No matter how many people love the Hummer
H1, the truth is there’s a limited supply of them out there. This is why
Mil-Spec Automotive (MSA), a maker of custom handmade H1 trucks, had to look
for other donor vehicles to diversify its business. What better choice is there
than the ubiquitous Ford F-150, America’s best-selling vehicle? Enter
Mil-Spec’s first F-150 super truck, which the company describes as an extension
of its bespoke H1 series.
Powered by a 500 HP naturally aspirated
5.0-liter V8 engine, the Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is a “go anywhere, do
anything super truck,” according to the Michigan-based firm. The
high-performance pickup can be had with an optional Baja Performance Suspension
Package (US$ 6,000) consisting of many Fox Racing components that should make the
truck an alternative to the F-150 Raptor. The pack includes a modified
long-travel Baja Suspension with up to 11 inches (279 mm) of wheel travel and
up to 13.5 inches (343 mm) of increased track width over a standard stock
F-150.
This makes the MSA F-150 7-in (178-mm)
wider than the Raptor and as tall as an F-250 heavy-duty truck. There’s also a
Fox 3.0 F-150 Long Travel Performance Shock Package including an optional fully
adjustable coil-over and shock kit with 3-in (76-mm) diameter bypass shocks,
remote reservoirs, 10AN hoses and Eibach springs for both the front and rear
suspension.
These upgrades positively impact on the
MSA F-150’s rugged appearance. Styling tweaks also include LED headlights,
20-inch alloys shod with 37×13.59R20LT Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, dual exhaust
tips with black finish and powder coated heavy-duty side steps.
For an even more aggressive appearance,
the Baja Exterior Appearance Package (US$ 8,600) adds a low-profile Baja Roof
Rack, a spare tire carrier made for equipping an oversized off-road wheel, and
a large 39-in (990-mm) LED light bar. Additionally, the rugged front and rear
bumpers are made of heavy-duty steel with a satin black powder coat finish.
Inside, MSA offers an electric
power-assisted steering wheel with custom magnesium paddle shifters and
centerline stitching, leather seats, billet aluminum control knobs and a billet
number plaque on the center console.
Prices start at US$ 85,000, including the
2020 Ford F-150 donor vehicle. That’s a lot considering that a 2020 F-150
Raptor SuperCrew is priced from US$ 58,135 but let’s not forget MSA’s F-150 packs
a 5.0-liter V8. Furthermore, Mil-Spec Automotive argues that trucks with
similar characteristics often cost US$ 150,000.
