Although you may associate the tuner-heavy SEMA show with high-performance cars and insanely modified sedans, Ford is proving aftermarket modifications extend to trucks, too. The automaker displayed four different versions of its F-series pickup at the show, each produced in collaboration with a different aftermarket-tuning firm.
By far the most distinctive F-series - and one of the show's standouts - is the F-350 Super Duty modified by Superlift Suspensions. Finished in a bright orange ?Matchbox' motif, the truck includes a 10-inch lift and 41-inch tires, along with an impressive array of firefighting and emergency equipment from a roof-mounted fire hose to emergency lights and sirens. Best of all, SEMA attendees can receive a miniature diecast version of the memorable truck by visiting the Ford show booth.
Also choosing to modify an F-350 Super Duty was Hulst Customs, who dubbed its creation the "Black Mamba" Super Duty. Modifications include a custom-designed hood and grille, customized LED lighting, suicide rear doors and Planet Custom black paint featuring 3M Di-Noc stainless steel graphics. Inside, the truck features Katzkin leather and Hulst Customs' own aluminum trim accents.
Tuner Skyjacker Suspensions, meanwhile, chose to modify a standard F-150 EcoBoost in an effort it called "Project No Compromise." Geared towards drivers looking to go green without sacrificing performance, the Skyjacker Suspensions F-150 includes a four-inch lift, a MagnaFlow exhaust, a stainless steel grille guard and distinctive "pocket-style" fender flares, along with customized green and blue exterior graphics.
Also modifying an F-150 was tuner CGS Performance Products, whose "Tarmac" F-150 is aimed at drivers who don't venture off road. Featuring red accents on DuPont Jet Black paint and a red interior from supplier Pecca Leather, the Tarmac F-150 features a lowered ride height, a cold air intake, a cat-back exhaust, and a Whipple supercharger. Other modifications include aftermarket wheels, which barely squeeze under the truck's fenders and six-piston Baer brakes with enormous 15-inch rotors.
While trucks may not be the first choice of many of SEMA's car-crazy attendees and spectators, Ford's display clearly proves that even a workaday pickup can turn heads with the right modifications.
See more coverage of the 2011 SEMA Auto Show.
 | JEFFREY ARCHER is fortunate to have turned a passion for cars into a career. His wide-ranging automotive experience includes work for automakers and dealers in addition to covering the news. When not writing, he spends his time searching for unique cars on AutoTrader.com. |
