I bought a Motorcraft battery from a (non-chain) parts store that specializes in Ford parts. Not sure if that qualifies as 'special order' but you may be surprised at the price if you check it out. The Motorcraft was significantly less $$$ than the Die Hard International Special Gold Whatever edition that Sears wanted to sell me, I think ~$50 as opposed to $90.
Is it a piece of crap? Can't say for sure but the first one lasted 7 years and was still working when I replaced it.
