The Ford Maverick was a horse of a different color - four different
colors, in fact. It was America's first modern subcompact; as 'The
Simple Machine' it combined rugged Ford durability with looks that
belied its bargain basement starter sticker.
Secondly, the Maverick was an attainable junior supercar. When ponies
got pricey, the Maverick Grabber stepped in to fight inflation. And if
the Mustang had the Cougar as an upscale cousin, the Grabber could have
the Comet GT as its partner in crime.
Indeed, it was in the third area of small car luxury, that Maverick LDO
(Luxury Décor Option), and Mercury Comet with Custom Option, were truly
innovative. Ford was the first domestic to break the previously accepted
tenet that luxury went with size.
Still, all plush and no sport makes Henry a dull lad. In Super Stock and
Pro Stock, the Ford Maverick was raced by Dyno Don Nicholson, Fast Eddie
Schartman and Gapp & Roush to victory! Overall, the Ford Maverick was a
winner on the track, and in the showroom. Thanks a couple of million
Henry!
Marc Cranswick's homage to the small US Fords of the 1970s is essential
reading for all Maverick and Comet enthusiasts.
