In the 1990s and early 2000s, Ford-built Lightning trucks focused on handling and driving engagement. They’re gone now, but longtime Ford tuner and racer Roush picked up the ball. The Roush F-150 Nitemare is the result, as seen in the 2018 model recently offered on eBay.
Nearly every truck on US roads these days is an extended cab or crew cab. This reflects how most people use trucks—as a family vehicle. But not long ago, single-cab pickup trucks were the norm. Compared to bigger trucks, single-cab pickups (especially when only two-wheel drive) are lightweight performers.
item 1 of 24
Supercharged Glory
The second-generation Lightning is famous as the shop truck in the original The Fast and the Furious - opens in new window or tab., but that model was discontinued in 2004. The Roush F-150 Nitemare is a thoroughly modern truck, and has a supercharger that puts extra power to the rear wheels. Roush tuned the factory 5.0-liter V-8 to produce a whopping 650 horsepower of tire-shredding power.
The Nitemare is not only about power. This F-150 was lowered from stock for better handling. This vehicle is still a hard-working truck. It has its original towing package, which means it has a factory-fitted transmission cooler - opens in new window or tab. ready to keep the ten-speed automatic working right for a long time. The truck bed has a spray-in bed liner to protect it from whatever you might carry and a soft roll-up tonneau cover - opens in new window or tab. to keep stuff in.
The engine note of a supercharged Ford V-8 - opens in new window or tab. is intoxicating. But this Roush F-150 Nitemare’s soundscape is further enhanced with an upgraded audio system, including a compact subwoofer - opens in new window or tab. and amplifier mounted out of sight.
The Old Lightning, Not the New One
You might have noticed a revival of the Lightning badge on a new breed of Ford F-150s. But it’s nothing like the one you remember. There’s plenty of power, but it comes from an all-electric powertrain. So the rumble of an engine is replaced by an ultra-silent drive. The Ford F-150 Lightning went on sale in the spring of 2022 and has proven quite popular.
eBay Motors has many Ford Lightnings for sale - opens in new window or tab.—classic gas burners and modern electric versions. While we are moving to an electric future, this truck’s heritage harkens to the heyday of single-cab trucks and good old American muscle.
That’s what Roush tapped into with this F-150 Nitemare. Pairing a rumbling V-8 with a lowered, mean-looking truck activates a perennial automotive desire for power, looks, and getting work done.
About the author
Share your feedback
This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.