A Tale of Two Versailles: 1977 Lincoln Versailles & 1980 Lincoln Grand Versailles
The Versailles was a limited, 4-year model run for Lincoln. 1977 and 1980 are the production bookend years. The ’77-78 models inherited its roofline from the Ford Granada while the ’79-80 models presented a more formal and upright look to its greenhouse which is unique to this compact Lincoln.
1977
Lincoln Versailles (left) and 1980 Lincoln Versailles (right)
(1977 Lincoln Continental Town Car and 1986 Lincoln Mark VII in the background)
These
two Versailles shown here are part of my collection. The 1977 model is
painted in two-tone Cordovan over Midnight Cordovan and has an all-nylon
cloth flight-bench seat interior. This Versailles, like most, came fully
loaded with many convenience and safety features not found on many cars of
the period (optional on others), such as power 4-wheel disc brakes,
illuminated entry system, intermittent wipers, automatic temperature
control air conditioning, light group and more. Ford also invested heavily
in the Versailles’ engineering to practically eliminate NVH intrusions.
Engine and transmission are hand-matched while double couplings join the
balanced driveshaft to the differential to ensure smoothness. And then
there’s the Versailles’ pioneering prowess of being America’s first
mass-production car with clearcoat paint that beautifully outshines any
other car on the road with its mirror-like reflection.
1977
Lincoln Versailles flight-bench seat interior in Cordovan all-nylon cloth
The 1980 Lincoln Grand Versailles takes the exquisite Versailles’ luxury to an even more upscale experience. There’s 78% more horsepower for brisk performance. The exterior sports design elements unique to the Grand Versailles such as louvers, color-keyed grille, bumper strips, mirrors and door handles, and a translucent hood ornament.
The interior is dressed in full leather on every seat surface. Real American walnut wood veneers, in a crotch-cut pattern, adorn the dash. Complete digital instrumentation keeps the driver informed of all functional and accessory operations: gauges, radio and clock. The inside rearview mirror has an auto-dim feature with compass and exterior temperature digital displays. There are four illuminated vanity mirrors. Consoles in stainless steel with cup holders and bins are located in front and back. Ambient lights illuminate the door panel switches and the consoles.
The
instrument panel of the 1980 Lincoln Grand Versailles
Ambient lights and illuminated vanity mirrors (front and rear) are exclusive to Grand Versailles
Reclining,
full leather Twin Comfort Lounge Seat interior includes dual folding
armrests and a center console with cup holder and covered storage bin
Rear
seat interior emphasizes personal luxury with head rests, reading lamps,
assist straps, map pockets, covered ash receivers, a center armrest, a
console with cup holders and bin, and ambient lighting
There is only one Lincoln Grand Versailles. Read the brochure here.
Chrysler Cordoba - 1975-1979
1983-1986
Chrysler LeBaron - 1982-1988
second generation
1968-1971
Lincoln Versailles - 1979 Commercial
Lincoln Versailles - 1977-1980
Mercury Cougar XR-7 - 1980-1982
5th generation
