So I took a trip out to the Pomona Auto Swap Meet here in Southern California this past Sunday, and I must say the event has grown exponentially since the last time I was there. I spent half the day walking around with my pops checking out all of the old classic cars, the rebuilts and the projects-for-sale. Sadly, after the day was through I only saw 2 Mavericks at the entire show. One was a 4-door, the other a 2-door, neither owner was there to answer any questions, no information was left behind about the year of the cars and both had 6 cylinder engines. No Grabbers No Comet GTs No 302s ...I feel so alone...
I know the feeling all too well. I go to a number of car shows through out the year and with the exception of Carlisle, my Maverick is usually the only one there. Depending on how high the price of gas goes will determine how many shows I go to this year. But every year I hope to see more Mavericks and Comets making an appearance. I know they are out there. Sometimes just seeing one is all it takes to generate some interest in somebody who may have one to clean it up or fix it up and get it out for all the world to see.
I think we all feel your pain. But this board and the club provide me with enough brother (and sister) hood. Before I found this message board and before I joined the club, I always wondered how many Mav/Comet lovers were out there. There are many of us and the Mustang and Fords magazine will bring more on deck I think. Dan
Is the glass half full or half empty I cherish the thought that when I took my maverick to shows or just cruising that I was one of a few exclusive rides that people really looked at separately and didn't "blend-in" with the Mustangs (I even own a Mustang), Camaros and even old street rods. People either get it or they don't. I say don't look at it as lonely but as being exclusive and rare.
Its called being a "Maverick" When you think about the definition of the word, Its a fitting tribute.
My father used to drag race back in the mid 70's until mid 80's. He had 2 Mavericks, 2 Mustangs and a Pinto during this time. I was actually looking for 67 - 70 Mustang to build as my first street project... until a buddy of mine told me about a Maverick he found in a farmers barn in the middle of no where on some land he hunts. I forgot about Mavericks until he mentioned that he found this one. My search quickly went from Mustang to Maverick that night. Now we have 2 Maverick projects going on in Waterloo, Iowa right now. It's been a fun start with one of my best friends. The great part is that we both have our own ideas what we want to do to our own Mavericks. I think the funniest part so far was when I went to to Court House to transfer the title into my name. I bought the Maverick in Tenn., and the lady at the Registration counter asked me, "What is a Maverick?" I've enjoyed reading your posts the past 6 weeks. You guys have given me some good ideas from your thoughts or experience.
A few weeks ago I took my Maverick to the NPD all Ford show here in Orlando. 357 cars showed. I did'nt count them but, I bet 340 of them were Mustangs. Only one Maverick, that was mine.
alone Rallyman, I think part of the fun of owning a Maverick is that they are scarce. Ive veen showing car since 1984 and most Mavericks were prostock race cars only not show show cars. My Maverick did well in the compact Ford class. I also own a restored 69 Mach 1. Its a 351W 4V auto. Red/black. If I park next next to a 428CJ/shaker, most people won't even stop at my car. This also applies to different body styles, colors. year/classification of cars. This kind of thing creates small groups of people to become friend and they ignore others You may read about 400 Mustangs parked together but, looks are deciving. Im proud of my cars and I will show any where. If people dont enjoy them, its there loss. Everyone should be open minded. We all have our favorites, but Ford built many products. Your not alone!! Your Outstanding!
Grabber Joe; usually when I park my car in a sea of mustangs, I get more looks than the mustangs do. I think it is the uniqueness of the Maverick, and the commonallity of the mustangs. Kinda like a pearl in a bowl of grits! Earl
I just love to go to a car show and set up my beach chair somewhere near my car but not close enough so that people know I'm the owner. Then I listen to all the comments. Most popular is "What is that? Is it a Mustang?" followed by "Oh my God it's a Maverick, my mother used to have one!!" Taking a close third place is "I used to have a Maverick with the straight 6 and that car ran forever." Of course you get the occasional type-A know-it-all who walks by and says "Why would anybody bother restoring a Maverick???" but most of the comments are positive. One thing I've learned is that you don't go to a show just to get a trophy. Most of the shows are sponsored by car clubs of some kind and if you're not a member you're not going to be recognized to a great degree. In most cases the judges are members and they vote for their buddy's car. Just the way it is. Remember that it's basically a popularity contest - if you have a thin skin, don't go. Basically you just have to be proud of your car and the work you've done to it, and if you're the only one there then think of it as a distinction rather than a liability. I guess that's just part of being a Maverick Sam
If I wanted to fit in, I'd go buy a Civic. Then I'd put a three foot wing on the back, a 4" tailpipe, tint the windows, put some low profile tires on it, and put about 400 stickers advertising various things that the car doesn't have on the rear window. The best part about owning a Maverick is there aren't many of them left. I see mid 60's mustangs every day, but they don't do much for me. Our Mavericks look better, they're a hell of a lot more rare, and they can be as fast or faster than any muscle car out there because they are so light.
Well I must say I was at the Fun Ford Weekend this past Saturday in Orlando. Although the majority were Mustangs there was a decent showing of Mav/ Comets. I'd say there was about 6 -1 0. There was a red Comet GT that was really impressive to watch run. You talk about having a car dialed in..went straight as an arrow.... I also met some nice onwers that I talked to for a little while. Overall it was definately a good time. My Mav will be ready for next year!