Learning How to Ride the Lightning

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR.

SCAN ME

PHOTOS BY BRANDON BURRELL

The factory Lightning engine was updated top to bottom and dressed to match the truck.

THE FORD F-150 LIGHTNING WAS AND STILL IS A VERY EXCITING PERFORMANCE-BASED PICKUP MODEL. The inaugural 1993 first-gen model was introduced as a direct response to take on two hopped-up rivals in the OEM performance truck segment—the GMC Syclone and the Chevrolet 454SS. This was a grand time when consumers were introduced to a factory-direct combination of muscle car action in the shape of a pickup truck. Mix this in with the beginning stages of the custom sport truck scene in the early ’90s, and we had the makings of a perfect storm within the custom auto industry. The days of trucks serving as mere oafish utility vehicles were officially over from this era forward.

While many customized first-gen Ford Lightnings have surfaced since their initial release, we have yet to see an example of one built like the truck David Shulman and his daughter Madison have put together. Their ’93 is the epitome of throwback retro vibes fused with modern street aesthetics. Those familiar with David’s name know that he does not play around when it comes to the vehicles he chooses to buy and build. He’s a man who enjoys the finer things in life, and when the time comes to get down to work on a new ride, half measures are never taken.