Lincoln Versailles. 1977–80 (prod. 50,156 sold). 4-door sedan. F/R, 302, 351 in³ (V8 OHV). Swanky version of US Ford Granada, originally sharing that model’s doors (and even dashboard design) before a makeover for the 1979 model year gave it a more formal roofline (using a fibreglass cap) to distance itself from the donor car. Never a huge seller against Cadillac Seville (1975–9), which hid its Chevrolet Nova origins better, and the fake spare wheel in the back fooled few. Heavy and thirsty for what was considered a mid-sizer but had better export potential (e.g. to Japan). After the makeover, there were some improvements (first American car with halogen headlamps and clearcoat paint).

Manufacturing location: Wayne, Michigan, USA

Marque: Lincoln | Successor: Lincoln Continental (1982–7)

Off-site link

• Lincoln Versailles hobby site