Ford Versailles: History, Design and Legacy

O Ford Versailles was a milestone in the history of Ford in Brazil. Launched in 1991, it came to replace the iconic, but aging, Ford Del Rey. Versailles was Ford's bet within the Autolatina joint venture, which joined forces with Volkswagen to share platforms and engines, resulting in one of the most talked about partnerships in the Brazilian automotive industry. Based on the platform of Volkswagen Santana, Versailles brought its own identity, more focused on the public that was looking for modernity, comfort and performance.

The change of generations: from Del Rey to Versailles

O Ford Del Rey, based on the Corcel platform 1968, was for many years synonymous with comfort and reliability. However, the simple mechanics and conservative design no longer kept up with the demands of a more modern public. Even though the Del Rey received an update with the engine Volkswagen AP 1.8 in 1989, he was already showing signs of fatigue.

Unlike the more traditional profile of the Del Rey, the Versailles targeted a younger, more dynamic audience. The focus was on the successful businessman, an executive or entrepreneur in his mid-teens. 40 years, which valued style, performance and exclusivity.

The design and versions of Versailles

O Versailles used the platform Santana's B1, but stood out for its appearance. Ford worked to differentiate its model from its Volkswagen cousin. In the version Ghia, the sedan featured matte black rear pillars, headlights with white lenses and a front grille with blades painted in the same color as the car. These elements gave it a more sophisticated look, something that was very well regarded in the mid-size sedan segment.

In addition to the sedan, there was also the configuration Royale station wagon, released in 1992, which was a modern evolution of the ancient Ford Belina. Its distinctive design made it more attractive than the Volkswagen Quantum, earning the affectionate nickname of “Belinona”.

Engine and versions: from GL to Ghia

O Ford Versailles was offered in two main versions: GL It is Ghia. The version GL was more affordable, equipped with an engine 1.8 carburetor with 92 hp and optionally the engine 2.0 carburetor with 108 hp, both shared with the Volkswagen Santana. The Ghia, top of the line, focused on comfort and refinement, with items such as:

• Alloy wheels
• Air conditioning
• Power steering
• Electric windows
• Fog lights
• Radio cassette player

From 1993, multipoint electronic injection was added as an option, improving engine performance and efficiency 2.0.

Evolutions over the years

Of 1991 until its discontinuation in 1996, Versailles has undergone several updates. In 1994, the model gained more refinement with optional extras such as electric sunroof and new wheels. In 1995, Ford redesigned the seats, adopting an exclusive design. In addition, the version GL started offering standard power steering, making the model even more competitive.

However, not all the changes were well received. The station wagon Royale, for example, was criticized for its design, considered to lack personality, which negatively impacted its sales.

The end of Autolatina and the closure of Versailles

The history of Versailles is directly linked to Autolatina, which united the operations of Ford and Volkswagen in Brazil during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1996, the partnership was terminated, and Ford faced difficulties in continuing to produce the model. Volkswagen, which held the rights to the platform and engine, demanded in exchange access to the Ford Escort platform for its models Logus and Pointer, something that Ford did not accept.

Without an agreement, the production of Versailles was closed at the beginning of 1997. He was replaced by Ford Mondeo, a European standard model that brought a new era to the brand in Brazil.

Why is the Ford Versailles still remembered?

Although its production lasted only six years, the Versailles marked an important phase for Ford in Brazil. It represented a transition, bringing modernity and sophistication for the brand's sedan line. For collectors, the model is still an icon, especially the versions Ghia well-preserved, which combine a balanced combination of style and technology.

Today, you can find well-maintained examples of the Versailles on the collectibles market, with prices ranging from R$ 20 thousand and R$ 50 thousand, depending on the state of conservation and the version. Although its history was short, the Versailles left a legacy that mixes nostalgia, innovation and the transition of an era in Brazilian Ford.

If you are passionate about classic cars and want to know more about models that marked an era, Ford Versailles is, without a doubt, an example of how the Brazilian automotive industry evolved in the 90s.