First-gen Ford SVT Lightning Strikes Us the Right Kind of Way
Ford’s F-150 Lightning came into our lives and left just as fast as a bolt of lightning, but it certainly left a mark.
There was a time, believe it or not, when fast trucks weren’t really a thing. We’re pretty spoiled today, in fact, with the plethora of powerful options available in the new F-150. Not to mention the Raptor. But until the venerable Lightning came along in 1993, Ford fans didn’t really have a dedicated performance truck to choose from. And then, just as quick as actual lightning dances across the sky, that all changed.
Today, the original first-gen Ford Lightning has become a bit of a collector’s item. Part of this is due to the fact that they were built in rather limited numbers. But you also have to consider the sobering fact that we’ll likely never see anything like it again, at least in two-wheel drive guise. So low-mile examples are going for a pretty penny these days. But you can still find nice ones like this beautiful ’95 that we spotted over at Bring a Trailer for a reasonable price.
This particular Lighting might have 80k miles on the clock, but you sure wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at it. Each one of those miles was obviously covered with the kind of loving care typically reserved for a favorite child. Everything, from the exterior to the interior, engine bay, and undercarriage is simply in immaculate condition.
The model year 1995 was the end of the line for the first-gen Lightning. And this one is number 120 of just 2,280 produced. It retains the original SVT certificate that states that fact. Along with all the books and documentation you’d expect from a collector’s item. But a plethora of service has also been completed recently. This includes a new muffler, fresh tires, and a new battery. The tailgate was also repainted at some point.
Other than that, there are virtually no bones to pick with this beautiful Lightning. It’s a shining example of one of our all-time favorite pickups. And one of the more historically significant models ever produced. With timeless styling and a cool history that’ll likely never be repeated (outside of dealer recreations), this Lightning figures to only strike once. But it’s a feeling that we’ll certainly never forget.
Photos: Bring a Trailer
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