The Maverick Grabber first made the scene in early 1970 as a trim package designed to capture a rising sporty interest clamored for by the day’s buyers. The problem, however, with Ford’s latest attempt to replicate the success of the Mustang, was the six-banger motivation standard with the Maverick.

Tasked with keeping up with the recent arrivals of the Dodge Dart and Chevy Nova, the car was in desperate need of a new look and attitude.

Ford’s attention-getting Maverick Grabber package boasted a more powerful 302ci V8, sport stripes, and hood scoops.

Ford execs, acknowledging the the widening gap in the emerging pony car wars, were in need of new performance option. To that end, it dropped a 210-horsepower, 302-cube V8 powerplant between the Maverick’s shock towers. A freshly designed Grabber black-out hood; grille, headlight, and taillight panels; dual sport mirrors; and a rear spoiler helped round out the Grabber sport package.

Winter Haven, Florida, resident Mark Deagan’s gorgeous ’72 Grabber represents far more than just a competitor in the early muscle car wars, however.

“I grew up loving cars and watching my Dad tinker on his ’73 Ford Gran Torino Sport when I was a kid,” Mark, a career automotive mechanic and now technician, told us. “I bought my first car, also a Maverick, at 16 for $350 from my Grandfather. You just can’t beat the durability and simplicity of these early cars.”

The addition of a V-8 and Grabber trim package gave the Maverick a more sportier performance image.

“It’s amazing the horsepower these cars can make today but I still love the classics because everything we made back then was solid and built with a lot of pride,” he added.

As you would expect of most wrench-turners, Mark and wife Brenda have seen a healthy list of desirable marques passed through their stable, including a ’73 Maverick, a ’73 Camaro RS, and recently, a 2014 Mustang. Although Mark concedes his Camaro is one he’d like to have back, he’s perfectly content with the looks of approval and thumbs-ups his special edition Grabber receives.

“I mainly use the car for local shows or Sunday drives and,” he said with a chuckle. “I also store any extra money and time I may have in it too!”

One of just over 35,000 made, Mark’s Maverick is a welcome sight among a a sea of more well-known nameplates.

“Don’t just buy a classic car because it’s popular,” he concluded. “Shop around, buy what you like, and don’t be afraid to be different.

Judging by the attention Mark’s Maverick generates, it might just grab you too.