Ford Motor Company Introduces the Maverick
The Maverick: Ford's Big Idea for a Little Car
A loose definition for the term maverick is an independent thinker that blazes their own trail. In 1971, Ford launched their version of a small car with a large engine bay that proudly wore the descriptive moniker. Smaller in statue when compared to the large Ford's of the past they considered it a compact midsize car.
Intended as a comfortable four passenger vehicle capable of holding V8 power, it would battle an onslaught of foreign competition. Perhaps its stiffest competition is [the German made Volkswagen Super Beetle]. However, It would also have to face off against cars like [the AMC Rambler America] and [the midsize Dodge Dart Swinger] already …show more content…
Of course there were minor changes in exterior trim pieces, but by 1975, the company had decided to replace the model with the Granada. This changeover didn't occur quickly and production of the Maverick continued until 1977.
Selling the Maverick was Simple
Ford used an ingenious campaign showcasing how simple the Maverick was to own. In return for the small investment you received an automobile easy to maintain and simple to repair. This had major appeal with mechanically inclined customers on a tight budget. You could actually perform regular maintenance in your driveway.
Sales flyers also pointed out how simple driving the car is and even easier to park. This highlighted a major fault with the German engineered Volkswagen Beetle. A Ford Maverick used a quick ratio power steering box and had a tight turning radius. It was cumbersome to get the smaller Beetle pointed in the opposite direction.
Interesting Versions of the Ford …show more content…
Nevertheless, there are some interesting models produced in small numbers throughout its seven year production. Halfway through the 1970 model year Ford released the Maverick Grabber targeting the muscle car market.
Unfortunately, the only year the Grabber had any teeth is in 1971. The 302 CID small block V-8, one of [the greatest muscle car engines] of all time, produced an adequate 250 HP in 1971. This number would continue to drop as regulations, emission standards and a quickly approaching gas crisis [killed the muscle car in the early 70s].
Another interesting Maverick is the 1972 Sprint model. Designed to honor the Americans competing in the 1972 Olympics, the automobile carried a red, white and blue paint scheme. They painted the car two-tone white and blue and added red pinstripes. This theme carried over to the interior that featured white and blue seats with red piping. Finally, Ford placed a patriotic American flag emblem on the rear quarter panel above the side marker light. They also made this red white and blue Olympic tie-in available on the 1972 Mustang and Pinto subcompact
The Maverick: Ford's Big Idea for a Little Car
A loose definition for the term maverick is an independent thinker that blazes their own trail. In 1971, Ford launched their version of a small car with a large engine bay that proudly wore the descriptive moniker. Smaller in statue when compared to the large Ford's of the past they considered it a compact midsize car.
Intended as a comfortable four passenger vehicle capable of holding V8 power, it would battle an onslaught of foreign competition. Perhaps its stiffest competition is [the German made Volkswagen Super Beetle]. However, It would also have to face off against cars like [the AMC Rambler America] and [the midsize Dodge Dart Swinger] already …show more content…
Of course there were minor changes in exterior trim pieces, but by 1975, the company had decided to replace the model with the Granada. This changeover didn't occur quickly and production of the Maverick continued until 1977.
Selling the Maverick was Simple
Ford used an ingenious campaign showcasing how simple the Maverick was to own. In return for the small investment you received an automobile easy to maintain and simple to repair. This had major appeal with mechanically inclined customers on a tight budget. You could actually perform regular maintenance in your driveway.
Sales flyers also pointed out how simple driving the car is and even easier to park. This highlighted a major fault with the German engineered Volkswagen Beetle. A Ford Maverick used a quick ratio power steering box and had a tight turning radius. It was cumbersome to get the smaller Beetle pointed in the opposite direction.
Interesting Versions of the Ford …show more content…
Nevertheless, there are some interesting models produced in small numbers throughout its seven year production. Halfway through the 1970 model year Ford released the Maverick Grabber targeting the muscle car market.
Unfortunately, the only year the Grabber had any teeth is in 1971. The 302 CID small block V-8, one of [the greatest muscle car engines] of all time, produced an adequate 250 HP in 1971. This number would continue to drop as regulations, emission standards and a quickly approaching gas crisis [killed the muscle car in the early 70s].
Another interesting Maverick is the 1972 Sprint model. Designed to honor the Americans competing in the 1972 Olympics, the automobile carried a red, white and blue paint scheme. They painted the car two-tone white and blue and added red pinstripes. This theme carried over to the interior that featured white and blue seats with red piping. Finally, Ford placed a patriotic American flag emblem on the rear quarter panel above the side marker light. They also made this red white and blue Olympic tie-in available on the 1972 Mustang and Pinto subcompact