Ford’s F150 has a sales record that is the envy of many manufacturers. It has hit a sweet spot with potential buyers, and the company struggles to produce them in sufficient quantities to meet buyer demand. This 1993 F150 is a desirable SVT Lightning, a vehicle capable of turning heads in standard form. However, this beauty is anything but standard, with its engine bay receiving an upgrade that allows it to transform tires into smoke. It has struck a chord with potential buyers since the owner listed it here on eBay in Robstown, Texas. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $35,100, although that figure falls short of the reserve.

Ford released the Lightning variant of its F150 in 1992, but we must rewind the clock a couple of years to uncover the company’s motivation. Chevrolet unveiled the 454 SS version of its C1500 in 1990, and even though its performance figures aren’t considered impressive by modern standards, the company had a hit on its hands. Ford chose to follow suit, charging SVT to produce a worthy rival. The SVT Lightning hit showroom floors in 1992 as a 1993 model, with the First Generation version remaining on sale until 1995. Buyers could order their Lightning finished in Black, White, or Red, as seen on our feature vehicle. The photo quality isn’t the best I have seen, but they suggest the F150 is in excellent condition. Its paint shines intensely, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and this garage-kept classic is totally rust-free. The integrated spoiler/bumper shows no marks or damage, while the A.R.E Topper protects a bed that has never seen a load. The remaining trim and glass are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, while the 20″ wheels suggest there could be more to this Pickup than meets the eye.

Ford and SVT followed a brave path when developing a rival for the 454 SS. Its decision to select the 5.8-liter V8 to power the new model meant it sacrificed significant engine capacity to its competition. However, the motor received a range of upgrades that allowed the Lightning to send 240hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The Blue-Oval offering may have featured a smaller motor but could show the Bow-Tie opposition a clean set of heels. The ¼-mile journey in the SS took 15.9 seconds, with the Ford completing the journey in 15.6 seconds. Most owners would have been satisfied, but this one craved more. Therefore, the original engine and transmission were consigned to a dark corner of the workshop, and a legendary 7.3-liter Godzilla Crate Motor found its way under the hood. Forget 240hp because this brute churns out 430hp and 475 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a six-speed 6R140 transmission that started life in a 2022 E450 van. It had less than a mile under its belt when it left its original home and has now covered 1,100 miles. It seems nobody has tried to wear out this baby! The 3.73 Posi rear end should help feed all of that power and torque effectively to Planet Earth, while the aluminum radiator should ensure things remain cool as a cucumber under the hood. The seller recently fitted a range of new front-end components, and the Michelin tires are almost new. They have invested an eye-watering $65,000 into this build, but parking this F150 in their garage is practically guaranteed to cost the winning bidder considerably less. They don’t indicate how well this beast runs or drives, but their decision to describe the vehicle’s overall condition as “near perfect” suggests the news should be positive.

The new owner won’t need to spend a dime on this Ford’s interior because it presents superbly and is loaded with interesting touches. The seats feature their correct and distinctive “Lightning” covers that are in excellent order. The seller claims it is a similar story with the remaining trim and carpet, while there are no apparent dash cracks. The roof console is a dealer-installed item, and the aftermarket center console doesn’t look out of place. An upgraded Bluetooth CD player and subwoofer replace the original stereo, and the Dakota Digital Dash should help monitor the health of the beast under the hood. Rounding out the interior are power windows, power locks with keyless entry, and an alarm system to protect the new owner’s investment.

The more I examine the specifications of this 1993 Ford F150 Lightning and the supplied photos, the more surprised I am that so little tire smoke is visible in this shot. It has the potential to produce significantly more or to humble many classic high-performance models on the drag strip. It has attracted thirty-two bids, confirming that plenty of people wish to park it in their garage. Could you become one of them by making a play for this classic? I wouldn’t blame you if you did.