How close to perfect were they

Exactly my take on it. I'm glad they didn't get Boss 302's, 4-speeds and 9's. If they did, I either wouldn't have a Maverick or I'd be too scared of devaluing my priceless artifact with the mods I've made.

 

First the last model should have been released in 1980 whith low production numbers from 78 to 80. It was an economy car so keeping it real; an accessible fuse box, a small console W/two drink holder, an electric button or a manual cable release for the rear quarter windows, dual sport mirrors and louvers an option on all models. Then unknown to most of the public like one of those rare unknown, unadvertised dealer option Special Packages That we see in those two big Muscle Car Magazines, and it seems they were former car dealers or knew one or stumbled upon the car. A 4 Barrel, W/Electric Choke, and Headers and maybe, just maybe a Deluxe Special Package Consisting of the 71-72 Grabber hoods W/71-72 Grabber Stripping and rear spoiler but it’s going to Cost You Baby! This aint your Grand Pa’s Horse-N- Buggy!!!

 

Economy car or not, even the Falcon got a few performance options. Should have offered a "Drag Pack" with a 4 barrell, trac loc rear, 3:55 or 3:73 gears, 4 speed, Heavy duty cooling, stiffer springs and shocks, etc. All that stuff was readily available on other models.

 

i agree, the maverick wasn't given the variety of performance options as it's predecessor.

 

I think the Mav was just a couple of years too late for those goodies. They didnt do the 302 cars till 71 and then came 72 and de-tuning/emmissions.
Maybe it could have had those options if the 69.5 cars came 302 equipped. It would have given them a year or two feel out the market and add items like a drag pac.

 

Ok... I think in 70 they should have had the 11" disks as an option on all 250 and up engines and 5-lug.

The Grabber should have been like a mini Mach 1 and had the 2BBL 302 as the base and the J-Code 4BBL 302 as the top of the line with true dual exhaust and a 3.55 posi and 4-Speed optional.

And of course the 302 4BBL H.O. Maverick Comes out in 71 and the motor is identical to a boss 302 with the option of a mini drag pack and 3.91s with the 4-Speed Detroit locker combo is available. And that would be the top dog

 

Mavericks will never be everyones "perfect" car but they were built as econo-cars and were perfect for us to get 30 years later and mod to a point where they are perfect for us as individuals.

 

There actually was a designe for a boss 302 maverick and i do belive only one was ever created. If anyone is interested please pm me and ill go find the article on it with all the details. Thanks

 

Kind of surprised this hasn't been mentioned but a proper power steering box would be great. As mentioned earlier a factory console would be nice too.

 

1968

things i would have like to have seen.

inside things like hood pop, door spekers, roll down 1/4 glass, rear defrost.
rear The tride and true 9". rear disk.
body power att, bobcat taillights, no marker lites.

 

I heard of the Boss motored Maverick. My friend said it was a test mule that had the BOSS 302 with 4-Speed and 4.30s. It was faster than the up coming 429 SCJ Mustang from what he remembered.... and so away went the Maverick. Definitely would have cannibalized Mustang sales since it would have been cheaper. The Maverick had a brief identity crisis with the arrival of the Pinto as the real economy offering from ford. I do think Ford should have offered the J-Code 302, disk brakes, and 4-Speed. It's a no brainer.

 

factory tach,4 speed and the j code 302

 

Ford did a lot with Maverick and Comet in the 8 years of production. A "Simple Machine" in 1969 to a sporty car to a V8 to 4 door. There were many trim options and some drive train options. As far as performance, I bought a new '74 Grabber with a V8. In '74 the Mustang II was far from a performance car. The Grand Torino Sport was a big car and no more fast back body style option. I can tell you from my own experience a Maverick with a V8 in '74 was feared especially on Telegraph rd here. Even new with no mods the car was quick and fun to drive. That car was $3900 new on a-plan a lot of money for a Maverick. A '74 Grand Torino Sport with a 460V8 was nice but not as quick as it once was and it was expensive. In my opinion a V8 Maverick was the best choice.

 

:Handshake i agree, it was by far not wimpy for its time. dad told me how he won alot of races in his 302 comet back in the day just by freeing up the exhaust and a 4 barrel.

 

Some options they easily could've offered;
disc brakes
4 barrel carbed 302
4 speed
dual exhaust
more gear ratios up to at least 3.55
a limited slip diff
same engine bay as the Mustangs, allowing the factory install of 351s
center consoles
Sure, Ford didn't want the Mustang to have any internal competition, but the Duster/Nova guys got some sweet powertrain options, it would've been nice if the Maverick had too.