There was a time when terms like SVT, AMG, and Mazdaspeed used to mean something: brutally fast vehicles with as many suspension upgrades as performance enhancements. It seems like more and more ordinary vehicles are getting badges plastered on them that don’t carry the same meaning, and this Ford F-150 Lightning reminds us that having the SVT emblem slapped on a fender meant there was some serious horsepower under the hood. This truck is listed here on eBay by the second owner, with bids to $19,100 and no reserve.
This era of the Lightning was one of the best combinations of aggressive styling with bodacious performance, in my humble opinion. The second generation SVT-modified monster featured a lowered suspension, large, 5-spoke wheels, side sills, a front air dam, and a short bed design. The truck gained some notoriety as Paul Walker’s shop truck in The Fast and the Furious, and even today it’s easy to spot a Lightning of this era thanks to its unique styling. This truck has close to 100,000 miles but presents like an example with far lower mileage.
Now, the exterior aesthetics notwithstanding, the interiors were pretty spartan and standard production-spec F150 in execution. That can spell bad news on a truck that has been used, as the cockpit will usually look fairly roughshod. In the case of this truck, we see more evidence inside that the longtime first owner took excellent care of this Lightning, as the cockpit presents better than its mileage would suggest. The seller does disclose that you’ll see some stains and discoloration if you look closely, but it doesn’t appear to be egregious.
The paint is in truly excellent condition, and the same goes for the rubber trim. That’s what immediately caught my eye to be perfectly honest is how lustrous the bumper and bed-step trim still is. There’s little doubt this Lightning has been stored indoors since new, and the next owner will be getting a cherry (literally) example that can be used regularly without fear of de-valuing a low mileage truck. The strong bidding for a non time-capsule Lightning like this shows that clean condition likely triumphs all other factors when buying a collector-grade car or truck.
Good write-up Jeff. This generation of Lightnings was particularly well-done. Good performance coupled with aggressive but not obnoxious styling. This one looks well-loved despite the higher mileage. They have held their value very, very well, specifically for clean, low mileage, unmodified examples.
A co-worker had one; once I rode with him to a meeting, and when he punched it, it wasn’t hard to understand their allure.
Good write-up Jeff. This generation of Lightnings was particularly well-done. Good performance coupled with aggressive but not obnoxious styling. This one looks well-loved despite the higher mileage. They have held their value very, very well, specifically for clean, low mileage, unmodified examples.
A co-worker had one; once I rode with him to a meeting, and when he punched it, it wasn’t hard to understand their allure.
Beautiful Truck
would be nice to see the Engine.
This truck belongs to a car dealer that sells classics. Was there a month ago.
One of the best looking of the Lightning series. These trucks drive and ride like a car but can still do the work of a truck. I always wanted one but a 4×4 better suits my use.