15. Ford Maverick V8
American buyers got to know the Maverick as Ford`s base economy model they introduced in 1969 to fight the foreign compact car invasion. However, the U.S. Maverick wasn’t anything special. In fact, it was just another affordable runabout with no defining features. But in Brazil, it was one of the premium muscle cars in GT trim. The Brazilian Maverick production started in 1973 and lasted until 1979. Basically, the car was the same as the U.S. version with a straight-six engine and no special equipment. And, over the years, Ford Brazil produced over 500,000 Mavericks, which made it a popular and common choice in that part of the world.
But, for muscle car connoisseurs and enthusiasts, Ford produced the Maverick GT V8 with a 5.0-liter V8 that developed 199 HP. That was a big number by the standards of the day. So, in this relatively light package with a four-speed manual transmission, the Maverick GT was one of the fastest Brazilian cars and a popular muscle car. In 1975, Ford presented the Maverick GT with a Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor. It raised the power level to 255 HP and made this compact muscle car go fast. Also, this model came with the popular Ford Grabber colors, a front and rear spoiler, and sports wheels. Even today, this is one of the most popular and sought-after Brazilian muscle machines.