Ford formed its Special Vehicle Team, better known as SVT, in 1991. Its mission was to inject excitement into the company’s model range by producing limited edition high-performance variants of Ford’s production models. The Mustang was an obvious candidate for the SVT touch, but the F150 Pickup received its dose of SVT magic when it unveiled the Lightning. Our feature Pickup left the factory in 2004 and is an unrestored survivor. It presents exceptionally well for its age, needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the Lightning here on eBay in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Eighteen bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $25,000 as the auction heads into its final days.
Based on the Tenth Generation F150, this was the second variant of the Lightning produced by SVT. The first graced showroom floors from 1993 until 1995, and featured a 5.8-liter Windsor V8 and the typical SVT cosmetic additions. The second version hit the market in 1999, remaining on sale until 2004. Our feature Pickup is a final year version and is 1-of-3,781 produced that year. It wears menacing Code UA Black paint that holds a mirror shine. The SVT additions like the deeper front fascia, rocker moldings, side-exit exhaust, and the 17″ wheels are intact and in good condition. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller’s images reveal no rust problems beyond the occasional spot of dry surface corrosion on the Pickup’s underside. The glass is crystal clear, while the badges and trim look excellent.
The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their odometer claim of 41,900 original miles, but this Lightning’s interior makes it plausible. The stunning Medium Graphite cloth and Ebony leather trim is almost perfect, with no significant wear or other issues. Pale carpet is often prone to stains and marks, but the factory mats have protected this Pickup’s effectively. There is no cracked or broken plastic, and the interior appointments guarantee a comfortable motoring experience. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, and a six-disc CD changer.
SVT didn’t limit the Lightning package to a few cosmetic enhancements, bigger wheels, and a ride height drop. Lifting the hood reveals this Pickup has the muscle to back its looks. The 5.4-liter V8 received an Eaton M112 supercharger and other upgrades that boosted power and torque to 380hp and 450 ft/lbs. There is no point in having a mountain of power if it can’t effectively feed to Planet Earth. Therefore, this classic’s upgraded four-speed 4R100 automatic transmission and Eaton 3.73 limited-slip rear end guarantee that the F150 can utilize its power to provide stunning acceleration. The Lightning’s suspension features improved springs, a rear stabilizer bar, and Bilstein shocks. Rounding out the package are four-wheel disc brakes with a three-channel anti-lock system. Was the Lightning fast? Its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 13.9 seconds means that the answer to that question is a resounding yes. The seller confirms that this survivor is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives perfectly. It is ready to provide its new owner with a life of adventure.
This 2004 Ford F150 SVT Lightning is a stunning Pickup that has found its place in the classic market. Values have climbed recently, which is understandable considering the limited production total and the performance offered. That brings us to a point to ponder with the vehicle. I found a prior auction listing for the same F150, indicating that it sold for $31,500 barely a month ago. That suggests it is being flipped, but do you think the seller will turn a profit on this Lightning?
This generation of SVT Lightnings was a serious, successful effort at a performance pickup. I follow them only casually, but I’m pretty sure that tuners have worked their magic and found some serious horsepower. Meanwhile the clean and stock models, like this example, have become collectible and bring big bucks. No indication this will change, as they are not “old” and thus less subject to demographic-driven market change.
I’ve seen efforts to take basic current F-150’s (short bed, regular cab) and turn them into performance trucks, in the spirit of these SVT models. So the general idea lives on.
Thank you Adam.
My 2002 came with a factory tonneau cover, I don’t see one here?
Still have my 03 sonic blue and yes should have a tonneau cover. Also 03 and 04 got a faster steering box and a lower gear ratio. As for the tire selection now that’s limited these trucks use a 295/45/18. I still getting in and driving it, limited use and 96K on it now. The truck has been quite reliable for the most part, replacement of all the urethane in the suspension as well as ball joints tie rods etc. These trucks come with no provision to grease these new. Worst was a pcv hose in the back of the engine, had to remove the blower to get to it. Still is a fun vehicle to drive, new owner should enjoy.
Fast Ford