Mention “Ford Maverick” these days, and even diehard classic car enthusiasts will think of the Blue Oval’s hot-selling compact pickup. But Maverick had a whole other meaning fifty years ago. A new YouTube video from Steve Magnante highlights a 1977 Ford Maverick to explain how this oft-forgotten compact car helped the automaker navigate the tumultuous 1970s.
A Brief Ford Maverick History
Magnante walks viewers through the Ford Maverick’s history, explaining how it replaced the venerable Ford Falcon, only to get replaced by the Ford Fairmont for 1978. Taking a cue from the popular Ford Mustang, Ford borrowed some design elements to give the Maverick a Mustang-ish appearance for its short history.
For its first model year, the Maverick debuted only as a two-door fastback but 1971 saw the introduction of a four-door that sat on a longer wheelbase. The longer profile gave the Maverick sedan a usable and family-friendly back seat.
What Engines Came With The Original Ford Mavericks?
Emphasizing the Maverick’s economy car focus, Ford kept the engines simple and underpowered compared to its Ford Mustang stablemate. The Maverick launched with a 170 cubic-inch six-cylinder cranking out 105 horsepower with a 200-horsepower 200 CI six-cylinder optional.
Later model years could be had with a 250 CI six or a 302 CI Windsor V8 (making 210 horsepower). Ford offered the same Windsor V8 (with the same output) in the later years of the first-generation Mustang. However, this was not the same powerplant used in the 1969-1970 Mustang Boss 302.
How Much Is An Old Ford Maverick?
The Maverick hit the market in 1969 as a 1970 model, with the Volkswagen Beetle and Toyota Corolla as targets. Ford set the base price at $1,995, about $15,700 today. That’s the equivalent of the starting price for a 2023 Nissan Versa.
Today, a fair-condition 1970 Ford Maverick goes for $4,100, according to Hagerty. But, values quickly rise for examples in better shape. For instance, a good-condition 1970 Maverick is worth $7,000, while a concourse-worthy edition gets valued at $15,000. A mint example with the Maverick Grabber appearance package tops out at $18,000.
A review of Bring a Trailer shows pricing consistent with Hagerty’s valuations. Most Maverick auctions, from various model years, sold in the $5,000 to $15,000 range.
