Michael Riley's Blog: Hemmings Find of the Day

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Hemmings Find of the Day – 1970 Ford Maverick Grabber

Debuting in spring 1970, the Grabber package added muscle car styling to the entry-level Ford Maverick, without necessarily adding performance. Featuring stripe graphics, a blacked-out grille and rear fascia, 14-inch wheels, dual mirrors and a black vinyl interior, the standard engine remained Ford's Thriftpower inline six, available in 170, 200 and 250-cu.in. displacements. In 1971, Ford introduced the 302 V-8 as an option in the Maverick, but this 1971 Maverick Grabber, for sale on Hemmings.com, makes do with the 250-cu.in. six, rated at 145 horsepower by the factory. With a Weber carburetor, headers and dual exhaust, however, the engine reportedly wakes up, making enough power to be entertaining. The current owner describes the Maverick as the "ideal beginner collector car," and it certainly appears to be in better-than-driver-quality shape. For those seeking a weekend ride that's heavier on style than performance, this Maverick may just grab you. From the seller's description:

Very nice original Grabber. Had plans to drop a V8 in it and decided it was just to good of a car to change. I did alot of nice modifications. Webber Carb and Headers. Dual exhaust , full set of guages and a Tach. will be installed next week with pictures to follow. This car looks and drives excellent. Car is very solid ! New windshield , front chin spoiler , Stallion steering wheel. Chrome valve cover coming as is a used front hood trim piece. I will post more pics next week. This is the ideal begginer Collector car or great for young kids. The 250 cubic straight 6 cyl. is excellent for gas and performance. With Webber and headers it really woke up ! I in stalled a nice stereo with all the latest technology for enjoyment but honestly , car sounds so good with the custom exhaust , I never listen to it. Give me a call for a complete and honest description. I build cars the way I like them and try to keep them affordable for everyone. Car grabs more attention than many of my much more expensive Classic.