2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Sports Surprising Custom Detail (Modded Monday)

By S.J. Bryan - November 22, 2021

At first glance this 2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is the clean, muscular machine we’d expect; but we weren’t exactly prepared for this, uh, unique feature.

One Ford truck that has long been a particular favorite among enthusiasts is the Lightning. And by that, we mean the Ford SVT Lightning. From 1993-1995, and 1999–2000; Ford produced two generations of the high-performance pickup. The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was unlike any truck Ford mad produced. Produced by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team, the F-150 Lightning was meant to flex its muscle, and combine street and track chops in a badass (but still top-shelf) pickup.

However, the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was not without its detractors and doubters. Mainly, how was this performance-oriented, purpose-built snarling beast able to truly send it on the quarter-mile when backed with a 365 hp 5.4-liter supercharged V8 and a big, brawny body?

Oh but it did. The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning was and is built for incredible velocity. Designed to push G-forces, it was paired to the 4-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Super Duty. As it came alive, the power was ample–and incredible.

Roush and the Special Vehicle Team tuned and upgraded the truck with forged rods, forged crankshaft, lower compression pistons. Adding a special sport suspension and Bilstein shocks kept the SVT Lightning stable; but still capable of handling with agility and serious speed.

This 2000 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Shortbed is a beauty. White with all the cool special SVT extras like badging and custom seating, it is just crispy and clean. It has been beautifully cared for, and has new front and suspension parts, new brakes all around, a fresh paint job, upgraded LED headlights, and … a mural.

Throwing a touch of custom van culture from the 1970s was not on our Bingo card.

And call us crazy, but we think it is fun. Is this for everyone? No. But it is a well-done mural with a sense of humor and a deep affection for the hi-po rig. Doesn’t a rare truck deserve something different? It also segues nicely into a custom tonneau cover and very usable cargo area.

Some of you may be calling “foul” on this, and we hear you. But, modifications and personalization is meant to express the driver and his/her ride and perspective. No doubt that this 2000 SVT Lightning accomplished that with its unique graphic choices.

Inside it is so fresh and so clean, and reflects the great car that went into keeping this classic looking so pristine.

Used cars and trucks do tend to have oddities, and we do love that uniqueness. Maybe some won’t be able to unsee a 1977-era “if the van’s a rockin'” ride. But we still see a supersonic F-150 SVT Lightning that can body cars on the quarter-mile and still provide a deeply satisfying, amped up Ford ride.