Ford Lightning: Best Thing from the ’90s Since Nirvana
Sure, the new Raptor is tough. But the Blue Oval’s vintage trucks are equally as enduring — and just as badass.
Muscle trucks are really nothing new, but the first generation of Ford’s Lightning was a true revolutionary when it bowed on the scene in 1993. While performance trucks existed prior to the Lightning, they were mostly concerned with going fast in a straight line. The Lightning, on the other hand, was engineered to present a balance of both power and handling.
In other words (those of Ford), the Lightning was designed to be “a Mustang GT with a cargo bed.” That meant power came from a (larger than the Mustang) V8 – the 351 Windsor, which used add ons like GT-40 cylinder heads and stainless steel headers to produce 240 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. It was good enough for a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds and a 1/4 mile run of 15.6 seconds, which were quite solid in that day and age.
To live up to its Mustang GT comparison, Ford outfitted the suspension of the Lightning with goodies like one-inch front and rear anti-roll bars, Monroe Formula GT gas shocks, tighter steering, and a 2.5 inch drop. Wheels were 17×8 inch aluminum alloys, and the tires were sticky Firestone Firehawk P275/60HR17’s.
Because it was a limited-edition performance truck, nice used Lightnings are pretty easy to find these days. But most of them are expensive. However, if you take your time and do some hardcore searching, it is possible to come across an affordable gem every now and again, like this first-gen 1993 that recently sold online for just under $11,000. So, while we love the Raptor, we’re also keeping an eye out for what is one of Ford’s most enduring, toughest rides around: great performance icon known as the Lightning.
