Description
Super cool and super rare. With just 5 known in the UK, this stunning 3. 3 litre 6-cylinder coupe presented in Grabber Yellow on period Wolfrace slot alloys, has, up until very recently, been the labour of love for a Devon-based retired engineer. Almost 2 years of his life has been devoted in undertaking a full and comprehensive mechanical rebuild having acquired the car as effectively a restored rolling shell back in 2024. With a huge file of receipts for parts (mainly from Rock Auto in Madison), the Maverick is now show-ready and drives as well as it looks. Currently my jump-in vehicle of choice, it turns heads like nothing else and everybody asks that same question - what is it? It has that Mustang appeal without the price tag and being mid-sized, is perfect for cruising on UK roads. What`s not to like!
Launched in April 1969, the Maverick was available as either a 2-door coupe or 4-door sedan and replaced the Falcon, sales of which had dramatically fallen since 1964 and the introduction of the Mustang. Promoted as a sporting compact, it was set to rival imports from Datsun, Toyota and VW with the fastback styling of the coupe, akin to its bigger Mustang brother, was no coincidence. Offered initially with a choice of just 6-cylinder engines (V8 Windsor from 1971) and a choice of 3 or 4-speed manual and 3-speed automatic transmissions, various trim packages were offered from 1971 as well as some interesting exterior paint choices!
Our car dates from 1971 and was built in Canada as an export model, being supplied new to a US Airforce serviceman posted in Germany. It remained there for some years before moving to Poland in the 1980`s and ultimately to Scotland in 1999. Parked up in dry storage for the next 20 years, the Maverick finally came out of hibernation during the Covid lockdown and so began a 6-year rolling restoration. The next 3 years saw the body restored and the car repainted whereupon it went back into storage and put up for sale and a part-completed project. It was subsequently purchased by an American car enthusiast and retired REME engineer in Devon, moving South in the late Summer of 2024. Everything including engine, gearbox and all ancillaries were immediately removed and so began the start of what became a comprehensive mechanical rebuild. This included sourcing a fresh 200cui (3. 3 litre) engine, rebuilding it with all new rods, lifters, valve seals, head gasket, oil pump, water pump, timing chain and sprockets whilst all hoses, plugs, leads, coil and distributor were replaced. Cooling system was completely overhaul with all-new alloy radiator and thermostat, fuel system replaced with new fuel tank and sender and suspension upgraded with new control arms, springs and front and rear shock absorbers. The entire braking system was subsequently replaced with all new lines, custom-made hydraulic handbrake with new cables and new drums and shoes all `round, whilst the gearbox was overhauled, adapted to floor shift (using a Hurst adaption kit) and reinstated with new transmission mounts and new clutch. A new exhaust system, high-torque starter motor, battery and heater matrix completed the build together with numerous small items to include headlight bowls, new gauges and a fresh set of Nankang Toursport NS tyres. Back on the road in early 2026, the Maverick is yet to be run-in and it was only the ill-health (arthritis) of the owner that has prompted a very reluctant sale. Since acquiring the car a couple of months ago, I have taken it to a few shows local to Weymouth and have loved every minute.
The Maverick presents just as can be seen in the photographs. Bodywork is genuinely stunning and the Grabber Yellow paint superb with just a couple of light scratches evident from storage. Original trim and glass are commensurate with the rest of the car and similarly excellent as are the period Wolfrace slot alloys. The cabin features the original Black trim and carpets whilst a custom dash with digital speedometer, remote indicator stalk, extra VDO gauges, adapted floor shifter and custom hydraulic handbrake have all been added as part of the recent rebuild. Turn the key and the inline 6-cylinder fires immediately into life sounding sweet, strong and purposeful. On the road, the Maverick is a joy with positive steering, superb brakes and plenty of poke - it is, in essence, a baby Mustang and drives just the same. The adapted 3-speed floor shift takes a mile or two to master but after a few minutes, it becomes second nature with easy changes and no dramas. I have been using the Maverick regularly over the past month, cruising “A” roads at highway limits and sitting in traffic at 35C. It hasn`t missed a beat, stays cool and just loves to be driven. But park up and don`t be surprised at the gaggle of people that are quickly drawn. Even the most ardent American car enthusiast who has seen or experienced most things stateside struggles to ignore it. With just 5 known in the UK (2 of these are race cars), you are guaranteed to be the only one in the show-field.
The Maverick comes with a considerable file of bills and receipts covering the recent mechanical rebuild (2024-2026), a Ford Maverick 1969-71 Straight Six Autobook Manual, current V5C and set of keys. It is naturally both MoT and road-tax exempt.
Cool, rare and surprisingly affordable. Call me soon before I change my mind!
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today. We are happy to take a reservation fee to hold a vehicle but as a dealership, we don`t operate a structured distance selling scheme.
