1979 Lincoln Versailles

Lincoln vehicles throughout the 1970s were large and luxurious, wearing legendary names such as the Continental and the slightly smaller Mark Series hardtop coupe (including the Mark III through 1971, the Mark IV of 1972 through 1976, and Mark V of 1977 through 1979). When Cadillac diversified its portfolio with the addition of the mid-sized Seville in May of 1975 (resting on a 114.3-inch wheelbase), Lincoln responded with a suitable competitor for 1977, named the Versailles.

It was more than just the Seville that inspired the new model, as reasonably sized European models had continued to show success on American soil, and the growing trend towards smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles were growing in popularity in the wake of ever-increasing emissions standards and fuel shortages.

The mid-sized Lincoln Versailles was a rebadged version of the Mercury Monarch and Ford Granada, built as a four-door sedan, and resting on a 109.9-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 200.9 inches. This was the first time since 1960 that Lincoln expanded its model line and was the first production vehicle to be sold with halogen headlights and clearcoat paint in North America.

Comfort and precision were paramount, and to that end, the driveline received reinforced chassis areas, sound insulation, double isolated shocks, and low-friction lower ball joints. It rode on forged 14-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with Michelin whitewall X-radial tires, and the engine and transmissions received dynamometer testing, along with a simulated road test. To ensure the Versailles was devoid of leaks, the body underwent a water spray test.

The powertrain was sourced from the Monarch upon which it was based, initially a 351 CID V8 that was soon replaced by a smaller, more fuel-efficient 302 CID V8. Both engines were backed by a three-speed C4 automatic transmission, and the rear differential was Ford 9-inch with rear disc brakes.

The styling of the Versailles was fairly consistent with the Mercury Monarch, with one of the few distinctions being the front fascia, which was more in line with the Continental Mark V and restyled 1977 Lincoln COntinentnal Town Car. One of its unique features was the rectangular headlamps and was the first Lincoln with exposed headlamps since 1969. In the back was the Mark V styled 'Continental spare' trunk lid wearing 'LINCOLN' rather than 'CONTINENTAL.'

The Versailles gained a redesigned rear roofline using a fiberglass cap for 1979, requiring new quarter windows and giving it a distinct notchback appearance.

The interior was well appointed with power-operated leather-trim seats and steering wheel, a digital LCD clock, lighted passenger vanity mirror, plush carpeting, soundproofing, dual map lights, rear-seat map pockets, and power steering and windows.

During its inaugural year, a mere 15,434 examples were produced, which was a third of the sales of the Cadillac Seville. 8,931 examples were sold in 1978, prompting Lincoln to revise its styling for 1979 - which worked, and sales more than doubled to 21,007. 1979 was the highest number of sales of the Lincoln Versailles during its brief four-year production lifespan, but even at its best, its sales lagged behind the Seville. 1980 was the final year for Versailles production and 4,784 examples were built.

1979 Lincoln Versailles
The 1979 Lincoln Versailles had a 109.9-inch wheelbase, a length of 201 inches, a width of 74.5 inches, and a height of 54.1 inches. The roofline increased by eight inches, adding to its formal 'town car' appearance and resulting in enlarged quarter windows, wider back windows, and revised door frames. The fully padded Cavalry grain vinyl roof had a 'frenched' back window, new roof accents, restyled integral coach lamps, and brushed-finish center-pillar appliques. The padded vinyl appearance was also applied to the simulated spare tire shape on the rear decklid, still wearing the 'Lincoln' lettering.

The 302 cubic-inch V8 used electronic engine control (EEC-I), variable-venturi carburetor, overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, 8.4:1 compression ratio, five main bearings, and delivered 130 horsepower at 3,600 RPM and 237 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. Standard amenities included a new electronic AM/FM stereo radio with seek/scan and a Quadrosnic 8 tape player. The standard aluminum wheels could be replaced with wire wheels as a no-cost option. Stopping power was by disc brakes on all four wheels. Power windows, air conditioning, and speed control were standard.

Although the smallest in the lineup, the Versailles had one of the highest base prices, listing at $12,940. In comparison, the Continental hardtop coupe listed for $11,000, and the sedan at $11,200. The Mark V was at the top of the price scale - but only barely - listing for $13,070. While 21,007 examples of the Versaille were built in 1979, it was far out shadowed by its larger siblings, with the combined Continental production reaching 92,600 and the Mark V at 75,939.

For 1980, the final year of its production, Lincoln applied only minor updates as it prepared for its departure. Five body colors joined the options list, along with three vinyl roof colors, and standard Twin Comfort Loung seats with recliners. The base price increased by over $1,700, and a total of 4,784 examples were built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021