Lincoln Versailles

Production period:	1977 to 1980
Class :	Luxury
Body versions :	lsedan
Engines:	5.0-5.8 liters (97-101 kW)
Length:	5098 mm
Width:	1892 mm
Height:	1374 mm
Wheelbase:	2791 mm
Curb weight :	1658-1721 kg

The Lincoln Versailles was a car model produced by the American car manufacturer Ford from 1977 to 1980 , which was marketed under the brand name Lincoln . The Versailles was a reaction of the Ford Group to the success of the Cadillac Seville . This was positioned in the same market segment, but far less successful than his rival General Motors .

The first oil crisis in the mid-1970s in the US led to increased interest in smaller but well-equipped vehicles. From 1975 with the Cadillac Seville for the first time a domestic construction in this segment. The Seville was, according to the American understanding, a compact vehicle. The first, from the Chevrolet Nova derived generation of this model was very successful in the market. The Ford Group owned competing Lincoln could initially oppose the Seville nothing. However, the Ford managers recognized the potential of this market niche. In early 1976, the decision was made to start a brand-name vehicle against the Seville.

History 

Due to time constraints and to limit the financial risk, a completely new vehicle has not been developed; Rather, the Versailles based on the one and a half years previously introduced mid-size model Ford Granada or its identical luxury version Mercury Monarch . Unlike the Cadillac Seville, which had a completely independent body, the Lincoln Versailles basically took over the construction of the Ford Granada: passenger compartment, doors and glazing of both models were completely identical. The stylistic deviations concerned only the front and the rear end. The designer's goal was to make little Lincoln look like a Continental - at that time the brand's full-size model  Accordingly, the Versailles offered some Lincoln-typical design elements. This was especially true for the radiator grille and for the trunk lid , which contained a simulated spare wheel cover, which followed a design tradition of the Lincoln Mark Series . At the front end of the Versailles wore four square halogen headlights with underlying units for turn signals and parking lights. Unlike the big Lincoln models, they were not hiding behind flaps when they were resting.

Despite these stylistic changes, the Ford relationship was clearly visible. The equipment was correspondingly extensive at the high price of 11,500 USD. Including a lushly upholstered vinyl roof , forged aluminum wheels, metallic paint, leather-covered dashboard, Cartier watch and a stereo radio included. The drive took over a 5.8-liter V8 with double carburetor and a three-speed automatic transmission . The chassis was kept rather simple with the rear axle . The factory attached great importance to extensive measures aimed at ensuring a high quality of workmanship.

In 1978, the 5.8-liter V8 gave way to a slightly more fuel-efficient, but significantly weaker 5.0-liter V8 (133 hp , first US engine with electronic engine management ), in addition there were changes to the color palette and on request .

PERFORMANCE

max power (DIN): 133 hp at 3,600 rpm
max torque (DIN): 243 1b ft, 33.5 kg m at 1,600 rpm
max engine rpm: 4,000
max speed: about 108 mph, 174 power-weight ratio: 28.3 lb/hp, 12.8 kg/hp
consumption: 21.6 m/imp gal, 18 m/US gal, 13.1 1 x 100 km.

In 1979, further changes were made. A revised, 20 cm longer roof with a wider, steeper standing C-pillar increased the optical distance to the Granada. As the first car in the US, the Versailles received standard halogen headlights .

A new starter and an improved jack marked the last model year (1980) of the Versailles. In addition, there were five new colors for the body and three new colors for the vinyl roof.

Despite good reviews of the press, the Lincoln Versailles was unsuccessful, as the customers were deterred by his too clear affinity to the American Ford Granada and its sister model Mercury Monarch . One point of criticism was that the interior was just as inferior as in the original Ford model.

OPTIONAL
limited slip differential, central lever; tilt steering wheel; reclining backrests: heated rear window: leather upholstery: electric sunshine roof; vinyl roof.

Production

The Lincoln Versailles, like the Ford Granada and the Mercury Monarch, was manufactured at Ford's Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant in Wayne , Michigan . In four years created 50,156 copies. The production is distributed as follows:

• 1977: 15.434
• 1978: 8,931
• 1979: 21.007
• 1980: 4.784

Successor 

Since the late 1970s, Ford developed a technically independent successor to the Versailles. Some early design concepts had pop-up headlamps and conspicuously modeled cooling bezels . These projects were abandoned for financial reasons. The successor to the Versailles was instead introduced to the model year in 1982 Continental , which - unlike the earlier models of the same name - was not a full-size sedan, but a compact four-door by American standards. Although the new Continental was again closely related to a Ford model, he had a completely independent body, the former fashion of the Hooper Hecks followed.