• The Lincoln Versailles was the first mid-sized, luxury car made by Lincoln and it was not really successful. It was created in response to the Cadillac Seville in 1975 but never caught on, and by 1980 the model was discontinued. The car has developed a cult following, however, and it is slowly becoming a collector car. With relatively few in existence, many believe it is a classic car of the future.
  
  

Engine, Powertrain

• By 1979, the 351-cubic inch, 5.0-liter, V-8 engine was no longer available, and the Versailles had only the 302-cubic inch, 5.0-liter V8 to offer. It also had a two-barrel carburetor, which did not help with power while other cars in its class had fuel injection by this time. The engine had a bore and stroke of four and three inches, which refers to the size of the cylinder and the distance it travels. It was rated with 130 horsepower and had 237 foot-pounds of torque, or pulling power. An electronic ignition system was introduced in 1979. A three-speed automatic transmission was standard. Also standard was an independent coil spring, front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension.
  
  

Dimensions

• The 1979 Lincoln Versailles had a 109.9-inch wheelbase, which was average for mid-sized cars. The car was 201 inches long, 74.5 inches wide and 54.1 inches tall. The front track, or distance between wheels, was 59 inches, and the rear track was 57.7 inches. The car came with a 19.2-gallon gas tank and got around 19 miles per gallon. The car had power disc brakes and used 14-inch wheels.
  
  

Standard Features

• The Lincoln introduced this car as a mid-sized option, but still sought for it to be a luxury car. Halogen headlines were first used on this car in 1979. Standard luxurious items included cloth upholstery, power seats, high-quality stereo, leather covered instrument panel, door trim panels and extra interior lighting. On the outside there were horizontal parking lamps, bumper guards, clear coat paint, upper body paint stripes, extra corrosion protection and a vinyl half roof.
  
  

Optional

• Several options could be ordered. Wire wheel covered were a no-cost option, while the steel wheels were standard. Optional items included reclining bucket seats, leather trim inside, mounted garage opener, cassette or CB radio, tilt-wheel steering wheel and a floor-mounted shifter. A power moon-roof was also an option as well as an engine block heater.