Named after the opulent French palace of Versailles, Lincoln’s mid-sized luxury car offered buyers the royal treatment in a smaller package competing with Cadillac’s similarly Franco-inspired Seville. This 1978 Lincoln Versailles in Canby, Oregon accumulated all of its claimed 65,000 miles serving one family, and comes to market here on Craigslist in running but not road-tested condition. The asking price of $6500 buys an apparently well-kept V8 luxury car that should give another 100,000 miles with minimal effort. Fun fact: These wire wheel covers were a no-cost option to the standard aluminum road wheels as shown on this 1978 Versailles featured by our own Scotty G. in 2023. Thanks to reader Barney for spotting this copper-colored classic.
Giving the Versailles a Town Car face and luxurious interior, Lincoln hoped buyers would gloss over any knowledge that this Lincoln shares its chassis with the pedestrian Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch. Built for four model years, 1977 to 1980, the Versailles got the 351 cid (5.8L) Windsor V8 in ’77 only, with this ’78 and later units powered by the stalwart 302 cid (5.0L) V8.
Lincoln highlighted Versailles for America’s first clear coat paint and halogen headlights, according to Wikipedia. The faux spare tire enclosure distinguishes the Versailles from the plebian Ford and Mercuries. An ASC-modified formal roofline came in ’79 to further distinguish the Lincoln, as documented on LincolnVersailles.
No peasants allowed; let them eat cake! Supple-looking butterscotch leather and the optional bucket seats with console matched the Versailles’ mission to attract European luxury buyers with a zeal for something more nimble and sporty than traditional American barges. Along those lines, my search for a mid-sized luxury car to replace my ridiculously frustrating 2006 BMW 750Li narrowed down to these ’77 to ’80 Versailles and the similarly sized ’80s Chrysler Fifth Avenue. I recently pulled the trigger on a loaded ’86 Fifth Avenue, and I hope to feature it here as a stock-appearing 300+ horsepower sleeper.
This interior appears to have survived the decades with minimal wear and fading. Credit the seller for properly preparing this Lincoln for sale, and for reportedly sorting a title issue. Always make sure you’re buying a car from the person named on the title, folks. Anything else is illegal. No new car can touch this one’s luxury for under $40,000. Imagine how $10,000 worth of Ford power parts and upgraded tech would transform this Versailles. Would you take a gamble on this ’70s mid-sized Lincoln?
To anyone not around the US car scene at this time, refer to the previous beautiful Mark V to this, to get an understanding of what was going on. Wiki production figures indicate what a flop it was. While 15,434 gave it a shot in ’77, by 1980 it was down to a paltry 4784 and dropped. At a whopping $11,500 new, it was almost $1900 cheaper than the Seville, it was $104 more than that Mark V. Automotive history has shown, the public can be bamboozled sometimes, but a fancy Granada just wasn’t it. I think it will sell because it really was a nice car. The 1st test drive will confirm.
When you look at that head on photo, and the photo of the rear only, it definitely looks like a Lincoln. But the side view, Grenada / Monarch all the way. In my opinion, I’d say that You have to hand it to Cadillac, when they did the Seville, you just dont see the Chevy Nova in it. This one is in remarkable condition, inside and out.
I wasn’t saying anything against the Monarch or Grenada. I just reread what I wrote, I meant there just isn’t a big difference from the outside on the side view. But boy, when you look at that interior, thats not a Grenada. A first year one with a 351 would be my preference, but a 302 will do just fine too.
As I was initially doing a quick scroll, I thought that it was a Nova, momentarily, LOL! :-)
I love these things, but I also love the Granada and Monarch. Excellent write-up, Todd, and great find, Barney! If all was right with the world (the world = my finances), I’d own this one.
$6500 for a Versailles that still isn’t sorted. A possible, say $3000 (including a contingency plan with the A/C questionable) more to invest in a…Versailles.
Judging from the location, it looks like Ricky, Bubbles and Julian are up to another get rich scheme…
With the names of the 3 characters in your post, can Boss Hogg be far behind?
No, you wouldn’t find this in a canadian trailer park.
The rear axle assembly, while a 2.50 ratio, is a direct bolt-in any Mustang up until 1970– no narrowing required. What’s more, they came with 11 inch disc brakes but a word of caution: The rotors are uni-directional and have cast into them the letter L and the letter R indicating left and right respectively.
I added a 3.50 traction lock and it is a solid set up in my Cobra replica.
You are right, that disc brake rear end was the only thing desirable on these. We did a lot of junk yarding in the 1980’s and 1990’s, I lived about 3 miles from a large Pick Your Part, every time you came across a Versailles the rear end was already gone.
This car looks nice, but priced too high based on what is unknown. This car isn’t that desirable and there is too much competition at a lower price.
Steve R
Soooooo many of these were scrapped for the engine/trans and rear end, especially.
Strictly from the pictures it looks to be original miles I personally don’t think it’s worth the current asking price most of the time cash talks but it is just a overpriced Granada would still make a nice daily driver
The Lincoln Versailles was nothing more than fancy Granada. My mom had a fancy mercury monarch grand Ghia, or something like that. Outside of a standard grill, and a hump on the trunk, they were the same cars. The V-8 would push it pretty darn good, and you could squeal rubber. The power locks on hers chattered all the time which was annoying. They were better cars.
I remember the first one I saw, and my thought was that some especially talented customizer had done a fabulous job trying to pass a Granada off as a Lincoln. But nevertheless, anybody who knew what a Granada was would not be fooled, so I also thought it appeared to be a wasted fakery effort.
There were quite a few differences between the Versailles and it’s Ford and Mercury cousins, the differences were not just trim or body changes. The suspension shared the same design but the Versailles had many refinements, rubber insulated mounts and elongated leaf spring eyes are just an example. The Versailles also had much more sound deadening and insulation compared to the Ford and Mercury, the interior was also upscale with leather and soft trim throughout. I owned a 1977 model for quite a few years, it was a very nice driving car that handled and rode much nicer than the Monarch, the colors on this example are not to my taste, but if a nice silver over wedgewood blue Versailles surfaces I may have to make room in the fleet for it.
I believe that if Lincoln had put the formal top on it from the start it would have done well. It would have looked like a Lincoln, rather than a Granada/Monarch with a Lincoln deck lid. 2 years of same roofline as a midsize Ford ruined the name and killed any possibility of better results with the formal roofline 79-80 Versailles. I definitely like the restyled cars, these are just OK. Great color and condition makes this a very rare car.
The 1977 & 78 roof line was different compared to the Monarch and Granada, the Versailles had a fiberglass insert surrounding the rear of the roof that changed the rear line, it also allowed the rear glass to be “Frenched in” compared to having a bright trim around it like it’s cousins.
Yes, different… but only different enough to make it look like a Granada with a padded vinyl top. The later roofline did make the cars look different, but the marketing damage was already done.
Is that a pumpkin metalic color. Very seasonal fall color.
The episode on “The Golden Girls” where Sophia wants to become a nun, when the nuns come to pick her up, Dorothy thinks she’s not serious until she looks out the kitchen window and exclaims, “Yep, a Ford Granada with 6 nuns in it”
You may not have anything negative to say about this whole Ford badge engineering, but Granadas were awful IMO. The upscale Mercury Monarch wasn’t much better which makes the Lincoln Versailles a travesty. This was obvious badge engineering and Ford should be ashamed of not doing a better job.
I was almost this years old when I found out Cadillac badge engineered the Chevrolet Nova into the Seville. They did an excellent job of hiding it.
Well, hello, Angel! Was wondering where you were. Add to MIA Rick W.
But then again, a lot of cars on here lately may not have caught your fancy.
I knew the first series of Seville was built off a Nova sub frame. But that didn’t keep me from liking them.
I saw an ’85 Seville last week at our weekly gathering at Applebee’s. Triple black with velour, 77k miles. Two things I could live without: the mock convertible top and the spare tire on the deck lid. No thanks.
Be well.
@Jon Rukavina
Always a pleasure to see you here, Jon. You’re right, there hasn’t been a lot on here lately to float my boat (maybe I should say “Rev my 472”) but I’ve also been cutting back a little. Figured ya’ll were tired of my opinions.
As for Rick W I don’t think he’s been well lately. He won’t admit it, but the only time he comes on here is when I accuse him of that. Hes a big baby but my favorite because he named me the “Queen” Diva.
I love all you guys.
And we haven’t had a lot of land yachts to comment on.
But today I made up for it. Commented on the ’55 DeSoto, the ’85 Rolls Royce Corniche, the ’66 Ventura and a couple others. Look for me at a theater near you! LOL
We had a Granada we got from our grandparents when they got a new car, a crown vic I believe. It was a fancy Ghia with 302 and all wheel disc brakes. She was copper and she would Haul @$$.
Hey Jon R. And you Divalicious Cadillac Queen! I’m (like a TIMEX watch) takin a lickin and still tickin. I’ve commented on the Bill Blass Mark yesterday. Including a reference to the 55 DeSoto. I actually rode in a 78 Versailles once. Although not a true LAND YACHT, it did have most of traditional Lincoln luxury. September is always a downer because of loss of parents and this September 26 would have been their 100th anniversary. I was a late life baby, and yes Angel I guess I’m still a baby in sentimental ways. I managed to See DOWNTON, GRAND (of course) FINALE twice. You know me, Too much is NEVER enough. 😉. SNL opening last Saturday! OMG 😲. Happy Hollow Weenie to all. 🧙♀️ 🧹 I can’t resist being CADDY! 🐈 MEOW! Finding the daily news revolting, I’m on to VERSAILLES (not this one) in my Town Car to yet another Doctors appointment. Like Sophie Tucker, As the last of the *Red HOT Daddys * Some of these days, you’ll miss me when I’m far away! As always Love ya all!
Now Rick,
You know when I say you’re a baby it’s meant with love. Lord knows you don’t want to be around me when I’m sick. Im a big baby and want to be waited on hand and foot. Which is difficult since I live alone and the dog never learned how to make tea.
Just making sure you’re OK. You know we all miss you when you’re not around with your antics.
Age is taking its toll on all of us. My brain still says I’m 25 and the body is trying to keep up but it’s becoming a losing battle. I swear there’s a broken hip in my future.
Hugs to all. 🤗
So some day in the comments we’ll see a text saying “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”?
Well, well, the big RW has landed his spaceship at the Barn Finds docking station. Missed your zany humor as you apparently haven’t lost a beat.
My parents would be married 75 years this year but Dad passed in ’84 & Mom in ’91 both about this time of year so I get it.
I don’t comment on every car either. Fall colors are here so doing some traveling later this week up north. After a record 91 Saturday, frost tomorrow?
Good to see your chime-in buddy!
Jon,
What’s north to you? Canada? Colorado? Tennessee? Maine?
I was going to say if you’re in the south and I’m north of you, you must stop in Baltimore! Or I could remain a woman of mystery but I’d really like to meet the guys I have something in common with.
It would make a great sleeper with a 5.0 roller in it…
Bought one of these a few years back with 49k miles for $800. The rear end and interior leather seats went into a 40 Ford. The 302 went to a willing buyer. A friend got the front spindles and disc brakes and the rest went to the crusher. I never had the need for the car as bought. I drove it home and took it apart.
This is the third time this car has been on the site.
Back in the 80’s, I drove a Mercury Monarch as my company car. It was OK because it was a free car and I did not complain. Would I have bought one myself? Not really…. When these came out, I saw it was the same car but with more bells and whistles and a much steeper price tag! It’s amazing that it lasted this long…It’s very similar to the Cadillac Cimarron coming off the Chevrolet Cavalier platform. Now this car WAS a piece of junk. Even in Cadillac marketing, It was promoted as, ‘It’s BY Cadillac’ not their usually slogan, ‘It’s A Cadillac’. I don’t think they really wanted to be associated with it. It was done to get a ‘Cadillac’ in the small car market…..
Wasn’t it also promoted as “the Caddy that zings!”? A Cavalier with leather seats.
Didn’t mean to be cavalier.
I think it was, “the Caddy that zigs,” as if somehow putting leather seats in a Cavalier was going to make it the first Caddy to take the Nurburgring in 7!
Nah, that was the Cadillac Catera of the late 1990s. Based on the Opel Omega and built in Germany, to about the same results as the Cimarron.
Hail hail! The gang’s all here! Big
shout out to Rick W, Jon, Wadeemo, Howard! And just where have you guys all been? Missed all of you here on BF. And you my Queen 👑, Angel 😇 I’ve missed you most of all. Sorry folks, but this car is NOT worth the asking price IMHO. When these were new, FOMOCO seemed to be telling us “Here’s your new, shrunken ultra luxury car: Like it or lump it!”. I didn’t like
’em then, and I don’t like ’em now.
To me, it was like putting lipstick 💄 on a pig 🐷. It just didn’t work. And now that I’ve said my piece 🧩, let’s go onto something
more cheery! Damn! Almost forgot about Wayne! Sorry ’bout
that Wayne, I’ll make sure to get you in the next big shout out. Got
that shout out stuff from a DJ friend of mine named Art Roberts
who used to work at WLS and WCFL in Chicago. He started that stuff in the mid ’60s and I’ve
remembered it since then. We’re getting soaked here in Florida as
it’s been raining here 🤧 for almost a week now. The only bright spot was when I got to see
my grandson and his Mom when they came by the store 🏬 on Sunday morning. And Angel 💖
honey 🍯, my kids sent a thank you for your compliments about
our store 🏪 and the way it looked last Sunday. And now that I’m caught up with my art work, I’m bored stiff. I started to
lay out a solid gold Cadillac like the one Avon sold in the late ’60s.
You know, those car shaped bottles full of after shave. I had almost all of them including one
shaped like a guitar 🎸🎶. Now that one I’d take to the theater 🎭
with me. I’d hold it up like I was gonna play it and tell the crowd that I played it when I wanted to play a little guitar 🎸🎶 for them
LOL! Good night 😇💋. Night all
from soggy Florida!
Thanks, Ken. Good to “hear” from you too!
To Angel Cadillac Queen Diva,
Answering your question about “up north”. That’s a Twin Cities & S. Mn. slogan for going to the N. or Central Mn. recreational areas for hunting, fishing, and winter sports activities, etc.
As you may know, the tree colors turn earlier there than around the Twin Cities, although that’ll happen here the end of the month.
My hometown is about 200 miles north of the Twin Cities. My county seat of Grand Rapids is the home area of Judy Garland (Francis Gumm her real name my Mom knew her a little). Another town about 12 miles from mine, Hibbing is the founding place of the Greyhound Bus Co. The museum is there.
As you know about your area, there’s probably highway routes that are particularly beautiful this time of year, too.
Well, Jon, now that I know where you live i guess you won’t be stopping by. 😂
My guess of “Canada” was the closest I guess.
Having lived in Vegas for the past 10 years I haven’t witnessed the fall colors as Palm Trees don’t change color, but now being in Baltimore, there are woods right behind my apartment so I guess I’ll have a front row seat this fall. 🍂
For Howard, when I lived in Colorado in 1989 it was weird to me that the only color you had was yellow as you pretty much only have Aspen Trees there.
I miss my Palm Trees! 🌴