Ford Unveils 1985 Raptor-Inspired F-250 at SEMA
Ford Performance and Oregon mechanic Matt Johnson built a one-of-a-kind classic F-250 that will be shown at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Trucks
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Ford Performance revealed a one-of-a-kind 1985 Raptor-inspired F-250 built with Oregon-based mechanic Matt Johnson. The truck will be displayed at Ford's SEMA booth in Las Vegas from November 3-6.
Why it matters
The build shows how Ford is drawing on its Raptor off-road heritage to bring performance styling and powertrain upgrades to classic trucks. It also highlights the growing role of independent restorers and social media in shaping custom vehicle projects.
The truck's original $800 purchase price contrasts with its upgrade to a 575-hp, 460-cubic-inch Ford Racing Boss V-8 paired with a Ford R680 six-speed automatic. The source does not say whether the build will enter production.
The players
Ford Performance
The performance division of Ford Motor Company, responsible for the Raptor line and motorsport-derived vehicle programs.
Matt Johnson
An Oregon-based mechanic who restores older off-roading vehicles and has 425,000 Instagram followers.
The details
Matt Johnson, who restores older off-road vehicles, began the project with a shop truck he named Norma Jeane before the Ford Performance collaboration. The build was originally planned to take 40 days and was documented through a 92-part social media series.
Timeline
2008: Ford's first Raptor debuted at the 41st Baja 1000 in Ensenada, Mexico.
November 3-6: The 1985 F-250 is displayed at Ford's SEMA booth in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Roadmap
Ford's first Raptor debuted at the 2008 Baja 1000 in Ensenada, Mexico, establishing the off-road performance lineage that this classic-truck build now extends backward into the 1985 F-250. The project shows how Ford is leveraging its Raptor heritage across its truck range, including older models.
Enthusiasts planning to attend SEMA can see the truck in person at Ford's booth in Las Vegas from November 3-6. The source does not indicate whether the build is available for purchase or whether similar builds will be offered to customers.
The takeaway
Custom builds like this one show that classic trucks can receive modern powertrains and performance styling while keeping their original character. Enthusiasts restoring older vehicles can look to this project for ideas on blending heritage design with contemporary performance components.
What happens next
The 1985 F-250 will be displayed at Ford's SEMA booth in Las Vegas from November 3-6.
Further reading
Explore more Trucks coverage to see how Ford's Raptor lineage continues across its truck range.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Car and Driver.
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