The Grabber was a sporty appearance package (and later a distinct model) available for Ford Maverick. The little coupe debuted in April 1969 as a 1970 model. It was an affordable, simple compact car (starting around $1,995) that competed directly with the Chevrolet Nova, but was also charged with taking on the growing number of pint-size Japanese vehicles being imported to the U.S.
Note that a sedan was added to the Maverick lineup for 1971, but only the coupe was offered in Grabber trim.
Grabber Package
Ford introduced the Grabber option during the 1970 Calendar year. The appearance package was designed to give Maverick a more youthful, muscle-car-inspired look. Checking the Grabber box on the Maverick order form brought with it larger wheels, racing-style stripes and graphics, a blacked-out grille, and other trim details. The package listed for $179.
Grabber Trim Level
For 1971, the Grabber became its own model within the Maverick lineup. Key upgrades included a distinctive dual-dome hood, rear spoiler, blackout accents (including the tail panel), grille-mounted driving lights, dual sport mirrors, and other cosmetic bits. A 210-horsepower, 302-cubic-inch V8 became available, paired with a three-speed manual or automatic transmission. A 6-cylinder engine was standard.
Maverick Stallion
Through 1975 the Grabber quietly evolved. Still, production declined over time, from about 39,000 examples in 1971, to just 8500 in 1975. The Grabber was dropped after 1975, and replaced by the Stallion package for 1976, which similar in concept to the Grabber.
Power and performance
Equipped with the V8 engine, the relatively lightweight Maverick would hustle to 60 mph from a stop in less than 10 seconds, and cover the quarter mile in a little over 16. The Grabber equipment did little to improve that performance, save for maybe the wheels and tires.
CG Says:
The Grabber helped keep interest in sporty, affordable cars alive during the early 1970s transition away from high-compression muscle cars (due to emissions regulations, insurance costs, and the OPEC oil crisis). While the Maverick Grabber was not a muscle car by any definition, it was fun looking, and that’s really what mattered at the time.
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Ford Maverick Grabber Pictures
(Click below for enlarged images)
