Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced a few fun and interesting vehicles, not the least of which was a single-cab short-bed pickup. I see maybe two single-cab short-bed pickups a month and can’t remember the last time I saw a 1993 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning on the street, or even at a car show. The seller has this example posted here on craigslist in Lakewood, Washington, and they’re asking $22,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Curvette for the tip!
The seller says this Ford SVT Lightning pickup was originally from Oregon, just south of where it’s located now, and it’s 100% rust-free. It looks like it jumped right out of a brochure to me; I don’t see a flaw anywhere inside or outside. That’s amazing since this isn’t a low-mileage vehicle; it has almost 142,000 miles on it! I would have guessed maybe 42,000 at the most.
This is the rear bumper you want if you have a first-gen SVT Lightning, and under that tonneau cover looks as nice as everything else does. The only thing we don’t see are underside photos, but I have to assume it’s as solid and nice underneath as they say it is. In case you were questioning the seller’s asking price, these aren’t $10,000 trucks anymore. Hagerty is at $23,900 for a #3 good-condition example, and with this truck’s high miles, their asking price is probably right on the money. $38,900 is the #2 excellent condition value, and this sure looks “excellent” to me.
Ford offered the first version of their SVT Lightning based on the ninth-generation F-150 in 1993, 1994, and 1995, at which point it went on hiatus for a few years before coming back in 1999 on the Flareside tenth-gen trucks. If you’re like me, and for the sanity of your family and friends, I hope you aren’t, you prefer the “slower” first version of the SVT Lightning, such as this truck. As expected, the interior looks almost like new, and buyers got one choice for a transmission, the E40D, a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic with a column selector.
The engine is Ford’s 351-cu.in. (5.8-liter) OHV V8, rated at 240 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The four-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels, and the seller says it runs and drives “perfect,” and it looks as close to perfect as you can get. Now, about those miles… Any thoughts on this SVT Lightning?
These Lightnings were cool, with their subdued, I-mean-business look. This example fits the definition of used, but (very) not abused. As Scotty notes, they have become very collectible. Even with the high miles, lots to like here.
I love them too – loved them since they came out. I wish I would’ve picked one up at the bottom of the depreciation curve 12-15 years ago, but oh well! The gas mileage, interior room and a long commute always kept them off the “sensible daily driver” list for me.
If the 351 has a bad rap, it is the fuel mileage. But they are rugged durable engines that, with proper care can go well over 200k.
Wow this nice little truck is being sold practically out of my backyard, about 20 miles away. If I had the lettuce I could walk there and drive it home. There’s nothing here not to like, and the mileage? If it is mostly freeway miles then that’s nothing to these 351W engines.
Fortunately I bought mine in 2000 and it has 104,000 miles on it. I have it insured with Hagerty and have to increase the replacement cost by a couple thousand. “GG” is my nickname for her representing “Gas Guzzler” but it is fun to drive. It looks good in my garage as well as on the road and I plan on keeping it for me or in the family as long as possible.
To many miles on it for that asking price but nice truck
I bought a new one in 94. Was white. One of the best trucks I’ve owned. Was fun too!! I sold it to a buddy. It had 140K on it and still drive excellent. These are really great trucks!
351 CID? Not much lightning there,not even a few sparks.
It would surprise you. Best the crap out of a 454 SS truck
Listing update: someone must have grabbed this Lightning, the listing was deleted.