Raptor Who? $85,000 Mil-Spec F-150 Packs 500 HP V8 And A Baja-Spec Suspension

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 ($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 ($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 $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 $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 $150,000.