Ford F-150 SVT Lightning 1/18

Development of the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning - 2003

Behind every scale model car developed by DNA Collectibles at 1/18 scale, there is a story. In addition to the market studies and polls systematically done for each model, we also bring our own special feelings during a project. Today, we would like to highlight why we specifically chose to reproduce the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning from an emotional point of view.

You probably already know that DNA Collectibles’ personal signature is to provide rare scale model cars, sometimes eccentric, to fill in the missing cars never reproduced at 1/18 scale. Knowing that, the Ford F-150 seems to deviate from this rule… Indeed, several scale model car manufacturers already reproduced plenty of Ford F-series in general, and more specifically the Ford F-150 because of its huge worldwide success for decades ! BUT so far, the special edition Ford F-150 SVT Lightning has never been reproduced in a high quality scale model car. This is our credo ! What an opportunity to replicate a famous and huge commercial success in a perfect 1/18 miniature car for collectors with the special “DNA touch” !

OK, now we have a fantastic car, this choice was confirmed by our community and experts… Time to start the development which lasts approximately 9 months. The Ford F-150 SVT Lightning is quite recent (less than 20 years), so finding detailed and accurate documentation isn’t a real issue. But this step remains one of the most important one during the development process because it enables us to create the 3D file which will then be central for the next steps.

The 3D file is realized by an engineer whose mission is to be as minutious as possible regarding the angles, the shapes and all the separate parts to digitally visualize our future scale model car. This 3D file is so important to identify all the little details to enhance before showing it to the Ford licence for approval, and then moving to the next step: the master sample.

An artist is in charge of creating the master sample (raw grey prototype not painted and without any decoration). We could consider this step as the “confirmation” of the 3D file, but this time with an actual object in front of us. Even if this isn’t the final product yet, this is plenty enough to validate the global shape, proportions, angles and all the separate parts which will be assembled later in the production lines. Conjointly with the Ford licence, we request the final modifications to validate the perfect master sample before passing by the next phase: the decorated sample.

We reached the decorated sample step ! Produced with the same tools that we will use during the mass production phase, this sample is painted, decorated, and all the separate and photo etched parts are finely applied. This is the final validation stage for which a last control from the Ford licence is requested. When approved, we are ready to start the production process !