We all have a soft spot for the Ford Custom 500 in the movie “White Lightning”. That big brown bomber screaming around dirt roads with Burt Reynolds at the wheel makes us wish that we were doing the same thing. But let’s be real for a second: if you only have five grand to sling around, as we use for our Rough Start series, maybe a big-ass Ford sedan isn’t quite what you need. Not that you can’t find one for the money, but a big-block, two ton barge isn’t exactly friendly on the old wallet. Instead, maybe smaller is better, and in this case, we have an option that still leaves you with a brown Ford sedan that will have no problem offering up some fun. You’ll just have to think smaller…like Maverick small.
Maverick coupes get all of the glory, but being based on the Falcon, there were tons of sedans cranked out between 1970 and 1977, and the only difference you really have are the two extra doors. So let’s take a look at our potential target car: it’s a 1972, has a new radiator and a completely refreshed front end, is packing a 302ci V8, has air conditioning and a floor-shift automatic. Really, it might be ugly but this could be the fun kind of bomber. If you can’t wick up a 302 to run, you aren’t trying hard enough, there’s tons of aftermarket support and overall, the car is actually in pretty decent condition. You’ll be out $1,250 for the car, which leaves you with over three grand for goodies…and that is before you test out the owners flexibility on price. How in the hell can you lose?
Craigslist Link: 1972 Ford Maverick
Or better still just forget the whole thing!
Would anybody in their right mind blow $3000 on “goodies” for a shit-brown 4 door that has the sex appeal of an over 80s live stripshow….
Because sinking that money into a red Camaro would be SOOOOO much more unique…
I say, who in their right mind wants a car the same as everyone else has. Every time I go to the track/car shows, I’m surrounded by Camaro, Chevelle, Mustang, and Corvette. All with the same stupid catalog parts and painted like an Easter egg. That way, people who know nothing about cars will vote it “best in show”, and take selfies with it while the owner strokes his ego over how much everyone loves his cookie cutter hot rod.
Though this example is not so easy on the eyes, I’ve seen a lot of two door Mavericks and Comets that really can be done up right. It takes a special kind of person to appreciate the ugly ducklings, and are willing to put in the effort to make it cool.
That’s why I’m building a Fox body LTD and restoring a super rare Fox body Marquis LTS. Screw conformity!
I am down with this idea. The White Lightning Ford is my favorite movie car of all time. It is the reason I like big, plain, ugly cars.
A guy runs a blue one of these @ Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis. Cool car. Has an Aussie muscle car feel to it with the 4 doors. It stands out from the mustangs, camaros, late model mopars, corvettes, and diesel trucks at the drags.
As much as I love odd rods and the 2 door Macericks and Comets, I just cant bring myself to like their more-door variants. Something about the lines of the doors against the roof line, or the roof line itself maybe. Either way, 2 door YES, 4 door, NO, at least in this case. The charming dookie brown would be a nice touch if it was at least clean.
It’s not too far from where i’m at, I might go check it out. I would be concerned about how much rust that thing has, being in northern Ohio.
Odd is Good–Dare to be Different–(personally have MGBV8)
Rather haver Gator’s LTD!