Automakers always make a big deal out of anniversaries. Whether it be a particular model, sub-brand, or the entire entity itself, anniversaries give automakers a chance to rile up the fan base — and make a few extra bucks off of anniversary special editions.

With Ford celebrating the 20th anniversary of their SVT Performance brand, the Blue Oval has chosen a hometown location to kick off the festivities. Ford will, as always, have a huge presence at the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, and there will be plenty of SVT-related happenings going on.

SVT Performance rose from the ashes of the short-lived SVO program of the mid-80’s. SVT splashed onto the scene with the 1993 Mustang Cobra and Ford F-150 Lightning. Since then, SVT has turned out one hit after another, including the famed Cobra R Mustangs from the turn of the millennium and the supercharged 2nd-generation Lightning pickup.

Other notable SVT tuning achievements include the SVT Focus and Contour, the Raptor F-150, and of course the 2013 Shelby GT500 with its 662 horsepower 5.8 liter V8. Ford will be bringing legendary drift driver Vaughn Gittin Jr. to the Woodward Dream Cruise for a special appearance in the “Burnout Box”, and Mustang Alley will be setting up shop as well. There will even be a raffle for a one-off 2013 Boss 302 Mustang.

It is hard to believe SVT has been around for 20 years. Who knows what awesome vehicles the next 20 years will bring?