It occurred to manufacturers as time passed that potential buyers viewed Pickups as more than mere workhorses. Growing numbers sought more comfort and luxury, while improved performance was welcomed by many. It spawned vehicles like the Dodge L’il Red Express and Chevrolet SS 454, with Ford joining the party via SVT with the F150 Lightning. It combined comfort with class-leading performance and was readily accepted by the 5,276 buyers who willingly handed over their cash for one in 1993. This is one of those vehicles, and although it isn’t perfect, it is a rock-solid and unmolested survivor with 81,000 genuine miles on the clock. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Katy, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,300, and the action hasn’t been as intense as I might have expected.

Ford offered Lightning buyers two color choices in 1993, with this vehicle 1-of-2,585 ordered in dazzling Vermillion. The seller admits it isn’t perfect, with some paint deterioration on the fender tops. There are rub marks where the bed cover meets the caps. The tubular rear bumper has a dent, but the new owner could address these shortcomings in a home workshop to lift the presentation significantly. The Lightning retains its original styling enhancements, like the integrated front spoiler and graphics, and rolls on its distinctive 17″ aluminum alloy wheels. The plastic shows no evidence of UV deterioration, and the wheels are free from stains and physical damage. The best news is revealed when we delve below the surface because this Ford is a rust-free classic with no issues that could cause sleepless nights. The glass is excellent, and with its few cosmetic issues addressed, this SVT Lightning would turn as many heads today as it would have in 1993.

Many special edition Pickups suffer from the curse of being a triumph of style over substance. Manufacturers often added a unique paint shade, some decals, and alloy wheels but thought little about performance enhancements. The Lightning was a different beast, with its engine bay housing an SVT-enhanced 351ci V8. They fitted upgraded GT40 cylinder heads, larger valves, a tuned intake, tubular headers, and improved injectors. The result was an engine producing 240hp and 340 ft/lbs of torque. Those ponies found their way to the road via a four-speed E4OD four-speed automatic transmission while uprated springs, shocks, and sway bars combined to improve handling significantly. It might be a workhorse, but a ¼-mile ET of 15.6 seconds confirmed the Lightning was anything but ordinary. The seller fitted this F150 with an upgraded Bassani exhaust, but it remains otherwise as it left the dealership. They indicate it has 81,000 genuine miles on the clock, but not whether they hold verifying evidence. We also receive no information on how this classic runs or drives, but the impression given is positive.

The interior of this Lightning is as unmolested as its exterior, and its condition is impressive for a vehicle of this type and age. There are no signs of significant wear on any of the Charcoal cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces, and no issues with the carpet. I can’t spot any UV damage, and there are no aftermarket additions beyond the cupholders. That last factor is undoubtedly because this interior doesn’t need them. The new owner receives ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

This 1993 Ford F150 SVT Lightning isn’t perfect, but it is a tidy and unmolested classic that seems to house no nasty surprises. Addressing its shortcomings would not cost the earth but would lift its presentation from clean to sparkling. It has only attracted eleven bids, which is far fewer than I would typically expect for a vehicle of this type. Recent sales results suggest there is a fair way to go before it hits its reserve, and the subdued activity means it might struggle to get there. However, it only takes two determined bidders for the situation to change dramatically. Do you think it will happen?