With an exterior that closely resembled a glorified Granada, the Lincoln Versailles had a relatively short shelf life, with manufacturing lasting only from the 1977 to 1980 model years. The car did get a modified roofline for 1979 that changed its appearance a bit more from Ford’s successful sedan, with that year’s sales of just over 21,000 units being the best from the run, but unless you were just jonesing for something smaller the Versailles was priced higher than a base Continental, and the latter car measured nearly 3 feet longer outside and was more the size most Lincoln buyers had grown accustomed to driving, with over 92,000 of these finding homes in ’79. However, if you’ve been in the market for a late seventies little Lincoln this 1979 Versailles here on eBay is quite tidy with bidding only at $5,701 so far, although that’s not enough yet to take it home as the reserve hasn’t been reached. The car is down south in Brooksville, Florida, so if you’ve been wanting to visit a warmer climate after Christmas, submitting an optimistic bid on this one just might give you the opportunity.
Lincoln had hoped the Versailles would become a strong competitor for the Cadillac Seville, but that one was already on the market by the spring of 1975 and had the advantage of not looking eerily similar outside to other cars in the GM lineup, even though it used the X-body platform that could also be found underneath cars such as the Chevrolet Nova. But the Versailles did offer that Continental-style trunk lid and a handsome grille up front, although the headlights were exposed which was a first for the Lincoln brand since 1969. The seller describes this one as having paint and trim that remains in very good order, but no word on whether or not that’s still the original factory-applied finish.
Once you move inside, things do start looking more like a Lincoln, with those dark red leather seats holding up pretty well overall considering they’re almost at the 45-year mark. The seller lists the car’s mileage at 21,999 and believes that’s possibly correct, and I’m thinking he could be right as with an extra hundred thousand there would probably be more wear and tear created by the occupants. This one’s also got all the signature items you’d expect from a Lincoln of this period such as power seats, power windows, and even the optional sunroof up above.
Under the hood is Ford’s 302 V8, which was rated at 133 horsepower and paired with the company’s three-speed automatic transmission. We only get to view this one shot from the engine compartment, and while no specific details are provided regarding the mechanics things in the bay appear to be in fine order. The car’s also got a new set of tires outside, so that’s a plus, and with the condition being good here I can certainly understand the nostalgic appeal. How about you?
The critique of the Versailles is of course that it is nothing more than a gussied-up Granada (which it is) and that it was very expensive (which it was, and thus was a big profit-generator). But manufacturers have been doing this for a very long time. Lexus models are fancy Toyotas, Audis are revamped Volkswagens, and so forth. We all know the original Mustang was a revamped Falcon.
To me their success lies in how well the manufacturer revamped/ improved/ repackaged the base model; we can think of examples which didn’t work out so well (Versailles) and others which did (Mustang; Cadillac has never had much of a problem selling Escalades).
Magnifique monsieur Bob in TN. 🙌
Right on most counts except the Audi / VW, they are both owned by VW along with several other brands, but there is very little VW DNA in an Audi.
I can only believe that Chrysler’s designers took a good, hard look at the Versailles and said, “We can do that, and do it better.” Which they did – the ’82-89 Fifth Avenue was a solid hit for Chrysler (569,000+ built during those years). We had several in our family, and they’re still remembered lovingly. I figure Chrysler made a ton of money on ’em, seeing as how they were based on humble, existing parts … but with a lot of “gingerbread” added!
A solutely! I had 83 and 85 Fifth Avenues (see my original post). Iacocas biggest mistake was dropping them. My big mistake not keeping one of mine. It likely would still be cruising along!
This is a beauty and right up my alley. I never was much for huge cars, but I enjoy the opulence in this smaller package.
That said, it looks like there’s a rip in the front passenger seat, unless it’s a reflection or something lying there.
As a long time lover of OTT excess, although on a smaller scale than I like, the VERSAILLES was aptly named (especially when formal roof was added in 79). Once rode in a 78, comfortable and luxurious. Those were the days when automobiles had aspirational names. Have owned multiple upscale vehicles. Two, 83 and 85 RWD Fifth Avenues. These, like VERSAILLES were re-engineered taking them well above Granada and Monarch for FMC and Volare and Diplomat for Chrysler! Although not quite revolutionary, I say, ON TO VERSAILLES!
You know, these don’t look as bad as I remember. There are a couple shots from the back three quarters that remind me a bit much like a K-Car LeBaron and that Continental tire hump seems too big for the back end. Maybe get a trunk lid from a Granada and call it a day. Speaking of which, that carpet in the trunk looks like you could spend some time in there. The interior is outstanding.
As a long time lover of OTT excess, although on a smaller scale than I like, the VERSAILLES was aptly named (especially when formal roof was added in 79). Once rode in a 78, comfortable and luxurious. Those were the days when automobiles had aspirational names. Have owned multiple upscale vehicles. Two, 83 and 85 RWD Fifth Avenues. These, like VERSAILLES were re-engineered taking them well above Granada and Monarch for FMC and Volare and Diplomat for Chrysler! Although not quite revolutionary, I say, ON TO VERSAILLES!
Possibly original miles…….45 years old……..?
Jim, I agree that there is a tear in the passenger right front seat. It also looks like there is a tear in the drivers seat.
I fell in love with these cars when the neighbor bought a Black one with the red velour seats and had the Appliance spoke basket wheels put on it with a two-inch white wall tire! I don’t remember what year it was, but it had the squared off roofline. This car looked classy! Wish I had that one!
Having had the pleasure of owning one of these when I was a teenager, I have had a lifetime of people saying things (mostly negative) about a car I really learned to love and respect. My uncle had a ’79 and mine was an ’80. While most of my friends either didn’t have a car at all or had been given Firebirds, Mustangs, 280ZX’s, my dad figured the Versailles might just keep me alive.
People are always so quick to talk about its Grenada/Monarch relation, but they always forget the cool elements like this was the first car to come with clear coat, as well as the first production car to come with Halogen headlights. Not a huge thing, but cool nonetheless. The quality of the leather in these was really impressive as well.
When I was employed (pre-retirement), a fellow employee bought a Versailles even though her husband worked for GM. She absolutely loved it. Even though smaller than other Lincoln models, nice tight, quiet and comfortable ride.
In 1980 my mother’s boyfriend bought one of these and I drove it from Salt Lake City to Northern California and it was just one of the most comfortable things I’ve ever been in. It was funny you open the glove box and inside there was an 8-track tape for the tape player that actually played a song in just quadraphonic sound so you could hear each individual speaker working and then all the speakers working together. Back in 1980 that was something pretty cool for a car. I have always liked them even though most people say that their glorified Granada. Maybe they are but they glorified it enough to make it super comfortable and a great ride.
See my original post! You are right on target. In 1970s I had a Motorola stereo console with Quadrafonic sound. As for the VERSAILLES, good to see a young guy appreciate it!
I’m so glad you shared that! I had a 1980 but didn’t have that tape. That’s such a clever and creative way to demonstrate the sound system. Mine had the built-in CB radio (most of my buddies thought that was so cool). My favorite feature was the moonroof. I loved having it open and feeling the sun and the fresh air pour in as my friends and I (or girlfriend) would cruise around for hours on the weekend.
Did these cars ride like a Granada?
They had the ride of a Lincoln!
Actually, they did not. Ford really wanted it to meet (and beat) the competition enough to really pull out the stops on adding things that would add to the luxury feel. The ride, especially, felt nothing like the Granada.
My comment above was in reply to J.D., by the way.
Put a tuxedo on a pig and it’s still a pig…
Today’s so called Luxury vehicles (SUVS and crossovers) are definitely ugly pigs in tuxedos or DRAG! For many of us these vintage luxury vehicles like Town Cars, RWD FLEETWOODS and VERSAILLES are AA filet mignon! But even some pigs can be beautiful in their own way.
YES! But these pigs were like Boss Hogg!!!
Ended; reserve not met. Highest bid $7,301.
Obviously the peasants are rebelling because they don’t have enough BREAD $$$. Let them eat Cake or a Prius 🙄! On to VERSAILLES! 🏰
I had a 1977. Was two tone silver and gray metallic. Beautiful paint with Grey leather interior and padded silver roof. Shift was on the floor. That car drove like a dream, quiet and smooth. I check online occasionally to see if the exact same car is out there as I’d love another!