Ford F-150 SVT Lightning by Kevin Lopez

In 1991, Ford management decided that it would be a good idea to create a special branch within their division dedicated to high performance vehicles. As a result, Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) was created. One of the team’s starting projects was to create a performance version of the Ford F-150, the SVT Lightning, which would debut for sale in February of 1993 along with the SVT Mustang (Blue oval trucks, 2004, 2). Although, it could be named the original muscle truck, this truck would compete alongside the Chevy 454 SS, and Dodge Ram SRT-10, to ignite a spark within many car enthusiasts and become very popular amongst “gear heads” all over the nation. The SVT Lightning can also be credited for creating a new craze for fast trucks in today’s culture, and ultimately going down in history as one of the greatest vehicles to be produced.

The first generation of the SVT Lightning debuted in February of 1993 first generation Lightnings were produced from 1993 to 1995 (Blue oval Trucks,2004, 2). The lightning was introduced as a two-wheel drive single cab, with a short bed, which was the only option offered The tank could contain approximately 35 gallons and got 12 mile per gallon in the city and 17 on the highway(93-95 F150 SVT Lightning Specs, 2013). Many variables differed the Lightning from a regular F-150, to begin with, the lightning had some changes to the exterior, it was only available in black and red, contained special SVT Lightning badges, 17 inch rims with firestone tires, the front end was also given a custom air intake and unique color matched grill (1^st Gen Lightning Information Specs, 2014). The interior was given custom bucket seats embroidered with the Lightning logo. Under the hood, the Lightning sported a 5.8 L Windsor V8, with GT40 cylinder heads, improved camshaft, redesigned air filter to take advantage of the new dual exhaust,  capable of producing over 240 horsepower, and 340 lbs-ft torque and going from 0-60 in roughly 7.2 seconds(Car and Driver SVT Lightning Specs). Additional mechanical upgrades included a stiffer suspension, which was lowered by 2 and a half inches for improved handling,  an upgraded version of the E40D 4 gear automatic transmission, and hypereutectic pistons, and many more (Blue oval truck, 2004, 3). It is evident that the most significant changes were mechanically, however its cosmetic changes also contributed to making this truck unique. Approximately 11,000 First generation Lightning were sold at the price of 22,000 dollars.

After 1995, the Lightning stopped being produced, however, production was resurrected in 1999 and again halted in 2004. This time around, the base for the lightning was the redesigned 1997 F-150. The second generation Lightning got 13 miles per gallon in the city and 15 mile per gallon on the highway ( ). Besides the fact that the body style had been totally overhauled, the set up was still very similar, single cab, two-wheel drive, and short bed, however, that does not imply that changes were not applied. To begin with, the engine was now a 5.4L V8 with an Eaton supercharger. The introduction of forced induction  resulted in the engine going from 240 horsepower and 340 lbs-ft torque to 380 horsepower and 450 lbs-ft torque. In order to withstand the conditions of the supercharger, improvements had to be made, those improvements included forged pistons, which would be able to handle the higher compression rate, a new intake manifold, and a water to air intercooler, the transmission was upgraded to a 4R100 automatic(Motor Trend Magazine, 1999, 3).  One obvious cosmetic change to the second generation Lightning was the body style, however, just like the First generation Lightnings contrasted from the stock version F-150’s so did the second generation. For starters, the Lightning was embedded with special SVT Lightning hard plastic logos on the tailgate and above the front wheel arches. The second generation lightning would also be available in a series of colors such as black, white, gray, sonic blue, red and others. The interior contained a special SVT dashboard and Lighting embroidered seats. The total production number for the second generation SVT Lightnings was 28,124 and they sold for approximately 30,000 dollars.

Among the public, the lightning was a hit. It took two concepts –speed, and pick-up trucks- that had never had any previous correlation, and intertwined them to create greatness. This allowed those who were fond of speed, yet wanted something that could do work, to finally come to a consensus while picking a car that would please both sides. Not only did it appeal to the need for speed and durability of a work truck, but it was also aesthetically pleasing. Within, truck clubs, Lightning’s always make a notable presence, it has been noted that even those loyal to Chevrolet have commented that the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is an outstanding vehicle. In conclusion, the SVT Lightning’s performance specification (which are quite impressive for a truck) and its visual appeal make it one great vehicle and a noticeable name around car enthusiast.