THE REAL FORD MAVERICK

My favorite (least favorite?) Maverick story goes back when I was a pre-licensed teen growing up in NE Portland in the 70's. A buddy and I were riding our 10 speeds to Lloyd Center to check out the halter-topped hotties on the ice rink and grab some caramel corn from Joe Brown's. We had just left my parent's house on 54th and Broadway on a typical wet Portland afternoon. Halsey is a one lane street each direction and sharply downhill, there was traffic and cars parked in the street, so we took to the sidewalk at 40 MPH? as we approached the Hollywood Bowling Alley. We were FLYING when a yellow/gold Maverick Grabber suddenly pulled across the sidewalk leaving the Lanai Apartments. The complex had a wavy, brick wall that obscured the oncoming view. I never saw that car, and in her defense, she never saw me. The Mav pulled across the sidewalk and I rammed it, no brakes-head on. I caved in the Ford's wheel arch all the way to the tire with my front wheel, my knees left two huge dents in the top of the fender dragging it into the hood and when my 180-pound HS bulk rolled across the bonnet I flattened that scooped hood against the air cleaner. I tore the passenger fender away as I landed on my feet, dazed and confused (as Zeppelin would say), but I left the Mav nearly totaled in my wake.

My now ovoid front wheel hit the center tube of my bike frame hard enough to bend it severely. I picked up the now ruined bike, put it over my shoulder and walked across the street to the Copeland Lumber yard to get my bearings before walking home (uphill) with my friend, afternoon skating rink plans spoiled.

Every time I see a Grabber, I see that wreck in super slo-mo. If that woman driving the Grabber is reading this, sorry about that.

 

Shit happens.....Glad you and her if she's still around are ok....

 

I have a thing for the very early pro stocks 70-72 when the cars still had stockish suspension and sat high and launched higher , pre Vega Pinto wars.

 

My 75 with small bumper swap. Numbers say its a factory grabber but they didnt have the cool hood and spoiler in 75.
Peppy 302 and T5, thing is a lot of fun

 

At the Somernites Cruise in Somerset, KY today.

 

Mr Billy , that story brings back memories . Riding a hand jammer with a few Buds . We all rode hand jammers at the time . Cruising stop for a light . The light changes Maverick goes about , 300 ft to turn left into a parking lot . Buddy rear ends it and over the deck lid , up over the top , down the windshield to end standing on his feet facing the car . Lucky nothing hurt on him but pride . Lady driving the Maverick did not have one clue what just happened . The ole pan was down a few days for new spoke and rim lace job . He said I was lookin at a girl ! I didn’t see anyone , he must of been too full of suds .