54K Actual Mile F-150 Raptor 5.4L V8 6 Speed Auto

Is your favorite classic severely lacking cargo space? Does your current driver scrape just a bit too much over speed bumps? Need a cool rig to tow your hot car to the next warm track day? Or are you just looking for something that can haul ass over the river, through the woods, AND to grandfather's house? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you've clicked on the right picture. With a 310 horsepower Triton V8, a rugged 6-speed automatic transmission and a heavy duty off-road suspension, this 2010 Raptor is one of the most capable pickups ever built. So, step right up, jump right in and check out the brawny side of Ford's Special Vehicle Team!

Take one close look at our photographer's sunny day pictures and you'll see that this Blue Flame Metallic Ford has been well-maintained from new and is in virtually unmarked condition throughout. The guys on the assembly line probably knew they were building something very special when this rig rolled past, and as a result their fit and finish work is as close to flawless as factory-applied hardware can get. The truck's thick blue body, packed onto Ford's short wheelbase, short bed chassis, is much bigger than our photos suggest. And its buff sheetmetal modifications only serve to enhance an already beefy profile. Behind the F-150 cab, a weather-tight tonneau cover helps keep the mud and snow, that you're bound to find, out of your day's payload. Panel gaps are factory-sharp all around. And naturally, this big blue 4x4 has never been in any accidents or seen any repairs. If you've been prowling Ford dealerships thinking “That's just a bit too much to pay for a new toy”, here's your chance to skip dealer mark up, minimize depreciation, and pick up a truck that's just as nice!

The SVT Raptor is an off-road performance machine that can tackle the most challenging adventures. And its appearance, which is just as much function as it is form, reflects that first class capability through a series of aesthetic tweaks and exclusive upgrades. At the front of the truck the first F-Series grille to not sport a blue oval in almost 30 years hangs small LED marker lights between clear halogen headlamps, small LED fender markers and a unique front bumper that frames two large tow hooks. Behind that grille a Raptor-exclusive hood, which features built in air extractors, fits snug between Raptor-exclusive fenders that increase the trucks width by seven inches. At the base of those fenders, firm running boards prop heated power mirrors and Ford's famous keyless entry keypads next to “RAPTOR SVT” emblems that perfectly complement “SVT” branded fender vents. At the back of those keyless entry pads, unique cargo box skins flaunt digital mud graphics above clear black bucket tail lights, small LED marker lights and stainless aftermarket exhaust tips. And at the back of the truck, Ford's trademark 'ribbed' tail gate hangs a chrome “Ford” branded blue oval between an “F-150” badge, a “RAPTOR SVT” badge, an SVT hitch insert, and a rear step bumper that frames two more large tow hooks.

A member of Ford's super slick mod motor family, the 5.4 liter 3-valve Triton V8 under this Raptor's louvered hood is a proven and reliable mill that combines the best aspects of power, performance and efficiency. It's core design is actually a well massaged version of Ford's original 1997 F-150 engine which utilizes a forged steel crank, forged steel connecting rods, forged aluminum pistons, 3-valve aluminum heads, single overhead camshafts and electronic charge motion control to make a stout 310 horsepower and an impressive 365 lb./ft. of torque. Twist the key and the big engine whisks to life sending a symphony of baritone notes down a free flowing dual exhaust system that's fitted with stainless side-exit tips. Goose the throttle and the tachometer effortlessly floats toward redline without any harsh vibrations or dramatic sounds. Throw the transmission in gear and you're ready for some serious all-terrain travel in a set-up that's every bit as smooth as most old school luxury cruisers. Aesthetically, this Ford's spotless engine bay looks assembly line fresh, not displaying much flash at all. And every piece of its mechanical hardware appears to be clean, factory correct and ready to hit the trail.

Built on Ford's rugged P2 pickup platform this high-riding off-roader features a slew of hardcore suspension upgrades and enough ground clearance to traverse most creeks without even touching water. Behind its Triton V8, Ford's unbreakable 6R80E 6-speed automatic transmission lays the foundation for awesome all-weather performance by sending power to an open front differential and an electronic locking rear differential that's complete with a thicker walled axle and tall 4.10 gears. Holding that stellar drivetrain off the ground is a rugged independent front and solid axle rear suspension that's augmented by unique, cast aluminum SVT control arms, Raptor-exclusive leaf springs and Fox Racing internal triple bypass shocks which allow 11 inches of travel up front and 12 inches of travel out back. And naturally, all this four wheel drive prowess is regulated by a list of sophisticated electronics including built in hill descent, traction control, roll stability control, ABS, throttle sensitivity and transmission shift algorithms that are completely driver adjustable. Power steering is certainly a welcome addition when you're driving a truck with tires this big. Power brakes, which consist of discs at all four corners, bring the truck's mass to a quick and uneventful stop. Exhaust is handled by a stainless OEM system that runs into one muffler and exits through two tail pipes. And at the back of the floors, a frame mounted hitch is wired and waiting to tow the toy of your choosing. As far as appearance goes, the bottom of this previously enjoyed Raptor looks just as you would expect a three year old truck to look. And a massive front skid plate, 17 inch “SVT” branded wheels and 315/70 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires prove that while this truck is exceptionally nice, it was made to get dirty!

Inside this awesome 4x4 you'll find a flexible and comfortable driving environment that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for any adventure. Optional heated power captain's chairs, and an F-150 supplied rear bench, are wrapped in high quality leather that seems a nice touch given this truck's backwoods intentions. Heavy duty floor mats run from power adjustable pedals to the bottom of those captain's chairs, and again from under the rear seat to the back of those captain's chairs, valiantly protecting clean black carpet. At the base of the windshield a boxy dash hangs a warp-free pad over clear SVT gauges, attractive silver trim, optional dual-zone climate control and an optional DVD-based navigation system that features a multi-disc Sony sound system, satellite radio capability and Ford's acclaimed SYNC software. Between the front passengers, a chrome shifter and Raptor-exclusive controls for the truck's electronic suspension aides, center themselves on a unique and well-integrated console. Opposite that console black plastic door panels, which display virtually no weathering, frame simple chrome handles and large Sony speakers. And at the top of the cockpit, the truck's solid black headliner is only broken by an optional power moon roof. Connecting the driver to the road is a factory issue steering wheel which spins between a full cockpit memory system and a familiar blue oval. And hauling gear for the passengers is a fully covered bed which stows an optional cargo extender behind an optional tail gate step.

This 2010 SVT Raptor is what I call “The best of everything”! It's lined, covered and fully functional bed means you can actually use it as a truck. Its performance is mind-altering at every level. And there's no doubt in my mind it'll remain a highly-sought platform, especially when future regulations all but prohibit the construction of such outrageous machinery. Why pay dealer markup and lose money on instant depreciation when your friends at RK Motors Charlotte have just the ride you've been looking for?