In November 1991, a group of Ford execs (who also happened to be hard-core enthusiasts) gathered to toss around ideas about producing exclusive high-performance Ford vehicles in limited quantities. From that initial meeting, Ford's Special Vehicle Team emerged as a driving force in the performance realm, introducing its first two products in 1992 as 1993 vehicles: the SVT Mustang Cobra and F-150 Lightning.
While the 1993-1995 Lightning remained fundamentally the same (with a 5.8L/240-hp OHV V-8), it was the second-generation (1999-2000) Lightnings that placed Ford squarely on the hot-truck map. Power was up by 120 hp (to 360 hp), courtesy of a 5.4L SOHC V-8, topped with an intercooled Eaton blower. With a tire-melting 440 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, the Lightning became the world's fastest production pickup, with Motor Trend clocking it to 60 mph in 5.5 sec and powering through the quarter mile in 14.0 at 100.7 mph. Rear disc brakes (12.1-in. front and 13.1-in. rear) with ABS assist haul it to a halt in a hurry.
To give the Lightning sports-car-like handling, the suspension was dropped a half inch in the front and two in the rear. Beefier springs, shocks, and anti-roll bars were added, as well as 295/45ZR18 Goodyear Eagle F1-GS rubber. The only way to fully appreciate this F-150 is to take it on a twisty road course and hammer the heck out of it--it knifes through the corners, easily throttle steers, and flies down the straights.
Inside, the standard cab interior was SVT'd as well, with black-on-white instrumentation (replete with boost gauge) and two-tone leather seats. Driver and passenger are treated to highly supportive buckets that keep you firmly in place during hard cornering action.
Exterior upgrades included special front air dam with twin foglamps, a black-out grille, custom rocker panels, and twin ceramic exhaust pipes. An optional soft tonneau cover and Class III tow hitch add utility.
With regular maintenance, Lightnings are relatively trouble free. With only 8966 total produced in two years, they hold their value and exclusivity. Be sure to look over prospective purchases carefully. You'll tend to find those that have been pampered and others that have accrued mileage a quarter mile at a time.