F-150 Raptor owners awaiting delivery of 2017 models at Friendly Ford

Introduced in 2010, the Ford F-150 Raptor truck was an instant success. Just as many other manufacturers were holding back, Ford Motor Co. unleashed a product no one else had.

The Raptor defied market thinking, a truck with a large motor, and at the upper price level of the segment; exactly the polar opposite of what was selling at the time.

Multifaceted and certainly an impressive-looking vehicle, the Raptor brought throngs of onlookers to Friendly Ford at 660 N. Decatur Blvd. The Raptor looked good, it sounded good and it had a catchy name.

The Raptor was a natural for the desert and, in fact, it competed in off-road racing, considered one of the greatest challenges of all times for any vehicle. As stated in the Ford marketing literature, the Raptor's stability, vented hood and fenders made the truck perfect both in the desert and on city streets all over the country.

Ford's keen ability to continually upgrade and update its equipment will be showcased when the 2017 Raptor is introduced at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Since the first introduction of the F-150 Raptor, the accolades have been loud and long. Enthusiasts now driving a Raptor are eager to drive a new one as evidenced by the calls and visits at Friendly Ford.

Friendly Ford sales executive Randy Block said the calls have been numerous, especially considering the changes Ford has made to a truck already highly respected.

"We'll be taking orders beginning in the third quarter of this year for the 2017 model," said Block. "The 2017 Raptor will have a 10-speed transmission, better gas mileage, less weight, have an improved suspension, and have more power with a 3.5-liter Ecoboost engine (which replaces the 6.2 V-8)."

Block said one caller was a 70-year-old current 2010 Raptor customer who cannot wait to get the 2017.

"That is the great thing about the product. It is so unique that the only replacement for an old Raptor is a new Raptor," said Block. "There is nothing on the market that can compare to its looks, reputation and abilities."

Possibly one of the dealership's most interesting Raptor customers is Doug Scroggins of Scroggins Aviation Mockup & Effects in Las Vegas. Scroggins called the dealership looking for a black or silver Raptor.

Block found a Blue Flame 2012 Raptor and Scroggins could not be happier with the results. For 15 years, Scroggins Aviation has worked on various aviation projects including movies and television productions providing set design, aviation mock-ups, military aircraft, vintage aviation sets along with fabrication and effects.

Scroggins' company has provided the sets for movies such as "Captain America: Civil War" for Marvel Studios, "Terminator Genisys" for Paramount Pictures, "Jurassic World" for Universal Pictures and "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." for Marvel/ABC Studios.

Scroggins is now working on his latest movie set for Captain Sully, which encompasses the story of Sully Sullenberger who saved countless lives when he landed a commercial jet on the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009.

The Warner Brothers movie will star Tom Hanks as Captain Sully. Clint Eastwood is the movie's director.

Meanwhile, Scroggins let Block know that he wants a 2017 F-150 Raptor when it becomes available.

"I use my truck to haul all of my aviation mock-ups and equipment," Scroggins explained from the movie set for Captain Sully. "We drive it a lot and have 76,000 miles. I am extremely happy with the Raptor. It has been the backbone of my business.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the Raptor is very multifaceted especially since it has GPS and a mapping system which is very helpful with my line of work."

Further information regarding Friendly Ford is available by calling 702-870-7221 or by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com. The dealership situated at 660 N. Decatur Blvd. since 1970 is one of the city's oldest automobile dealerships.