There was no denying the Lincoln Versailles roots, the Ford Granada/Mercury Monarch. Mercury actually produced a very well equipped car in 1976 called the Mercury Grand Monarch Ghia (read about it here) that was sort of a prelude to the Versailles. When the Versailles was introduced in 1977, that model was discontinued. Here is a 1979 Lincoln Versailles for sale here on Craigslist in Eugene, Oregon (or read the archived article here). Thanks as always to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for finding this car and letting us know about it.
While the Cadillac Seville was based on the Chevrolet Nova frame, it had distinctive looks. The Versailles probably shared some body panels with the Granada and Monarch. To make it look slightly more distinctive, in 1979 the Versailles adopted an eight-inch longer roofline with a more vertical rear window like the Seville’s. Previously they used the same roofline as the Granada and Monarch. This car is a daily driver but appears to be in good condition with no signs of rust, dents, or dings. The vinyl top appears to be in good condition.
This car has the optional reclining bucket seats with ultra-soft leather seating surfaces. The leather is in near perfect condition. A center console is included housing the automatic transmission shifter. There are no cracks on the dash. The original radio includes AM/FM stereo and an 8 track tape player that still works.
No engine pictures are provided, but it is the 302 cubic inch V-8. The car also has 4 wheel power disc brakes. The seller describes the car as “fun, cool, affordable, classic” and reports getting 17 to 20 miles per gallon. This Versailles has 74,000 miles. The seller is asking $1,800. Unless the seller is withholding information of any mechanical issues, this is a great price for a 40-year-old car in this condition. Is anybody interested?
I was in high school when these were out. Every time I saw one I could only think Granada. I thought that they weren’t good looking cars at all. But due to my lack of good character (still poorly developed) I feigned delight with the design when a very hot female classmate confided to me that she thought that the Versailles was the most stylish transport available. It didn’t get me anywhere… alas.
This must be where Cadillac got the idea for the Cimarron
Yep. This and the first generation Cadillac Seville, which was essentially a tarted-up Chevy Nova.
About the only thing really unique about this over a Monarch Ghia was clear coated paint, more sound and vibration dampening, and the Ford 9-inch rear end with rear disc brakes.
Maybe this is not saying much but that’s more than the Cimarron brought to the table. And these cars were at least good to find in the junkyard so you could pillage said 9″ rear end and disc brakes.
Always liked the style.
All cars are cloned from another car.
Duplicity.
I’d be perfectly happy with it.
One of these with a 347 stroker and fuel injection would be the definition of “Sleeper”.
Great deal for that price, had a Granada and a monarch, beat them to hell. Great cars.
For someone with no self-esteem issues relative to their classic car, this would be a fine example. When is the last time you saw one? And the price sure is right. Not every collector car has to be a muscle Camaro or Charger or Mustang.
It is amazing to realize the underpinnings of this car are the same as the 1960 Falcon. If you would have predicted this car to the Falcon engineers back in 1957 they would have had a big laugh.
NO self-esteem? I believe the writer fits that category. I own one and have very healthy self-esteem. It’s a wonderful-looking and running machine. Have you ever owned one?
I’ve always liked these. If this were ANY closer……
Sold!
One of my employees in my old metal stampings business in SoCal bought one new. He absolutely loved it.
This could be a great entry-level collectable for someone.
Just a falcon in a fancy dress….
Obviously an opinion with no knowledge of the vehicle,
Well, apparently it’s gone. Nonetheless, is it me or are those fronts seats completely different? Surely they are! They do not have the same lines at all. And while I do understand that one might be showing more wear than the other, they still look completely different to me. Anyone?
Is this lincoln available? Located?
DAANG.. $1600Yhats Love!!! Too bad I’m in the Lake Erie Midwest….SMH