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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) before Grand upgrade

(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.

 

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