Throwback: Ford F-150 Raptor by MAD Industries
Most SEMA show trucks are built with one purpose in mind - looking good. But these two epic Raptor builds are capable of much more than that.
The MAD Duo
Chris Mangum of Mangum Automotive Designs (MAD) is a relative newcomer to the truck customization scene. But you sure wouldn't be able to tell by looking at the creations that are coming out of this show vehicle builder's shop. Just take a look at this wild pair of Ford Raptors that set up shop at this year's SEMA show, for example. They're far more than your average show build, with attention to detail and driveability that rivals anything else on display in Las Vegas.
Tasteful and Useful
MAD touches anything and everything on their builds, which is quite evident on these two Raptors. That includes everything from total audio upgrades to paint protection. All of which are, well, real-world applications. The Raptor is one of the most functional and usable vehicles on the planet, after all, so it only makes sense. And in this case, these builds make a statement without going so far overboard that they become tacky.
Custom is the Word
Just take a look at the bed if you want further proof. In both the white and the black truck, you'll find a pair of full-size spares and a jack. But instead of using some off the shelf rack, MAD fabricated an attractive custom piece that can handle the rigors of off-roading. Not just rolling in and out of some convention center.
Powerful Intentions
Both trucks are already equipped with the Raptor's excellent 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, which produces more than adequate power as is. But MAD went ahead and enhanced them with Whipple’s Stage 1 Ecoboost power kit. The bolt-on goodies add a whopping 70 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque to the mix, making these two Raptors more than fast enough to blast across any road. Paved or otherwise.
Understated Excellence
Instead of trying to rewrite the styling of the already brawny looking Raptor, MAD focused on tightening things up. Carbon fiber accents and body-color bumpers add a custom touch, while wide fender flares give the trucks clearance for those 20-inch wheels and 35-inch tires. And the Rigid lighting in the front bumpers is held in place by custom brackets, designed to provide a perfect fit.
It's the Little Things
As nice as the outside of these MAD Raptors look, the interior is arguably even more detailed. The insides might look pretty stock upon first glance, but every piece of plastic was removed and painted. The steering wheels are wrapped in accent colors, and the seats carry perforated Alcantara and leather hides. Everything from the pedals to the floor mats is custom. And that's the kind of understated detail evident in every single MAD build.
The Cost of Perfection
MAD might not be a household name, but they have collected a pair of best in show awards and roughly 28 other trophies for their builds to date. And in case you're wondering, both of these incredible Raptors are up for sale once they complete their SEMA tour. The white Raptor carries an asking price of $140,000, while the black one will set you back $150,000. It might seem a little steep, but you'd have a hard time finding dual purpose trucks of this caliber for a penny less.
>>Join the conversation about the MAD Industries Raptors right here in Ford-trucks.com.
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