Those watching the 1996 Super Bowl on TV will have been among the first to be introduced to the 1997 Ford F-150 in a catchy commercial featuring Jack Palance in which his F-150 is depicted as being strong enough to pull the two sides of the Grand Canyon together.

Featuring improved aerodynamics, larger interior and improved fuel economy powered by either Taurus/Windstar V6 or Crown Victoria V8 motors, the tenth generation Ford F-150 went on sale in late 1996, it was the first all new ground up design for the model since 1980

Ford introduced the Harley Davidson Edition in 2000 with a four door SuperCab and standard bed, the following year the Harley Davidson Edition featured a longer SuperCrew cab and shorter bed.

In 2002 a slightly detuned 340 hp version of the Triton Supercharged V8 used in the 380 hp F-150 SVT Lightening was added to the Harley Davidson Edition.

The detuning was achieved by adding a slightly larger pulley to the supercharger which slightly reduced the boost pressure.

Keypad entry systems date at least back to the 1981 Lincoln Town Car, I don’t recall ever seeing one before on vehicle in the UK before, so it was a surprise to find this on a 2002 model.

Aside from the external badging, front fog lamps and chrome side bars the Harley Davidson Edition F-150 came with black or dark shadow grey paint, accented by an orange pinstripe, leather interior trim and chrome 20 inch wheels.

Interior Harley Davidson Edition features also include chrome steering column stalks door releases and seat leavers, unique Harley Davidson spun metal instrument cluster with 130 mph speedometer and a sequenced VIN plate on the center console.

Harley Davidson Editions are said to have accounted for 1 to 2 percent of F-150 sales and the model seems to have divided opinions, F-150 and Harley Davidson owners had their opinions of the brands was reaffirmed, some HD owners switched from Chevy to Ford Pick Ups while some Ford owners who were not bikers thought the Harley Davidson Edition was a cheesy gimmick, that the tie between the two brands lasted twelve years is a testament to the fact both brands on balance benefited.

Thanks for joining me on this “Slightly Reduced Boost” edition of “Gettin’ a li’l psycho on tyres” I hope you will join me again tomorrow when I’ll be looking at a veteran design by Ferdinand Porsche. Don’t forget to come back now.

Brighton Speed Trials Under Threat of Permanent Cancellation !

In their infinite wisdom, Brighton & Hove City Council are seeking to ban the Brighton Speed Trials from 2014.

If you care about speed and or motorsport history, please sign this linked petition to save Brighton Speed Trials in 2014 and beyond.

It’s a faf to Register before signing, but relatively painless compared to loosing the event which has been run with few interruptions since 1905.

You do not need to be resident in Brighton or even the UK to sign.