1993 Ford F150 SVT Lightning

Ford was not the first manufacturer to attempt to meld a high-performance image with a pickup truck, but it’s probably fair to say that no previous effort was taken so seriously as the one that spawned the 1993 F-150 Lightning. It was certainly an unusual way for Ford’s brand-new Special Vehicle Team to make its product debut; the group’s other premier offerings, the 1993 Mustang Cobra and Cobra R, which hit the market simultaneously, were more along the lines of what the public was expecting from the new performance vehicle division. Perhaps that had a lot to do with the actual capabilities of the Lightning-the SVT crew had promised it would never produce a vehicle that did not offer significantly improved performance, so the new hi-po pickup would really have to deliver. This was no small feat, because it wasn’t enough to simply put a bigger engine in the lightest 1/2-ton configuration-SVT was about all facets of performance, so this unit would have to handle and stop, too. Considering that the platform dated all the way back to 1980, and used Ford’s trademark Twin-I-Beam front suspension that traced way back into the 1960’s, the team had its work cut out.

Little known, and not often seen, the Ford Lightning from 1993 was the precursor to the power truck craze of the early 2000’s. This truck for consignment, has had a few minor performance bolt ons and sports 43,964 actual miles. A few modifications to improve on original looks, was only in the rain once during our consignor’s ownership, and it’s all buttoned up for some fast hauling…of ass!

Due to varying emissions control devices being removed by the consignor, please check with your state, county, local or provincial motor vehicle department to verify the ability to legally register this vehicle in your area***

Exterior
Leading the way for this slab sided, monochromatic truck bathed in a freshly wet sanded, buffed and ceramic waxed application of Vermillion Red, this truck is looking great even with it’s original mirrors changed over to a smaller style. A few areas of rub off are noted along with a scrape on the front bumpers and an area on the passenger’s fender which escaped buffing. New headlights and signal markers were installed in the leading edge of this rig which flank the body colored Ford oval badged grille. A menacing Boss 429 style hood scoop had been added to the hood and the body colored front bumper houses fog lights and a thin black rubber trim strip. The long slab sides are devoid of chrome save for the slightly askew Lightning badges adorning the fenders. Black trim provides the framing for all the glass and even the door handles are blacked out. Dual fuel tank doors appear on the driver’s side of the bed which melts almost seamlessly in the Vermillion Red tailgate dressed with another Lightning badge and “Lipp’s Little Red Shortbed” paintwork. Just below is a body matching roll pan by Lund and under the red canvas bed cover we see a black plastic drop in bedliner. Factory original 17-inch SVT saw blade style wheels are wrapped in 275/60R17 rubber all around. A storm is brewing on the test track at Classic Auto Mall!

Interior
Clamoring to get to the interior before the storm, we open the doors with a “flash” and see plenty of charcoal gray molded vinyl which forms the door panels. A speaker, storage bins in the bottom, and some panels frame a smaller molded vinyl insert with a black bezel for the door locks and window toggles make up the door panels. All sleek and nicely designed. Seats are power adjustable for the lumbar and bolster support and manual for the fore and aft movement. These rounded over very sporty high back articulated buckets are covered in charcoal gray tweed and sport lighter gray insert panels with Lightning stitched into the headrests. Form and figure are key to these great lookers within the cab. A center seat/fold down armrest has been removed and now between the seats is a padded lower and hidden subwoofer in its place. The dash in charcoal gray houses factory F150 gauges and in the center are some knobbed temp controls and an aftermarket AM/FM/CD digital sound system. Gray carpeting, in nice condition, floods the floors and is well protected by heavy duty rubber mats. I hear the thunder of a V8 in the distance!

Drivetrain
5.8 Liters of V8 are shoehorned into the engine bay. This mill can put out more than 240hp thanks in part to factory GT-40 cylinder heads, a tubular GT-40 intake manifold, an added air induction kit and a Hypertech piggyback module. It has EFI, and on back a E4OD 4-speed automatic with modifications to the converter lock up circuit. The rear axle is a TracLoc equipped Ford 8.8″ version weighing in with a factory 4.10 gear ratio. Get ready to “pour” it on.

Undercarriage
Wonderfully preserved all shiny black framing and red floor pans as well as other structural parts are all rust free. An independent twin I-beam coil sprung front suspension is on, and in back leaf springs can be seen, as can a pair of Jethot coated headers and 3″ dual exhaust system by Flowmaster for the exhale all looking great and clean. It was a real soaker but now the sun is coming out….

Drive-Ability
I entered this Lightning not knowing exactly what to expect as this is my first jaunt into this model of truck. It fired right up with a thunderous roar, and it was off to the test track. Here it had neck snapping acceleration, endless power from the V8 and great handling. All functions were working, and the seats were wonderfully comfy. Gotta luv the ergonomics and tweed!

A rarely seen Ford Lightning pickup all in great condition with some slight upgrades, original paint which is miles deep, and very truck-like styling cures. Thundering exhaust and a covered bed, I feel a road trip coming on!

VIN DECODE
1FTDF15R6PLA65585
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
T-Ford Truck Complete
D-5001 Thru 6000lb GVWR
F15-Standard Cab Styleside 4X2 F150
R-5.8 Liter V8 EFI 240hp
6-Check Digit
P-1993
L-Michigan Truck Assy Plant
A65585-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.