DAF classic cars for sale

History of DAF

DAF—short for Van Doornes Automobiel Fabriek—was founded in Eindhoven in 1928 by Hub van Doorne. The first decades saw the company rising as a major trailer and lorry builder, even producing military vehicles during WWII. In 1948, DAF shifted to lorry manufacture and, by 1958, started making passenger cars. The company made headlines in 1959 with the DAF 600, the first car to use the revolutionary Variomatic belt-driven automatic gearbox. DAF divided its vehicles into series: small city cars with Variomatic and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. In 1975, the passenger car division was sold to Volvo, continuing as Volvo 66 and 343, while the DAF brand remained on lorries, later becoming part of the American conglomerate Paccar.

Model history and series

DAF's automotive journey featured a number of small car series: the DAF 600 initiated the legacy, followed by the Daffodil (1961–1963), 33, 44, 46, 55, and the 66 (in production until 1975). The 55 introduced a Renault engine for improved driveability. Unique custom builds included a beach buggy for the Dutch royal family and small utility vehicles for the post office. In motorsport, DAF gained attention with the 55's rally appearances and F3 racing projects using custom Variomatic systems.

The commercial vehicle line included iconic trucks like the DAF 2600 (1962–1974), 2300, 3300, and later models such as F1300, F2100, A1100, and YA. For lorry buyers, series are split by weight class—light (LF), medium (CF), and heavy (XF).

Highlights and key features

DAF vehicles are defined by engineering daring, especially through their automated Variomatic transmission, allowing seamless gear changes. This system was so effective, DAF cars could theoretically drive as fast in reverse as forwards—a trait that made them anomalies in both traffic and motorsport. The compact design, lightweight construction, and quirky custom editions like the DAF 66 Marathon 1300 (with only 3,517 units produced) draw collectors. Notably, DAF cars feature original period colours—such as Marina Blue or Averto Green—and interiors in materials like red faux leather. Further technical highlights include motorsport options such as roll bars, rally seats, custom carburettor configurations, and chassis upgrades.

Technical data

Special editions and unique models

Special editions abound. The DAF 66 Marathon was crafted for sportier drivers, equipped with performance modifications and recognisable sporting trim. The DAF 66 Coupé Marathon is especially notable—only 3,517 built. Many Marathon cars came in signature Marina Blue, with black interiors and Cobra rally seats. Rally-prepped DAFs often featured Weber carburettors, upgraded suspensions (Koni dampers), roll bars, and even competition accessories like tripmasters or compasses. The DAF 33 De Luxe stands out for its higher trim interior, often finished in red faux leather. Various export versions and historical sports cars bear the valuable FIVA ID for classic rallies.

Engine, transmission and driving characteristics

DAF's engineering philosophy was driven by innovation in drivetrains. The belt-driven Variomatic was not only smooth and reliable, but contributed to car handling, providing constant power flow and making city driving effortless. Early engines were modest in power but proved robust and easy to maintain. The DAF 66, especially in Marathon trim, brought real improvements in speed and agility, being capable of highway speeds of 145 km/h. Motorsport activities (such as the London-Sydney Marathon) underlined the mechanical resilience of the DAF powertrain and its suitability for rallying and endurance driving, even finishing major competitions. Many DAFs were prepared with special rally suspensions, limited-slip differentials, and special braking systems. Model-specific quirks—such as stiffer front axle or tailored rally equipment—enhanced versatility for track or street driving. Noteworthy models include:

• DAF 66 Marathon 1300: 145 km/h max, only 3,517 Coupé units
• DAF 55: water-cooled 1.1L Renault engines, rally heritage
• DAF 44 and 33: Urban companions, air-cooled two-cylinders, Variomatic gearbox

Design, interiors and accessories

DAF's approach to design blends Dutch pragmatism with technical curiosity. Early cars (designed by Giovanni Michelotti) feature functional lines, later evolving to angular forms in the 1970s. Unique paint options such as Averto Green or Marina Blue, combined with contrasting black or red interiors, offer distinct original looks. Interior design leaned toward durability—vinyl upholstery, hard-wearing plastics, and minimalistic dashboards. Accessories on classic models range from Marchal fog lamps, original jack and spare, rally seating, tripmasters, and even period-correct Webasto sunroofs (especially on late 66 Marathons). Many examples today present with original manuals, service booklets, and even Dutch black number plates.

Other relevant features

DAF classics are often supplied with original export documents, H-plates (historic registration in Germany), and well-preserved user manuals. For Dutch collectors, exemption from periodic inspection is common on vehicles over 50 years old. Many cars enter the market with renewed mechanical items—belts, drive shafts, dampers, exhausts—and restored paintwork in period-correct hues. Battery upgrades and modern chargers (C’tek) are practical additions.

Summary

DAF classic cars appeal to those who value technical inventiveness, niche driving experiences, and genuine Dutch heritage. Their appeal on the collector market is underpinned by the rarity of sport-specific editions, the iconic Variomatic transmission, and unique design features. Statistically, interest leans towards Daffodil and 66 models, while the breadth of model types—from compact cars to rare sporting Marathons—ensures DAF’s enduring fascination for classic car enthusiasts.