Ford founded the Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in 1991 and the first two models were launched at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. They were the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and the F-150 SVT Lightning pickup, and they went on sale in February that year. The range of SVT vehicles would grow from there to include additional Mustangs, performance pickups, a five-door Focus, and even a Contour. The Lightning was built in two series, with the first lasting from 1993-95 and the second debuting for 1999.

Aimed at the Chevrolet 454 SS and based on a standard two-wheel drive F-150, the first generation SVT Lightning got a 240-hp version of the 351 Windsor engine with high-flow GT40-type cylinder heads. Handling upgrades, lower ride height, alloy driveshaft, special 170inch wheels, a unique front air dam, and proud “Lightning” decals on the rear flanks rounded out the package. All Lightnings were built in Wayne, Michigan.

In all, over 11,000 Lightnings were sold in three years. In 1993, 5276 units found buyers, divided into 2691 Black trucks and 2585 Red ones. For 1994 the sales total dropped to 4007 units, divided into 1382 Black, 1165, Red, and 1460 White vehicles. Sales slipped further in 1995, to 824 Black trucks, 695 Red ones, and 761 White examples.

The Lightning cost $21,655 at launch in 1993, against $13,066 for a regular F-150 XL. The prices was cut slightly in 1994 to $21,627, while the regular F150 XL rose to $13,956. The 1995 Lightning listed for $22,171 while the F-150 XL climbed to $14,256.