front/rear side marker lights. European-type armrest with door pull assist handle and lockable glovebox. A padded instrument panel held two round cluster pods for gauges. Standard bench seats were trimmed in Random stripe cloth and vinyl. Two-doors hand a flipper rear quarter window. A stallion dress-up package, similar to Pinto’s, included black grille, decklid, lower body, and lower back panel: plus large Stallion decal on front quarter panel. The package also included dual outside mirrors, raised white-letter steel-belted radials on styled steel wheels, and “competition” suspension. Two-doors had a new optional three-quarter vinyl roof; four-doors, as “halo” vinyl roof. Other options included individually reclining buckets seats; paint stripes that extended along body-side and over the roof (on vinyl-topped two-doors); and AM and AM/FM radios with stereo tape players.

Maverick 1977

For its final season, Maverick changed little except for some new body and interior colors, two new vinyl roof colors, and a new vinyl-insert bodyside molding. New options included wire wheel covers, four-way manual bucket seats, and high-altitude option. The optional 302 V-8 got a new variable-Venturi carburetor. All engines gaine Dura-Spark ignition. There was also a new wide-ratio three-speed manual shift. Revised speedometers showed miles and kilometers. The Decor Group added a halo vinyl roof. Standard powerplant was the 200 cu. in. (3-3 litter) six, optional, either a 250 cu. in. six or 302 cu. in V-8. Standard equipment included front disc breaks (manual), three-speed column-shift manual transmission, foot parking brake with warning light, and 19.2-gallon gas tank. The full-width bench seat had Random stripe cloth and vinyl trim. Also standard: color-keyed carpeting; armrests with door pull assist handle; flip-open rear quarter windows; bright hubcaps; and bright drip rail and wheel lip moldings.

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